First off,
Hi all. I'm new to the Reptile Forum UK site...
...Well, I say "new"... I've actually been lurking about in the dark underbelly of Reptile Forums UK for the past couple of weeks. Usually at around 4am, I'm sad to say!
Anyway, you all seem like a fantastic bunch of knowledgeable reptile lovers, and I'm honoured to be part of the ranks.

Time to give something back.

Here's a method ill be using to create custom Rocks, "plinths", Water Pools, Branches and other viv accessories, in the custom built viv ill be making for the pair of JCPs I (hopefully) get in the near future.
Its a similar technique to the one i saw used by a guy on here who's in the process of building a monstrous viv for his Water Dragons. (Sorry, i forgot your name) and its tried and tested, and works well.

Basically im using aviary mesh instead of polystyrene to create a mould. Which will be covered in plastered bandages. Then Grout. Then finished with epoxy.
The advantage, in my opinion, is that you can mould the mesh around most objects, using a pair of pliers and a small soft hammer, to give you your general shape.
Whereas, with polystyrene, you start with a block and have to sculpt your object from scratch.

Here's a very brief description of what i do.

To begin. Using a pair of tin-snips, cut a square/rectangle/whatever shape which is big enough to be 'formed' around your base shape.

Bend the mesh around your base object, using your pliers and hammer. being careful not to snap the mesh, and leave sharp edges. (i advise wearing a good strong pair of gloves)
The mesh will bend quite easily, so you can get some pretty good detail in there...

Remove the mould from the base-object snip off any sharp edges and cover with plaster coated bandages. Another tip here, is to use old thin material e.g. T-Shirts, instead of bandages, as they cover mover surface area of the mould.
Leave to dry.
May be necessary to repeat, in order to get a solid base for coating in grout.

Coat in grout and leave to dry.
Repeat as necessary until firm.

Coat in Epoxy. Leaving in a well ventilated area so as toxic fumes are
eradicated, until dry.
De-tox, using a 5% bleach solution. (You know the drill)

Once I start work on the major parts for my viv, ill post pictures with the entire process covered.

Hope this gives some ideas to those who want to build custom vivs/accessories.

Watch this space.

oooo sounds interesting. What you building it for?? and where in staffordshire are you??

Jay

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keeper of:lizards, geckos, snakes, beetles and other insects

jungle carpet pythons.

I look forward to seeing the process with anticipation.

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Just realised. The title of this thread should read:
"Custom" not "Customer".



And Jay, Im in S-O-T. (Near Enough)