I'm looking for the best way to make styrofoam resemble a fake wall for my studio. I tried painting it with water-based paint, but it just ended up looking like painted styrofoam. Is there a way to properly prep it so that it appears more realistic while still being lightweight?
4 Answers
If you're open to alternative materials, consider switching to XPS foam, which can be made to look like wood. There are plenty of tutorials online that can guide you through that process. It's a different approach but could save you from some of the challenges with styrofoam.
One great method is to apply a layer of drywall mud over the styrofoam. This technique provides a solid finish that makes it look like a real wall. You can use a product like green or blue durabond for a skimming coat, then paint it with any latex paint you like. It may add some weight, but it really creates that authentic wall appearance.
To get a really smooth finish, fill in all the tiny holes on the styrofoam. You can do this by applying a thin layer of drywall mud and sanding it down smoothly. Additionally, sealing the styrofoam with a water-based primer helps the mud adhere better. Alternatively, you could glue heavy paper or thin laminate to the styrofoam, then prime and paint it for a cleaner look. Another option is to just wallpaper it for a different style.
You might want to try using textured wall spray paint! Something like the Homax orange peel texture can give you a nice base, and then you can paint over it with your color of choice. Just be cautious — some spray paints can dissolve styrofoam, so double-check the ingredients before using it!