How to Make a Spray Foam Tree
Set designers discovered the advantages of using spray foam long ago. Spray foam, which is a polyurethane based foam, is well-suited for making props because is lightweight, expands to cover large surfaces quickly, and is easy to carve and sculpt. Take a cue from set designers to make your own spray foam tree. With a bit of artistry, it is possible with spray foam to make any size or style tree you desire.
Things You'll Need
- Plywood
- Jig saw
- 2-by-2 board
- Drill
- Screw
- Chicken wire
- Wire cutters
- Spray foam
- Knife
- Rasp
- Sandpaper
- Dust mask
- Hand broom
- Cloth
- Plastic primer
- Acrylic paint
- Fake leaves (optional)
Instructions
-
-
1
Create a basic armature. Cut a round piece of plywood for the base using a jig saw. Cut it to the size you want the trunk of your tree to be. Cut a 2-by-2 board to the height you want your tree. Screw the 2-by-2 board to the center of the plywood circle.
-
2
Cut a section of chicken wire with wire cutters and wrap it around the 2-by-2 for the trunk. Bend and model the chicken wire to form the shape of a trunk.
-
-
3
Cut several smaller sections of chicken wire and wrap them into tubes for branches. Hook and wire the branches to the trunk and bend and shape them as needed.
-
4
Prepare to apply foam. Put on gloves and mask and work in a well-ventilated environment. Spray foam is vaporous and very difficult to remove from your skin.
-
5
Start spraying the foam at the base of the tree and work your way up in a spiraling manner. Continue until the entire tree is covered. Leave the foam to cure.
-
6
Carve the foam as desired to smooth down the bumps in the foam and to create the surface texture of the tree. A knife, a rasp and sandpaper are all suitable tools for carving foam. Wear a dust mask when sanding to avoid inhalation of sanding dust.
-
7
Brush the tree with a hand broom and wipe it down with a damp cloth to remove all residual sanding dust.
-
8
Paint the tree with a plastic primer. Do not use aerosol or solvent-based paints, as they will dissolve the foam.
-
9
Paint the tree with shades of brown acrylic paint.
-
10
Add leaves to the tree, if you wish. Add leaves by poking holes in the foam with a nail, dipping the stems of fake leaves into glue and sticking them into the holes.
-
1
