Yes! Craftfoam is an XPS foam and is ideal for cutting with a hot wire. We use an industrial size hot wire cutter to cut the craft foam into the convenient sizes we stock. The process produces no dust and leaves a clean surface finish. Please note that some smoke is produced during cutting, so the process should always be carried out in a well-ventilated area. To accurately cut shapes, a template can be used on the face of the foam as a guide for the hot wire. This method can produce very clean results. An example application using this technique is cutting aerofoil shapes for model aeroplanes.

For the best results, paint Craftfoam with acrylic paints. Some spray paints can be used with Craftfoam but check first that they are compatible with foam plastic and avoid using solvent-based paints unless you are sure they are suitable for use with foam plastics.

Craftfoam can be cut easily with a serrated knife, hot-wire, hacksaw or floral knife and its closed cell structure provides it with strength and rigidity, so that even when it is cut and carved it will hold its shape.

Craftfoam has an excellent surface for applying glue and bonding other foam blocks to. For decorative applications, white craft glue or a low temperature glue gun is ideal for bonding Craftfoam. For higher strength bonds, products such as ‘UHU Por’ (Solvent free) or ‘Gorilla glue – Clear’ should provide good results.

If you require XPS for domestic insulation purposes, please take a look at our range of larger sheets sizes here XPS products.

Craftfoam is an XPS (Extruded Polystyrene) material with a closed-cell structure.