RESOURCES

A working index of materials, components, surfaces, substrates, and systems used across sculpture, fabrication, retail environments, prototyping, and production. Some are humble, some are expensive, and some only become interesting when used incorrectly.

Wood, Board & Natural Fiber

MDF — Engineered wood fiber panel for painted builds, routing, and prototypes.

Plywood — Laminated wood sheet used for structure, cabinetry, and forms.

Baltic Birch — Dense, stable plywood used for clean edges and precision parts.

Particle Board — Compressed wood chip panel used for economical structures.

Hardboard — Dense fiberboard used for skins, templates, and smooth panels.

Melamine — Resin-coated board used for clean, durable surfaces.

Wood Veneer — Thin wood surface layer for premium finishes.

Hardwood — Solid wood used for furniture, fixtures, and sculptural parts.

Oak — Strong hardwood with visible grain and structural value.

Walnut — Rich hardwood used for refined furniture and display work.

Maple — Dense pale hardwood used for clean machined components.

Cherry — Warm hardwood used for crafted furniture and objects.

Bamboo — Fast-growing natural material used for panels and surfaces.

Cork — Lightweight natural material used for texture, grip, and acoustic surfaces.

Balsa — Lightweight wood used for models and prototypes.

Wood Dowels — Round wood rods used for joinery, structure, and details.

Dimensional Lumber — Standard wood stock for framing and construction.

Wood Molding — Profiled trim used for edges, frames, and architectural detail.

OSB — Oriented strand board used for structural panels and rough builds.

Homasote — Recycled fiber board used for pinning, sound, and soft surfaces.

Plastics, Acrylic & Sheet Goods

Acrylic — Rigid plastic sheet used for displays, glazing, and polished forms.

Plexiglass — Common acrylic sheet used for transparent panels and fabrication.

Frosted Acrylic — Diffused acrylic used for lighting, privacy, and soft surfaces.

Mirrored Acrylic — Reflective plastic sheet used for lightweight mirror effects.

Polycarbonate — Impact-resistant plastic sheet used for durable clear parts.

ABS — Tough thermoplastic used for formed parts and prototypes.

HDPE — Durable plastic used for cutting surfaces and outdoor parts.

UHMW — Low-friction plastic used for guides, wear strips, and sliders.

Acetal — Machinable engineering plastic used for precision components.

Delrin — Acetal plastic used for durable machined parts.

Nylon — Tough engineering plastic used for bushings, spacers, and wear parts.

PVC — Versatile plastic used for sheet, pipe, and formed components.

Sintra — Expanded PVC sheet used for signage and lightweight builds.

Coroplast — Corrugated plastic sheet used for signs and temporary structures.

PETG — Clear plastic sheet used for forming, displays, and guards.

Polypropylene — Flexible plastic used for hinges, containers, and chemical resistance.

Styrene — Thin plastic sheet used for models, signage, and vacuum forming.

Kydex — Thermoformable plastic used for tough shells and shaped parts.

Teflon — Low-friction plastic used for release surfaces and specialty parts.

Plastic Foam — Lightweight plastic material used for padding, cores, and mockups.

Metals

Aluminum — Lightweight metal used for frames, panels, and machined parts.

Steel — Strong structural metal used for frames, bases, and supports.

Stainless Steel — Corrosion-resistant metal used for refined and durable parts.

Brass — Gold-toned alloy used for hardware, accents, and details.

Bronze — Copper alloy used for sculpture, casting, and premium details.

Copper — Conductive red metal used for accents, wiring, and patina.

Titanium — Strong lightweight metal used for specialty components.

Zinc — Soft metal used for coatings, castings, and decorative surfaces.

Corten Steel — Weathering steel used for rusted architectural and sculptural surfaces.

Perforated Metal — Patterned sheet used for ventilation, texture, and screening.

Expanded Metal — Slit and stretched sheet used for mesh-like structure.

Wire Mesh — Woven or welded metal grid used for texture and containment.

Sheet Metal — Thin metal stock used for formed panels and skins.

Metal Tubing — Hollow metal stock used for frames and supports.

Angle Iron — L-shaped metal used for framing and reinforcement.

Metal Rod — Solid round stock used for pins, supports, and details.

Bar Stock — Solid metal stock used for machining and fabrication.

Silver — Precious metal used for jewelry, detail, and specialty fabrication.

Gold Leaf — Thin metallic leaf used for gilding and luxury finishes.

Metal Foil — Thin metal sheet used for surface effects and conductive layers.

Stone, Mineral & Solid Surface

Mexican Onyx — Translucent decorative stone used for luxury surfaces and sculpture.

Carrara Marble — White Italian marble used for refined sculpture and surfaces.

Calacatta Marble — Dramatic white marble with bold veining.

Travertine — Porous limestone used for warm architectural surfaces.

Rose Travertine — Pink-toned stone used for soft, premium surfaces.

Granite — Hard igneous stone used for durable surfaces and bases.

Limestone — Soft sedimentary stone used for carving and architecture.

Slate — Layered stone used for dark, matte surfaces.

Soapstone — Soft stone used for carving and smooth surfaces.

Alabaster — Translucent stone used for carving and illuminated objects.

Terrazzo — Composite stone surface with aggregate chips.

Quartz — Engineered stone surface used for durable premium panels.

Corian — Solid surface material used for seamless sculptural forms.

Engineered Stone — Composite stone material used for panels and surfaces.

Concrete — Cast mineral material used for mass, texture, and structure.

GFRC — Glass fiber reinforced concrete used for lighter cast forms.

Cement Board — Rigid mineral panel used as a durable substrate.

Plaster — Gypsum material used for molds, models, and sculptural surfaces.

Hydrocal — Strong gypsum cement used for casting and model making.

Jesmonite — Acrylic-modified mineral composite used for casting and finishes.

Foam, Rubber & Flexible Materials

Foam — Lightweight cellular material used for carving, padding, and mockups.

EPS Foam — Expanded polystyrene used for large lightweight forms.

XPS Foam — Extruded foam board used for carving and insulation-like forms.

Urethane Foam — Carvable foam used for models, props, and sculptural cores.

EVA Foam — Flexible foam used for props, padding, and soft fabricated forms.

Neoprene — Flexible rubber sheet used for padding, gaskets, and skins.

Silicone Rubber — Flexible rubber used for molds, gaskets, and soft parts.

Latex Rubber — Elastic rubber used for flexible skins and mold work.

EPDM Rubber — Weather-resistant rubber used for outdoor seals and pads.

Nitrile Rubber — Oil-resistant rubber used for seals and industrial parts.

Viton — Chemical-resistant rubber used for specialty seals.

Sponge Rubber — Compressible rubber used for cushioning and sealing.

Foamcore — Paper-faced foam board used for models and signage.

Gatorfoam — Rigid foam board used for durable displays and models.

HDU Foam — High-density urethane used for carving and dimensional signage.

Polyethylene Foam — Closed-cell foam used for packaging and protective layers.

Memory Foam — Soft foam used for cushioning and shaped comfort parts.

Rubber Sheet — Flat elastomer material used for pads, liners, and flexible parts.

Rubber Cord — Round flexible stock used for seals and edge details.

Foam Tape — Compressible adhesive tape used for mounting and spacing.

Paper, Cardboard & Display Substrates

Paper — Sheet fiber material used for print, sculpture, and packaging.

Cardstock — Heavy paper used for models, packaging, and printed pieces.

Corrugated Cardboard — Fluted paper board used for packaging and structures.

Honeycomb Paper — Lightweight structural paper panel used for thick forms.

Chipboard — Dense recycled paperboard used for models and backing.

Bookboard — Rigid paperboard used for covers, boxes, and display objects.

Mat Board — Dense board used for framing, models, and clean presentation layers.

Illustration Board — Smooth paperboard used for art, models, and printed surfaces.

Kraft Paper — Brown paper used for wrapping, masking, and texture.

Tyvek — Durable synthetic sheet used for banners, skins, and soft structures.

Yupo — Synthetic paper used for water-resistant printing and art.

Vellum — Translucent paper used for overlays and diffused graphics.

Rice Paper — Thin paper used for craft, texture, and delicate effects.

Mulberry Paper — Fibrous handmade paper used for texture and art applications.

Crepe Paper — Stretchable paper used for flowers, props, and soft forms.

Tissue Paper — Lightweight paper used for color, volume, and delicate texture.

Paper Pulp — Fiber slurry used for molded paper forms and sculpture.

Paper Mache — Layered paper composite used for lightweight sculptural forms.

Display Board — Rigid paper-based board used for signage and temporary graphics.

Fluted Board — Lightweight ribbed sheet used for signs, displays, and packaging.

Textiles, Leather & Soft Goods

Canvas — Heavy woven fabric used for banners, bags, and durable skins.

Cotton — Natural fabric used for soft goods, coverings, and printed textiles.

Linen — Natural fabric used for refined texture and soft surfaces.

Wool — Natural fiber used for felt, upholstery, and texture.

Felt — Compressed textile used for padding, texture, and acoustic surfaces.

Velvet — Plush fabric used for luxury surfaces and theatrical texture.

Suede — Soft leather or synthetic surface used for refined tactile finishes.

Leather — Natural hide used for wrapping, upholstery, and premium details.

Faux Leather — Synthetic leather used for cost-controlled wrapped surfaces.

Vinyl Fabric — Coated textile used for upholstery and wipeable skins.

Mesh Fabric — Open textile used for screens, texture, and ventilation.

Scrim — Open-weave fabric used for scenic, lighting, and display effects.

Muslin — Plain cotton fabric used for patterns, scenic work, and mockups.

Nylon Fabric — Synthetic textile used for banners, bags, and lightweight structures.

Polyester Fabric — Durable synthetic fabric used for print, drape, and soft goods.

Spandex — Stretch fabric used for tensioned shapes and soft forms.

Ripstop Nylon — Reinforced lightweight textile used for durable flexible pieces.

Burlap — Coarse natural textile used for rustic texture and wrapping.

Jute — Natural fiber used for rugs, rope, and textured surfaces.

Fur Fabric — Pile textile used for theatrical texture and soft sculptural effects.

Casting, Mold Making & Composites

Silicone Mold Rubber — Flexible mold material for casting detailed forms.

Platinum Silicone — High-performance silicone used for durable precision molds.

Tin Silicone — Mold rubber used for general casting and sculpture work.

Urethane Rubber — Durable rubber used for molds, flexible parts, and tooling.

Urethane Resin — Fast-casting plastic used for prototypes and production parts.

Epoxy Resin — Strong resin used for casting, coating, and bonding.

Polyester Resin — Casting and laminating resin used for fiberglass work.

Clear Casting Resin — Transparent resin used for encapsulation and glass-like effects.

Foam Casting Resin — Expanding material used for lightweight cast forms.

Alginate — Skin-safe mold material used for life casting.

Release Agent — Coating used to keep molds and casts from bonding.

Mold Sealer — Surface treatment used to prepare porous masters.

Fiberglass — Glass fiber reinforcement used with resin for strong shells.

Carbon Fiber — Lightweight reinforcement used for high-strength composites.

Kevlar Fabric — Aramid reinforcement used for impact-resistant composites.

Chopped Strand — Short fiber reinforcement used in casting and laminating.

Gelcoat — Surface resin layer used for smooth composite finishes.

Body Filler — Polyester filler used for shaping, smoothing, and repair.

Microballoons — Lightweight filler used to thicken and lighten resin systems.

Cabosil — Fumed silica used to thicken resin and prevent sagging.

Paints, Coatings & Finishes

Paint — Pigmented coating used to color and protect surfaces.

Primer — Base coating used to prepare surfaces for paint.

Lacquer — Fast-drying coating used for smooth furniture-like finishes.

Enamel — Hard paint finish used for durable colored surfaces.

Polyurethane — Protective clear coating used on wood and painted parts.

Varnish — Clear finish used to protect and enrich wood surfaces.

Wood Stain — Color treatment used to enhance or shift wood tone.

Dye Stain — Penetrating color used for transparent wood effects.

Metallic Paint — Reflective coating used for metal-like decorative effects.

Patina Finish — Reactive or faux finish used to create aged surfaces.

Venetian Plaster — Polished plaster finish used for depth and luxury surfaces.

Faux Stone Finish — Painted finish used to simulate stone and mineral surfaces.

Faux Wood Finish — Painted or grained finish used to imitate wood.

Gilding Size — Adhesive used to apply metal leaf.

Clear Coat — Transparent protective layer used over paint or graphics.

Powder Coat — Baked coating used for durable metal finishes.

Anodized Finish — Electrochemical aluminum finish used for color and protection.

Scotch-Brite — Abrasive pad used for surface prep and satin finishes.

Sandpaper — Abrasive sheet used for smoothing and shaping surfaces.

Polishing Compound — Abrasive paste used to bring surfaces to gloss.

Adhesives, Tapes & Fastening

Epoxy Adhesive — Two-part adhesive used for strong structural bonds.

CA Glue — Fast-setting adhesive used for small parts and quick bonds.

Contact Cement — Adhesive used for laminates, foam, and flexible materials.

Spray Adhesive — Aerosol glue used for graphics, foam, and light bonding.

Hot Glue — Thermoplastic adhesive used for fast assembly and temporary work.

Wood Glue — Adhesive used for wood joinery and carpentry.

Construction Adhesive — Heavy-duty adhesive used for panels and rough builds.

Silicone Adhesive — Flexible adhesive used for sealing and bonding.

VHB Tape — High-bond acrylic tape used for clean mechanical-free mounting.

Double-Sided Tape — Adhesive tape used for graphics, trim, and light mounting.

Masking Tape — Removable tape used for layout, protection, and paint edges.

Painter’s Tape — Low-tack tape used for clean painted lines.

Transfer Tape — Adhesive film used for applying graphics and vinyl.

Hook And Loop — Reclosable fastening system used for removable parts.

Magnets — Magnetic fasteners used for swappable and hidden connections.

Screws — Threaded fasteners used for mechanical assembly.

Bolts — Heavy-duty threaded fasteners used with nuts or tapped holes.

Rivets — Permanent mechanical fasteners used for sheet and frame work.

Threaded Inserts — Metal inserts used to create durable threads in soft materials.

Standoffs — Spacers used to mount panels and create separation.

Vinyl, Graphics & Films

Vinyl — Adhesive film used for graphics, color, and surface transformation.

Cast Vinyl — Premium conformable vinyl used for complex applications.

Calendared Vinyl — Economical vinyl used for flat graphics and signs.

Window Vinyl — Adhesive film used on glass for graphics and privacy.

Optically Clear Film — Transparent film used for subtle window and display applications.

Frosted Film — Diffusing film used for privacy and soft light effects.

Dichroic Film — Color-shifting film used for iridescent effects.

Reflective Vinyl — Light-returning vinyl used for high-visibility graphics.

Metallic Vinyl — Film used to simulate metal finishes.

Chrome Vinyl — Mirror-like film used for high-impact surfaces.

Printable Vinyl — Film used for custom printed graphics.

Static Cling — Non-adhesive film used for removable window graphics.

Magnetic Vinyl — Flexible magnetic sheet used for removable graphics.

Wall Wrap — Adhesive film used to transform architectural surfaces.

Floor Graphic — Durable film system used for walkable printed graphics.

Laminate Film — Clear protective layer used over printed graphics.

Dry Erase Film — Writable film used for reusable surfaces.

Chalkboard Vinyl — Writable matte film used for signage and interactive surfaces.

Lightbox Film — Translucent graphic film used for illuminated displays.

Heat Transfer Vinyl — Film applied to fabric with heat and pressure.

Electronics, Lighting & Control

LED Strip — Flexible LED circuit used for linear lighting.

LED Module — Packaged LED unit used for signage and displays.

RGB LED — Multi-color LED used for programmable lighting effects.

Addressable LED — Individually controlled LED used for animations and pixel systems.

LED Controller — Control device used to drive LED behavior.

Power Supply — Electrical unit that converts power for components.

Arduino — Microcontroller platform used for custom interactive systems.

Raspberry Pi — Small computer used for control, media, and interactive work.

ESP32 — Wireless microcontroller used for compact connected projects.

Servo Motor — Motor used for controlled motion and positioning.

Stepper Motor — Motor used for precise incremental movement.

Relay Module — Switch module used to control higher-power devices.

Motion Sensor — Sensor used to detect presence or movement.

Proximity Sensor — Sensor used to detect nearby objects without contact.

Touch Sensor — Input sensor used for interactive surfaces.

Wire — Conductive material used to connect electrical systems.

Connector — Electrical fitting used to join circuits and components.

Solder — Fusible metal used to join electronic components.

Heat Shrink — Tubing used to insulate and protect wiring.

Circuit Board — Substrate used to mount and connect electronic components.

Hardware, Display Systems & Shop Staples

Hinges — Mechanical hardware used for pivoting panels and doors.

Drawer Slides — Linear hardware used for sliding trays and components.

Casters — Wheeled hardware used to make fixtures mobile.

Leveling Feet — Adjustable supports used to stabilize fixtures.

Glides — Low-profile feet used to protect floors and ease movement.

Aluminum Channel — Extruded profile used for frames, edges, and LED mounting.

T-Slot Extrusion — Modular aluminum framing system used for adjustable structures.

French Cleat — Angled mounting system used for wall-hung components.

Keyhole Hanger — Hidden mounting hardware used for wall pieces.

Aircraft Cable — Steel cable used for hanging and suspension.

Turnbuckle — Tensioning hardware used for cables and structural adjustment.

Chain — Linked metal used for hanging, support, and decorative detail.

S-Hooks — Simple hooks used for hanging and temporary connections.

Clamps — Holding tools and hardware used for assembly and installation.

Brackets — Angled supports used for shelves, frames, and fixtures.

Shelf Standards — Adjustable vertical tracks used for shelving systems.

Slatwall — Grooved wall panel used for retail merchandising.

Pegboard — Perforated board used for modular hanging systems.

Acrylic Rod — Clear plastic rod used for supports, details, and display elements.

Sign Standoffs — Decorative mounting hardware used to offset panels from walls.