Kevin McGinty, of Energy Shield in Detroit, applied the foam for this Jeep display
Spray foam has been used for movie props for many years. The idea of using foam to create dynamic displays for business has taken off. Accomplishing this type of foam application poses new challenges for contractors and new types of customers. It took a crew of 3 all of 5 days to complete this massive artificial rock formation that featured spinning platforms and waterfalls for the Chrysler/Jeep International Auto Show held in Detroit Michigan. The display symbolizes the Jeep’s ability to climb steep and even vertical terrain. Structural steel, fiberglass and Styrofoam were used to create the platform’s terrain. Then, McGinty used Bay System’s 2.7lb density foam to spray the structure. A team of artists applied paint to complete the look.
DJ Booth sprayed by Benny Lou Baldwin of Colorado
The DJ booth was created for a large production company. The jaw is hinged and has pneumatic lifts that are engineered to keep the DJ booth flat. The client built the framework and covered it in window screen mesh. Once Baldwin sprayed the booth, a fiberglass resin was applied followed by paint. The booth is packed with laser lights, CO2 nozzles, strobes, LED lights and other equipment.
Corey Poepping, of Canada, applied foam to this old Bombardier
This bombardier, manufactured in Canada through the late 1650’s and early 1960’s, was also known as a snow coach or snow bus. It was designed to transport people and things over snow and ice-covered terrain. “They were never insulated, so we sprayed this one for a customer who wanted his guests to ride in comfort to various fishing houses. It took about 25 man-hours to clean it up and prep it, but only took 45 minutes to spray it,” said Poepping.
Unique Mobile Copy Unit spray by Ron Bowman
Ron Bowman applied foam to this Mobile Copy Unit which is credited as having made the most copies at one time world-wide. This feat was documented by the Guinness Book of World Records as the “World’s first 3D printer Camper/trailer”. It set a record for the largest volume of paper ever printed in the world.” Bowman sprayed one inch of foam on the interior. Foam was applied to the exterior for insulation and rigidity. The foam was coated with white bedliner material. The finished project will be outfitted with power and water.
Conrad Dario Florez had to spray this structure to make it look like fish scales.
Dave Thacker, of Grand Rapids Michigan, created a floating “Nessie”
This amazing piece of art work, designed to look like the Lochness Monster, won a 2009 top art prize in Grand Rapids, Michigan. It was constructed almost entirely of foam, with a few other building materials, so it would float through the water. Nessie got a permanent home at the John Ball Park Zoo in Grand Rapids.
Tim Fletcher, owner of Volcano home
Volcano home, an attraction in Albany, Oregon.
It took 3 months to build this volcano home in 1996. It was created by Steve Fletcher and his son Timothy, owners of Albany Foam Volcano Home.
Monster Myles at Dover international speedway
in Delaware. Foamed Monster Submitted by
Mathew Adey.
Cold, rocky beer cave look for this store.
Foam applied by Mark Benedict.
Mark Benedict, of Hamilton, New York, wanted to try something new when he convinced the owner of a convenient store to enhance their beer cave with a little foam art. “The store-owner also sold food and was concerned about having a cleanable surface. And, the project had to be completed over night. "After applying foam, we sculpted and painted the surface shades of blue to give it a cold look. The next day, I was called to the owner’s office because he was not happy. Fearing that the worst, I went in to face the music. By the time I got to his office, I was told that his phone had been ringing off the hook with customers' complements about the new beer cave look. I was no longer in trouble. The store was known for selling the coldest beer in town, so that's the look we were going for. The president of the company was amazed that I pulled it off—giving the beer cave a look that clearly screamed "Cold Beer" and got their customers excited,” said Benedict.
There were many more submissions for unusual or lesser known uses for SPF. We will include more of these in up-coming articles. Thanks to all the contractors and company-owners on SFWW for submitting their photos and stories.