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Phoenix
Strengtening hollow crafts. Anyone able to recommend a method, and is expanding foam a good idea?

Anyone use anything like this? any recommended brands? I dont want it to rip the craft apart!
>> Anonymous
I'm sorry to say.. I was about to ask the same thing..
>> Martinux
Some types have a tendency to shrink over time which might warp the model, particularly if it adheres to the card/paper.

I did see a guy who built a large section of a 1:1 proton pack using nothing but corrugated card and foam, ultra light and he could basically stand on it.
>> Anonymous
If you're going to use expanding foam I'd be careful with how much you actually put in. If it expanded too much you'd run the risk of your model being raped by the foam itself.

For some of the models I've done I've just stuffed it with tissue and poured a bit of PVA in for a bit of extra strength and weight.
>> Anonymous
expanding foam expands. and this will make your papercraft bloat up and tear.

get resin used for laminating. the paper soaks it very good. you can also mix the resin with eg cotton and carefully stuff it into the model (best done during build). let it harden and continue. you'll end up with a kit as strong as commercial resin kits.

it might need to be recolored/airbrushed though

did it with a miku craft and it's perfect. it can even be sanded and fixed with putty.
>> Anonymous
DO NOT use expanding foam unless you want to ruin the model you spent precious time making. I used it once and at first I thought it worked really well, but after about 15 mins. the chemicals from the foam started to soak through the paper and made the ink run and the paper look all nasty and yellow. The best thing to use in all honesty is Modge Podge glue it hardens pretty well and makes the model last alot longer. I have also heard that Future floor wax makes for A good sealant, here is A link about it's uses.

http://www.swannysmodels.com/TheCompleteFuture.html
>> Anonymous
>>193108

and Mod Podge comes in gloss or matte finishes too (as well as glitter and stuff) for whatever effect your going for.
>> Anonymous
Expanding foam is used in building construction, filling up gaps for fireproofing and/or insulation. It expands MANY times its original volume, and can easily break push away a wooden board if you put in too much.
Don't use it to strengten your paper model...