Materials for theming and set design: foams, resins, moulds and textures

Professional theming covers everything from building sets for theme parks to making large-format figures, parade heads, theatrical scenery and film props. The typical process combines several techniques: first the volume is sculpted or carved using rigid polyurethane foam, then the pieces are coated with polyester or polyurethane resin to protect and harden the surface, and finally rubber moulds are used to reproduce textures such as stone, wood or bark. At Feroca you'll find all the materials you need for each stage, whether you're building a single set or producing elements in series.

Recreation of Jabba the Hutt's throne for theming by Juan Villa
Recreation of Jabba the Hutt's throne for a themed installation at Juan Villa's Space Port
Parade heads for the Billy Elliot musical created by Juan Villa
Parade heads for the set design of the Billy Elliot musical in Madrid, created by Juan Villa
Rock wall for theming by Gruber y Gruber Creaciones
Rock wall made from polyurethane foam for a themed installation. Work by Gruber y Gruber Creaciones.

Polyurethane foams for sculpting and filling

Polyurethane foam is the go-to construction material in theming. It lets you create large, lightweight volumes that can then be carved, sanded and coated. Depending on the density and rigidity you need, you can choose from several formulations:

Rigid foams

Rigid foams are ideal for building the inner body of figures, rock panels, architectural sets or any piece that needs to hold its shape. They expand in a mould or in open space, reach densities ranging from 64 to 300 kg/m³ and can be carved with a craft knife, gouges or heat tools. The higher the density, the finer the cell and the more detail the mould captures.

Flexible and integral-skin foams

For elements that need to absorb impacts, articulate or present a continuous, durable outer skin — such as parade heads, animatronic figures or contact props — flexible and integral-skin foams are the best option. The integral skin forms on its own in contact with the mould, eliminating the need for additional coatings.

Polyurethane casting resins for reproduction

Once the foam volume has been built or the sculpture carved, polyurethane resins allow you to reproduce pieces in series with high fidelity and durability. They are the standard solution for accessories, figures, decorative elements and props that need to withstand continuous use in publicly accessible installations.

Rigid casting resins

Two-part rigid polyurethane resins are poured into a mould, cure quickly and demould in minutes. With them you can reproduce any sculpted piece without losing detail. They are especially useful when you need to produce a large number of identical copies.

White and pigmentable polyurethane resins

For pieces that will be painted or mass-pigmented directly, white or translucent formulations offer a neutral base that improves final colour coverage and makes subsequent painting easier.

Polyester resins and fibreglass laminating

When you need to coat a foam piece to give it surface hardness, waterproof it or build a resistant structural shell, the polyester resin plus fibreglass system is the most economical and proven solution. It is applied in successive layers: first a surface veil for the finish, then one or more mat layers for structural reinforcement.

Polyurethane rubbers for texture moulds

Polyurethane rubber moulds are the key tool for reproducing natural textures on sets: rock walls, tree bark, earth floors, cobblestones or any organic surface. They are made by taking the mould directly from the original — a real stone, a log, a wall — and then applied to foam or resin pieces under pressure. Thixotropic rubbers allow you to brush the mould onto vertical surfaces without dripping.

Plaster and burlap for set design

Plaster remains a fundamental material in set design and theatrical décor: it allows you to build organic shapes by hand, reinforce structures with burlap and achieve surfaces that perfectly mimic stone or render. Plaster bandages are especially useful for creating terrain mock-ups, diorama bases and large-format elements quickly and cost-effectively.

Release agents and auxiliaries

Whether you're working with polyurethane, fibreglass or plaster moulds, the right release agent is essential for extending mould life and getting pieces with a clean finish. Always apply the release agent before each pour, especially on new moulds where it's worth applying several coats.

Pigments and finishes

To mass-colour polyurethane resins and give the piece a base tone before painting, translucent pigments are the cleanest solution. They let you adjust the colour precisely and reduce the painting work afterwards on pieces produced in series.

Frequently asked questions about theming and set design

Which foam is best for carving large-format set pieces like rock walls or logs?

For hand carving with a craft knife or gouges, PolyFoam R-5 and PolyFoam R-8 are the most suitable because they have a fine, uniform cell that doesn't crumble when cut. If you need greater surface hardness and can accept a slightly higher weight, EASYFOAM 300 offers a higher density (250–450 kg/m³) and a Shore 40-50D hardness that makes fine detail work easier. In any case, once the piece is carved it's a good idea to protect it with a coat of polyester resin or a polyurethane rubber to prevent the foam from getting damaged with use.

How do you waterproof a polyurethane foam piece for outdoor use?

The most common and cost-effective system is to laminate over the foam with Ferpol 100 BSX15 polyester resin and 300 g/m² fibreglass mat. Two or three coats are applied, alternating veil and mat until the desired thickness is achieved. This coating creates a rigid, waterproof shell that also protects the foam from impacts and UV radiation. Before applying the resin to polyurethane foam, make sure the surface is clean and dry; if the foam has open cells, apply a very diluted primer coat first to seal it. For exteriors with prolonged sun exposure, apply a gelcoat or specific polyurethane paint as the final finish.

Which polyurethane rubber should I use to take texture moulds directly from a real wall or stone?

It depends on the orientation of the surface. If the wall is vertical, you need a thixotropic rubber such as Polygel® 35, which you can brush on without it dripping and build up the thickness in several coats. If you can lay the original piece horizontally, Poly 74-30 or Poly 74-45 are good casting options: you pour them directly over the original and get a flat mould in a single operation. In both cases, apply a release agent to the original surface before pouring the rubber — even over stone or concrete — to make demoulding easier without damaging the mould.

Can I use integral-skin foam to build parade heads or figures that will be handled and transported frequently?

Yes, that's precisely one of the most common uses of SKINFOAM 350. The integral skin that forms in contact with the mould is resistant to abrasion and light impacts, and the flexible interior acts as a shock absorber. For parade heads that need to withstand washing or heavy friction, you can reinforce the outer skin with a thin coat of flexible polyurethane paint. If the piece needs to be black without painting, SKINFOAM 350 BLACK gives you that skin colour straight out of the mould. Bear in mind that to get a good integral skin the mould needs to be well heated (between 35 and 50 °C) before pouring the foam.

Which polyurethane resin should I use to produce accessories and small figures in series for a themed installation?

For series production with polyurethane rubber moulds, the EasyFlo family of resins are the most practical thanks to their 1:1 mix by volume and fast cure. EasyFlo 60 demoulds in 15–30 minutes and gives a bright white piece ready to paint. If you need more working time for complex pieces, EasyFlo 90 gives you 5 minutes. For pieces that will take strong impacts, the semi-rigid EasyFlo 120 is the best option because it combines rigidity with impact resistance. In all cases, apply ACMOS 82-2405 spray release agent or 34D wax to the mould before each pour to extend its useful life.

Product added to wishlist
Product added to compare.

Cookies on this site are used to personalise content and ads to deliver social media features and to analyse traffic. We also share information about your use of the site with our social media partners for advertising, personalisation and web analytics.. More information.