Foam Patterning and Construction Techniques

chapter sevensubtractive patterning: cutting away the surface layer

The Subtractive Foam Patterning Process

Subtractive foam patterning is, needless to say, the opposite of additive foam patterning in that the skin is not added but instead the surface layer or “skin” is cut away from the positive. Because of its durability, the suggested foam to use to carve the positive is reticulated urethane foam. After the positive has been sculpted, the center dividing line and the pattern divisions are drawn, then the top-most layer or skin on the sculpt is cut away to produce the patterns. Subtractive patterning is a very precise process needing careful and patient cutting skills. I have used it on several projects and this technique, though painstaking, ...