How to Cut Smooth Styrofoam

You can use cut Styrofoam to ship irregular objects.

Smooth Styrofoam is commonly used in packaging to prevent items from banging against hard surfaces, thereby becoming damaged or broken. If you have an irregular item that you need to ship, it can be difficult to find pieces of Styrofoam that will sufficiently protect the item inside the shipping box. One solution is to cut smooth Styrofoam into the desired shape using a few effective cutting techniques that will prevent the Styrofoam from becoming unusable in the process.

Things You'll Need

• Styrofoam
• Paring knife
• Butcher knife
• Knife sharpener

Instructions

1. Place a large piece of smooth Styrofoam onto a flat surface, such as a table or counter top.

2. Sharpen a large butcher knife and a small paring knife with a knife sharpener.

3. Cut the smooth Styrofoam into large chunks using the butcher knife. Use long, clean cuts and avoid sawing the Styrofoam, which can leave uneven or jagged edges. A long cut will slice the Styrofoam in a straight, clean line.

4. Cut the chunks into the desired specific shapes using the paring knife. Use long, straight cuts as you did with the butcher knife, and avoid using a sawing motion.

5. Brush off any Styrofoam debris, and place the cut Styrofoam into the shipping box you will be using to ship the irregular package.

References

• OU Power: Styrofoam Cutter