How to Cut Foam Board
Foam Board (more commonly called Foamcore) is used for a variety of art projects, from model building to mounting artwork. Just as it is used for art, there is an art to cutting foamcore correctly. Doing so incorrectly will result in shredded and bumpy-edged foam board that looks unprofessional. You can always elevate the quality of your artwork with good craft techniques and similarly, you can deflate creative and talented artwork with poor craft techniques.
- Difficulty:
- Moderate
Instructions
Things You'll Need
- Foamcore
- X-acto knife
- Replacement blades
- Metal ruler
- Cutting surface
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-
1
Prepare your workspace.
-
2
Mark the foam board where you want it cut.
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3
Using a metal ruler, cover the foam board part you want to keep and cut into the part you are going to discard.
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4
Cut into the foam board with an X-acto knife breaking through the top surface of paper. Do not use too much pressure.
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5
Continue cutting until you are clearly through the foam board. This is the trick. Use multiple cuts with minimal pressure.
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1
Tips & Warnings
While cutting, slice at an angle into the foam board that you are going to retain. This undercutting will keep the top viewable edge as clean as possible.
Replace your knife blade often.
Do not consider the manufacturer's edge of the foamcore to be true or the corners to be square. Always cut all your edges yourself.
