EVA foam is great for creating props and armor. It’s durability and flexibility makes it easy to use and long lasting. For helmets, bracers and more though, you’re going to need to do some work to achieve curves and other shaping. So if you’re asking how do you make EVA foam hold its shape, there’s a few tools and materials to look at.
How to Shape EVA Foam With a Heat Gun
Heat guns are the most common tool for shaping EVA foam. Simply turn on the gun and set it to the proper temperature for the foam you’re using. Then, apply heat to the foam by moving the gun around the foam’s surface with a 4 inch distance. Once it’s heated, you can shape it with your hands, as you glue and assemble or use an anvil to shape it over. The foam will harden and hold the new shape as it cools off.
Be sure to always wear a respirator while heating up EVA foam to protect from fumes. When working with higher temperatures, you may want to also wear heat resistant gloves.
How Hot Should a Heat Gun be For EVA Foam
You don’t want to accidentally melt your foam. Thus using the right setting with your heat gun is important. You should always start at a lower temperature and add heat as needed. EVA foam softens around 160°F so 200°F is a good starting point.
How to Shape EVA Foam Without a Heat Gun
If you don’t own a heat gun, there’s other ways to shape EVA foam.
- Scoring and folding – To use scoring, cut shallow lines into the foam. You don’t want to cut all the way through it. Then you can bend and fold along the cuts to create the desired shape. You’ll need to glue inside the scoring to help assemble and make the shape hold.
- Wire – Wire or floral wire can help shape and hold your foam. Simply score it to create a channel that you can glue the wire inside of. Then shape and secure the foam before the glue dries. You will want to cover the wire either with foam or Worbla.
- Hair dryer – This is still an option involving heat but can be a substitute to a heat gun if you don’t own one.
Can a Hair Dryer Shape EVA Foam
Hair dryers can definitely be used to shape EVA foam. However, because it doesn’t get as hot as a heat gun it will take longer or may not do the job as well. You can try setting it on a higher setting, but it may be easier to just invest in a heat gun since they aren’t that expensive.
AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE: there may be a few links in this post that are affiliate links. Clicking these links or making purchases through these links can help support myself and this blog.
