How to make an abstract garden sculpture out of eps foam and cement

Creating an abstract garden sculpture out of EPS foam and hard coating it with cement can be a fun and rewarding DIY project. Here are the steps you can follow:

Materials:

  • EPS foam block
  • Hand saw
  • Sandpaper (various grits)
  • Foam-safe adhesive (e.g., Foam-Tac)
  • Cement mix (e.g., Portland cement)
  • Water
  • Trowel
  • Paint or sealant (optional)

Steps:

  1. Start with an EPS foam block. You can purchase one from a craft or home improvement store, or recycle one from packaging materials.
  2. Use a hand saw to carve the foam block into your desired abstract shape. Be careful to avoid cutting too deeply or too quickly, as this can cause the foam to break or chip.
  3. Use sandpaper of various grits (starting with a coarse grit and progressing to a finer grit) to smooth out any rough edges or surfaces on the foam sculpture. This will help the cement adhere more evenly to the foam.
  4. Apply a foam-safe adhesive (such as waterproof PVA mixed with kiln dried sand) to the surface of the foam sculpture. This will help the cement bond to the foam.
  5. Mix the cement according to the instructions on the package, adding water as needed to achieve the desired consistency. You may need to experiment a bit to find the right consistency for your project.
  6. Use a trowel to apply the cement to the surface of the foam sculpture, working in small sections at a time. Try to apply the cement as smoothly and evenly as possible, taking care to fill in any gaps or holes in the foam.
  7. Once you have coated the entire foam sculpture with cement, allow it to dry and cure completely according to the instructions on the cement package. This may take several days or longer, depending on the humidity and temperature in your area.
  8. Once the cement has cured, you can optionally paint or seal the sculpture to protect it from weathering and add some color or texture to the finished product.

With these steps, you should be able to create an abstract garden sculpture out of EPS foam and hard coat it with cement using a hand saw and sandpaper. Good luck with your project!