MY FAKE ROCK BACKGROUND [image heavy]

[bravo_sx]

ok im new here asked a few questions but i have been reading alot about these on here and it has inspired me. I have spent 2 nights now 2 tubes of glue 2 big cans of expanding foam and alot of polystirene. and i am starting to grout it all now.

here is a preview but unfinished of course




My only question now is once ive put the grout on what sort of paint should i use? and then what do i seal it with? ive read about yaht varnish but id imagine this not being too reptile friendly. also i see some people put fans in, i have a leopard gecko, do i need these?

all oppinions and thoughts welcome

[Meko]

yacht varnish is fine as long as you leave it to dry fully between coats and also leave it to dry under hot lights before putting anything in it....


they paint yachts with it and dump them in the water, so if its ok for fish...

[bravo_sx]

ah right ok then thanks, also what paint can i use? and whats recomended? i obviously want a real rock look, can i sprinkle sand onto the paint to ad a more rocky effect?

all recomendations appreciated

[suey]

Looking good!

Yes you can add sand. I got some great ideas from this site Construction - Vivarium Forums Not that i have got round to putting them to good use yet.

Keep us updated with the pictures.

[Meko]

Originally Posted by bravo_sx

ah right ok then thanks, also what paint can i use? and whats recomended? i obviously want a real rock look, can i sprinkle sand onto the paint to ad a more rocky effect?

all recomendations appreciated

i've just painted one with B&Q paint, its waterbased and minimal VOC so pretty safe / fumeless.

[reptiles_galore]

any paint is ok provided its left plenty of time to dry and air and then sealed after that
i use evostick pva glue (the hardcore stuff from focus) to seal everything and does the job good
make sure you use the low toxic pva and not the kids stuff

[bravo_sx]

few of the early pics here




Heres where im at now i have just added the first layer of grout and built the lid for the vivarium, can anyone recomend any good paints to use? makes to look out for? or will just any paint do? eg car spraypaint?

so heres as she stands for now


still uncomplete of course and need to finish the grouting but ive done this in 2 nights only so im having a break now lol

and so to close here a random picture of steve (my leo)

[georgieabc123]

wow youve done a excellent job there i sure steve will love it

[connord94]

Great job mate

Plenty of places for Steve to hide!

I'm really inspired now!

Connor

[sharpstrain]

I wouldnt use paint I would just cover the grout in pva and then chuck play sand all over it - and also perhaps mix it with a bit of smooth aquarium gravel and then when its dry seal it as described - it looks great and has a really good texture too