How is Isolone different from Foamiran?
In the arsenal of any professional needlewoman there is both isolon and foamiran. Each of them is used depending on the chosen goal. However, in order to judge which of the materials is better for a particular case, you need to understand a little about how they are similar and how they differ.
What it is?
Both isolon and foamiran are used very often in the manufacture of various products with their own hands.
Foamiran
Many people call this material "plastic suede". It is made from a very soft and porous rubber that not only cuts well, but also reacts well to heat. For this reason, this material becomes pliable even from the warmth of the hands.
For industrial purposes, foamiran is produced in the form of thin and soft multi-colored sheets. How thin they will be depends on how many interesting products can be made. The highest quality and widespread is Iranian foamiran.
As for the sphere in which this material is used, it can be children's creativity, and scrapbooking, and floristry. Using it, you can make not only flowers, but also beautiful hairpins of an unusual shape, and small handmade toys, and even small dolls.
Izolon
The material used to make flowers is quite a bit different from its construction counterpart. The difference lies in the fact that such sheets do not have a foil-like coating, but only a porous surface and a pattern. Isolon is produced in rolls, the width of which is 1 or 1.5 meters.
You can make not only growth flowers from it, but also slippers or rugs, and even puzzles. As for the isolon, which is made for flowers, it has a thickness of 1 to 9 millimeters.This material is very popular among specialists who are engaged in floristry, as it has a large number of positive properties.
Comparison of properties
To understand what is the difference between these materials, it is necessary to analyze in more detail all their differences.
Foamiran properties
Since the basis of this material is foamed rubber, as a result of manufacturing it turns out to be very light and ductile. That is, foamiran can not only stretch well, but also take any shape. In addition, it is worth noting that the form that this material takes is immediately saved. Foamiran sheets can be easily cut into parts necessary for the master. Another very important point - this material has water-repellent properties. Therefore, the finished product can be washed in case of contamination without worrying about the consequences.
It should also be noted the environmental friendliness of the material.
When working with it, no harmful fumes are emitted, so even small children can use it in their work.
Since foamiran sheets have a porous structure, they lend themselves well to coloring. Most often, oil or acrylic paints are used for painting. In some cases, experienced needlewomen even use cosmetic shadows or crayons for this. So that the coating does not wear off in the future, it can be fixed on top with varnish: either glossy or matte.
Despite the large number of advantages, there are also some disadvantages of this material. First of all, this is too high a price, as well as susceptibility to deformation. In addition, if the material is misused, it will tear easily.
Isolon properties
To begin with, it is worth considering the positive aspects of this material. First of all, isolon is a fairly dense and durable material, so it will be difficult to break it. RIsolon can be used not only with scissors, but also with a cutter. Just like foamiran, isolone is hypoallergenic, lightweight, and also melts quickly. This material is not afraid of moisture, does not lend itself to mold and is perfectly fixed.
When making colors for coloring, pastels are most often used, which makes them similar to real colors. However, painting can be done with acrylics and other dyes. Izolon does not emit toxins at all and does not have an unpleasant chemical odor.
However, this material also has some disadvantages, which differ in many respects from foamiran. First of all, it can be damaged in transit. In addition, the isolon quickly becomes covered with dust, and can also quickly become electrified. For this reason, it is best to store it in a plastic bag, and finished products should be covered with a solution specially made for this.
Unlike foamiran, when working with isolon, it is best to use a building hair dryer. After all, it is much more powerful than a regular hair dryer or iron. Despite the fact that the material is light, it is worth using special supports for finished products. After all, quite often they strive to fall.
What to choose?
Such a question can confuse not only a beginner, but also an experienced craftsman, because the materials have a large number of the same characteristics. But at the same time, there are significant differences that you should definitely pay attention to when buying both materials. Experienced experts recommend having both fomiran and isolon in your collection. After all, the first of them is made in a different color palette: from pale pink to dark purple. However, the white color of the second can also come in handy.
If we talk about convenience and ease of use, then it is better to make a choice in favor of foamiran. After all, a not too high temperature can be used to make flowers. You just need to connect a regular iron to warm it up. In addition, products made from this material are much easier to paint.At the same time, when using it, an unpleasant odor is emitted, which disappears only after a day. As for the isolone, it has no smell at all.
If speak about durability, here the primacy should be given to foamiran. Indeed, even small scratches very rarely appear on products made of this material. But isolon not only tears with ease, but also quickly scratches. It is worth noting that if a thinner material is required, then it is worth buying foamiran, because its thickness can even be equal to 0.5 millimeters. But there is no isolon thinner than 1 millimeter.
As for the price, the isolon is slightly cheaper than its counterpart. Therefore, if the choice depends on the budget, then your preference should be given to the first of them. Foamiran practically does not fade, so finished products can be installed even outdoors. For this reason, many people use it to decorate parties or wedding receptions that are held outdoors.
If speak about availability, today both materials can be purchased not only in specialized stores, but also ordered via the Internet. Summarizing, it's safe to say that both materials can be used to create finished products. After all, they are not only safe for human health, but also convenient to use. If you combine both materials together, then creating the desired product will be much easier.
What is the difference between foamiran and isolone, see the video.