Balsa Foam is an amazing plastic foam that carves like butter and paints like wood. It's ideal for sculpting and model making because it can be carved, chiseled, sawed, textured, or embossed with sharp-edged detail. Like balsa wood, it accepts virtually any kind of spray or brush-applied paint. Use a water-based finishing medium to seal the foam and harden the surface. Unlike other plastic foams, Balsa Foam does not expand, contract, or warp at temperatures below 350°F (177°C). It has a density of approximately 5 lb per cubic foot.