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How to Keep a Foam Board From Curling When You Flock It

Hobbyists often apply flocking, a craft material that consists of tiny fiber particles, to foam board to simulate terrain. For instance, if your war game characters should be traveling through a meadow, you can flock an area in green to mimic grass. Foam board is generally a sturdy base for modeling use, but it has a tendency to curl up when exposed to moisture ̵2; including liquid adhesives. Take a few precautions to keep your foam board from curling when you flock it.

Things You'll Need

Craft knife
Lacquer, shellac or other sealant
Sandpaper (optional)
Liquid adhesive and brush
Heat lamp (optional)

Instructions

- 1
  Cut the foam core to size with a sharp craft knife so that the edges are even and straight. Straight edges may be less likely to curl up when exposed to moisture.
- 2
  Seal both sides of the foam board surface with lacquer, shellac or another sealant before applying any adhesive. The sealant will help prevent the foam board from curling, and it will also help the flocking dry evenly, without thin spots. Let the sealant dry completely on both sides. If the sealant makes the surface slippery, rough it up with sandpaper.
- 3
  Apply a coat of adhesive that is wet, but not dripping. Spread the adhesive evenly across the surface so that no puddles remain that might ripple the foam board.
- 4
  Apply your flocking material. Let each coat of glue and flocking dry completely before applying further coats or adjacent coats -- a grassy area next to a sandy area, for instance.
- 5
  Paint the bottom of the foam core piece with a thin layer of glue after you̵7;ve completely finished the top. This may help balance out any warps or curls that occurred during the flocking process. Let the glue dry completely before using your model.

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