Thread: foam for tombstones

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ok, so this year i'm going to try and make some tombstones instead of shelling out more bucks for the premade jobs.
I've gone through a lot of the tutorials folks have posted on their methods of making the tombstones, and they're all really great.
I think I'm going to use the spraypaint and masking method to etch in the words and details.
I'm just not patient enough to carve out all the lettering myself
Anyway, will the spray paint method only work with the white beaded styrofoam, or will it work on things like the pink/blue foam insulation or even that really tough styrofoam they sell at Michael's?

I'm pretty sure it works on the pink foam because I've seen people do it, but not sure if it works better or worse than on white foam. I've never tried this method, so I'll defer to other subject experts.

Well, foan is foam. One trick i've seen is use something caustic like weatherproofer that will eat the foam. It'll give it a rough look

It's the acetone in the paint that eats the foam so you should even be able to use finger nail polish remover to etch I would think.

Yes...spraypaint will work on blue/pink foam. Just remember to go slow...don't put a lot on right off the bat...go gradually to the effect that you want. I usually do mine with black spraypaint, then go over the whole stone in dark grey, so the black still shows through a little

I doubt the white beaded foam will give you good crisp edges on your lettering. Since it is made up of beads it will eat away under the stencil at least until the whole bead is gone won't it?

Originally Posted by jlb307

will the spray paint method only work with the white beaded styrofoam, or will it work on things like the pink/blue foam insulation or even that really tough styrofoam they sell at Michael's?

I have not tried pink or blue foam, only the white styrofoam. In fact I have not been able to find a supplier of pink or blue foam near me. So I can't say for sure what the reaction of the paint will be on this. However, it can't hurt to try

As for crisp edges, I have had no problems at all with getting a clean edge when and where I need them. Just remember to go slow and allow drying time in between each spray otherwise a large build up will just continue to eat away at the foam (as I have found out on the past !)

Also make sure to use a spray paint in a different colour to the foam so you can see where you have sprayed (as I have also found out on the past !)

I haven t had any luck with spray paint and foam at all. maybe Iam not patient enough. I always want it done now! lol

Yes, it does work. Here is a picture of one I did. I printed the lettering on a label page and cut them out. I put the tombstone in a plastic bag and taped it off:



Here it is after spraying. It took an entire can to get this effect:



Here is another I did. Notice the aging I did on the side that does not have the Celtic design. I've found I really like the look of random hits with the spray paint:



Here is close-up of the spray paint aging: By the way, I get that 'eaten' look by hitting it heavy with the spray so it starts to eat the foam.

Originally Posted by Terra

Here is another I did. Notice the aging I did on the side that does not have the Celtic design. I've found I really like the look of random hits with the spray paint

That looks great !! I love the aged look of the celtic design as well. Did you you the spray paint method to do this ?

Great to see some other tombstones using the spray paint on foam method