Another fake rock/background build! (for a BTS)

[bothrops]

Here's the next installment...

Doesn't look like I've done much, but all the rock is shaped and carved and once the adhesive is dry it's time for the grout!

I've experimented with the foam on a few rough bits and carving makes it look rubbish. When I sand it, it also pulls and looks odd. Therefore I've decided to leave it. I think with careful painting and a matt finish, once in context will look like the knarly old tree trunk/root I'm after (even if you can still see how it was made...)

Anyway, here's the updated pics

rock carve




The cave will be removable for easy cleaning.

Cheers

Andy

[bothrops]

Finished wall carve without cave



Finished wall carve with cave in place




Now for the grouting!

[willie60]

They look cool m8. What is Fake rock?

[bothrops]

It's rock thats not real....


Basically its creating a naturalistic and/or 3D vivarium background. You carve it out of polystyrene or insulating foamboard or expanding foam etc, then cover in grout, paint and varnish. The final result looks a bit better than your standard wooden box (or at least thats the idea!)

Have a quick look through the threads in this section (or use the search engine at the top) to find lots of examples of others on here!

Cheers

Andy

[bothrops]

I think I've been out classed by the 'pimped my viv' ice temple thread!


Still, I'm having fun!

Cheers

Andy

[bothrops]

Well, despite all the attention being on the alien versus predator viv conversion (and frankly, quite rightly so! - it's amazing!) I'm cracking on with my build too.

First layer of grout is on, this is grey grout but they also had a bag of 'sandstone' grout powder that had split and so was heavily reduced. I'll be using that for the second layer in order to be able to see clearly where I have been. This layer was quite thick, so I think the next one will be more loose for a smoother finish!

Anyway, here's a pic




Cheers

Andy

[neil1983]

Looks good mate

[bothrops]

thanks Neil!


Cheers

Andy

[excession]

Its looking fantastic

Cant wait for the finished result!

[stern69]

Mate the Alien versus Predator viv is one of the most amazing vivs i've ever seen and it's not even done yet!

As for yours, still wicked! And as for the trunk, i think it'll look like expanded foam if you just paint it as it is. Personally i'd give it a couple of layers of grout (last coat nice and thick) to make it look a bit more woody!

10/10 so far though bud!