Robert,

I had some luck in the past making silhouettes from Sintra foam. It's denser and more rigid than regular foam core.  Straight edges can be cut with a utility knife.  I didn't have a hot knife, but was able to cut complex shapes using a Zip drill-saw.
With a little heat applied you can also mold it into different shapes. And it comes in large sheets...

If you don't have time to order many local sign shops stock it.

Basic info at:  http://www.alusuisse-comp.com/sintra_case.html
The manuf. will send you free "how to use this stuff" guides...

Also Exhibit Builder Magazine offers a list of suppliers for these types of materials - look under "Foamboard" in their online directory. http://www.exhibitbuilder.net

Cheers,

Richard Urban
Colorado Digitization Program
[log in to unmask]
www.cdpheritage.org




-------Original Message-------
From: Robert B Hole Jr <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: 07/15/03 08:23 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: [MUSEUM-L] materials idea sought - foam?

>
> This is a tough one to explain. We're looking for a material that we can
cut into large animal silhouettes. The material must be light weight, pain
table, someone flexible, and not too fragile yet reasonably cuttable.

We have explored plywood - too heavy; foam core - too easily damaged;
packing foam - can't paint it well; wood/other veneer - brittle; canvas -
too floppy.

The closest thing to what we think we want is "fun foam" found in craft
stores, but we've been unsuccessful locating a supplier of the size sheets
we need (potentially up to 4x8 ft)

Any suggestions or assistance would be most welcome.

Thanks to all in advance.

Bob

Robert B. Hole, Jr.
Interpretive Supervisor/Exhibits
Lindsay Wildlife Museum
1931 First Avenue
Walnut Creek, CA 94597 USA
http://www.wildlife-museum.org
[log in to unmask]

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