How to Etch Styrofoam

Here's a guide to cleanly etching designs into Styrofoam using a soldering iron.

Things You'll Need

• Soldering iron
• Black marker
• Block or sheet Styrofoam

Instructions

1. Using a black marker, draw the design of your choice on the surface of the Styrofoam.

2. Ensure that your work area is well ventilated, as the heating of Styrofoam releases chemical fumes. Plug in the soldering iron and allow a minute or two for the tip to heat up.

3. Hold the tip of the soldering iron to the surface of the foam, retracing the design. Be sure to retrace quickly, as Styrofoam will rapidly melt when exposed to intense heat for more than a split second.

References

• "How To Make Wargames Terrain"; David Andrews; 2003