Learning how to cut foam is an essential skill for getting professional looking results on your upholstery projects.
When it comes to cutting foam, it’s important to use the right tools to achieve a clean, smooth cut.
Cutting Foam Using a Bread Knife
When cutting foam for home projects, it’s recommended to use a bread knife. We don’t mean a “table knife” or a “butter knife” but an actual bread knife.
Bread knives have a serrated edge, which is perfect for cutting through the foam’s texture. The longer blade, usually at least 12 inches, is also easier to work with.
Mark the Foam Before Cutting
Before cutting the foam, it’s important to mark the line where you want to cut with a sharpie marker.
This is another one of those cases where you want to “Measure Twice, Cut Once”.
Carefully measure exactly how big you need the final piece of foam to be and mark accordingly. Do not try to freehand the cuts based on eyeball measurements.
Score the Foam Instead of Sawing
Once the foam is makek, using your bread knife, score the foam rather than sawing it.
To score the foam, make many light strokes across the marked line. Pressing too hard will result in a rough cut, so it’s better to use many light strokes.
It’s important to keep the knife at a 90 degree angle while cutting to avoid a “jabbing” or “walking” type of cut. This is especially important when cutting curves. For gentle curves, use the same method as before.
Gluing Foam Together for Curves
It’s also possible to glue foam together. This is a great option for creating a smooth, curved line when cutting.
Mark the line where you want to cut, and then use the bread knife to score the foam. Once you’ve scored the foam, apply the glue, and press the two pieces of foam together.
In conclusion, cutting foam can be a bit tricky, but with the right tools and techniques, it’s easy to achieve a clean, smooth cut. A bread knife, a sharpie marker, and a steady hand are all you need to get started. With a little practice, you’ll be able to create beautiful, professional-looking projects using foam.