Three Amazing Uses For Foam

Published on Friday, Mar 21 2014

Foam is such an everyday part of our lives, especially here at Wessex Packaging, that it’s easy to forget that it has a massive range of uses and is actually quite vital with regards to its protective and cushioning properties as well as others.
 
This article talks about three great uses for foam. 

Insulation

We’re very used to talking about foam in relation to how useful it is as part of inner packaging for delicate goods such as electronics and medical equipment. It’s easy to forget that foam is actually vital in the construction industry and keeps millions of people warmer every year than they would have been without it.
 
Yes, we’re talking about foam insulation in buildings such as cavity wall insulation and insulation around heaters, refrigerators and water boilers. Closed cell spray foam in particular is very rigid and known for its insulation when used in construction.
 
As well as keeping heat where it should be, foam also helps you save money as less energy is needed in theory to keep you warm. 

Sound proofing

If you’re a weekend musician and like nothing better than having a loud jam in your garage before the football, then you will be more than familiar with the need for sound proofing. The most common and one of the most effective ways of sound proofing your “stage” is to use egg crate foam. Egg crate foam works by bouncing your music back at you and also makes your walls look like something from sci-fi film – win!
 
If you’re serious about soundproofing, for example if you have a recording studio, then you will need proper studio foam. This differs from egg crate foam by also absorbing sound frequencies as well as protecting the ears of anyone outside the room. Studio foam is also fire retardant – always a bonus when you’re in a building with equipment worth thousands of pounds! 

Arts and crafts

Foam is absolutely vital in the imaginative world of arts and crafts as it is often used to make costumes. Craft foam can be made to look like many things such as leather and is really easy to work with.
 
Crafting with this kind of foam is easy once you know how it works. Because it is porous and tough, it is harder to paint and cut; you will need to use primer on your foam and be perseverant. Another way to “seal” your foam to ensure a good painted finish is to mix some glue and water together and paint it on. The water eventually evaporates, leaving you with a nice base for paint that will stay.
 
So, that’s our three great uses for foam. At Wessex Packaging, as well as being people that love music, arts and crafts, we specialise in knowing exactly how to get the best out of the foam we work with.
 
View our foam packaging product options here.

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