Foam is easy to cut, but often approaching the cutting in the wrong way means you don’t end up with a neat result. Here we describe how to cut foam properly. There are different foams and so different cutting options are also suitable, depending on what you are using the foam for: whether for a new mattress or pillow, or perhaps for crafts to make at home.
Cut foam properly: PU foams, ester foam, polyethylene or foam rubber
PU foam, ester foam, polyethylene or foam rubber or other, softer or flexible foams or rubber-like materials, best cut with a large pair of scissors. With increasing strength, however, this becomes increasingly inaccurate. You can then cut thicker foam panels with an electric knife (e.g. electric bread knife). This applies to all softer foams when you want to cut foam properly. For thinner thicknesses, you can still use a cutter, but it generally does not cut as precisely for softer foams.
How to cut glass correctly at home
Cut craft foam
Craft foam is generally very thin, and can be cut easily with scissors — even just the scissors designed for children to use when they are using craft foam in their school projects.
Cut Basotect
For foam made of Basotect, which is also soft, but firmer than normal PU foam, a wallpaper knife or cutter knife is best suited. It certainly makes it very easy to cut. If you still have a stencil, you can even cut it very precisely by hand. This foam is very firm, you can also cut this foam with a lot of force by means of a sharp blade, but you need some practise to make cuts very precisely.
Cut with hot wire
We do not recommend this. We hear from our customers again and again, but since some foams are flammable, this can be dangerous. In addition, you are likely to simmer the foam with such a method. Foam can best be cut on its own with scissors, cutters or electric bread knives — yes, you can use an electric bread knife or carving knife to cut most foams, but be sure to test on a sample to see what finish you get!.
Cut with water jet
This works very well and professionals do it frequently when cutting the shape – but these machines are as big as an entire living room and are unlikely to be at your home at home. However, if you have the option or use such water jet cutters in operation – only too – foams of all kinds can be cut very well.
Have foam cut online
Many professional foam suppliers have an online foam cut configurator so you can design your (upholstery) foam or mattress yourself with or without cover and order immediately online – they cut your foam for you.
