[SML] Dissolving foam

[Stephen Rees]

Are you using open cell or closed cell PS?  That would make a difference.
On the white closed cell type, acetone and spray paint has been adequate to
the task.  Open cell or blue foam much more resistant.
Steve

Stephen E. Rees
Professor Emeritus of Theatre
CCE-CC Master Gardener Volunteer
716.366.0505 Home
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On Tue, Sep 11, 2018 at 10:44 AM, Joe Dunfee via Stagecraft <
stagecraft at theatrical.net> wrote:

> I am making some Tombstones for "Tilly" based on the book by Peretti.
> This will include both modern and some older ones.
>
> My plan it to use the etching approach, where the lettering is cut out of
> a wide piece of painter's tape, and that is used as a mask for the
> etching.  I came across one tutorial on the Internet that used Spray Paint,
> but I can't find it again.  Specifically, I wanted to know the kinds of
> ingredients to look for on the can, to know it will etch.
>
> I experimented a bit on my own, and tried various solvents on a small
> piece of the blue colored polystyrene available in the big-box hardware
> stores.  I was quite surprised to see that Acetone and Naphtha did nothing
> to the foam.  Though, M.E.K worked quite aggressively.
>
> I am wondering if the foam had a coating, or even if the manufacturer may
> have added something to reduce flammable a bit, and those things somehow
> protected the foam from the Acetone.
>
> I used a small $1 spray bottle,  but found that it was difficult to
> control the depth of the etch. I do recall, many years ago, using spray
> paint on foam, and it etched in a much more controllable way.
>
>
> Decades ago, it was difficult to find spray paint that didn't dissolve
> polystyrene. Now there are  many that will not dissolve Styrofoam.  Are
> "petroleum distillates" the right stuff to look for?
>
> --
> -Joe Dunfee
> 717-203-8670 Cell
>
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