Fake rock background with PU foam?

[Stefan-A]

Does anybody have any experiences using polyurethane foam in their fake rock backgrounds? I know some people use it both alone and as a complement to styrofoam.

[scorpio]

Hi,

I used polyurethane foame in my terrarian. I've built it from styropor. It's a very good material. Phantastic to work with it.

Mfg. Irina

[adamanteus]

I haven't used PU foam before, Stefan, but I have been thinking about trying it, to contruct a more interesting 'back wall' to my vivs. I guess it would be quite easy to 'sculpt' it to gain the desired effect.

[Thamnophis]

Stefan, I have used it.
Take a look at the link.
Uromastyx - Terrarium (http://www.doornstaart.nl/terrarium3.htm)

This are "old" pics from when a pair of Uromastyx ocellata were in it.
This is our old fireplace in the livingroom.
In a few months I will place my T. sirtalis tetrataenia in it.
The colours are different now and when it is ready I will place pics here.

[tikichick]

That is AWESOME!!!!!

[Stefan-A]

Looks great. :)

Does anybody have any painting tips on how to get it to look like rock? I know there are other methods, but painting seems to produce a better result.

The second thing I'd like to add to my future wall project, is lichens. Does anybody know any method of making fake ones?

Lichen - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lichen)

[Thamnophis]

About the making of lichens I cannot say anything.

The painting of the PU-foam...

When the foam was hard I started to cut rocks in it with a Stanley-knife.
http://www.choiceful.com/prod_image/54614_m.jpg

I used the whole knife and not only a small part.
After lots of cuts in my hands and broken knifes I was content about the result.
Than I smeared Tile-glue (the stuff what is used to put tiles on a wall) on it.
I used a bit more water than usual so I could use a paintingbrush.
After this dried I repeated this a few times till I was content with the result.
Now I painted it with a waterbased paint that is used on walls.
When this was dry I repeated it till I was content with the result.
But to make it look like real rocks you have to do another paintjob.
I took the same paint and added a bit reddish paint so it became a bit darker. You can ofcourse use any colour.
With a brush where only a very small amount of darker paint on it I softly brushed the corners of each piece of "rock". Use only very few paint. The brush has to be allmost dry. This gives a 3D effect.

[Thamnophis]

On this pic you can see what I mean how to make it look like rock.

The lizard on it is a Xenagama batilifera

http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/wand.jpg

[tikichick]

The closest thing I can think of to lichens would be to use the fake spanish moss from zoo-med or maybe it's fluker's. Close second would be the stuff they sell at the hobby stores for model railroad scenery - there's lots of textures and colors and it's usually loose material that you apply with glue. I have no idea what it's made out of or if it's safe for use with critters, though. Woodland Scenics Field Grass, Flock Grass, Flowers, and Lichens (http://www.cchobbies.com/scenery/wsgrass.htm)

[drache]

the model railroad stuff is a great idea
my brother used to work with that and even 40 years ago it looked pretty good

[Stefan-A]

Thanks for the tips. :)

I was thinking more about a good way to apply it, so that you get the right lichen look. I know a few ways to get the right general texture. I've made a few dioramas in my youth, but never really anything in the scale 1:1. :) Except for a couple of unsatisfactory projects.

[NFS07]

You should post a DIY post when you get done to help the rest of us out.

[Lori P]

Stefan, I have used it.
Take a look at the link.
Uromastyx - Terrarium (http://www.doornstaart.nl/terrarium3.htm)

This are "old" pics from when a pair of Uromastyx ocellata were in it.
This is our old fireplace in the livingroom.
In a few months I will place my T. sirtalis tetrataenia in it.
The colours are different now and when it is ready I will place pics here.

WOW, that looks GREAT!!!! I love it!!! :-)

[memnoch1970]

check out this link, very cool.....NOW THIS IS IMPRESSIVE PEOPLE. - talk to the frog (http://talkto.thefrog.org/index.php?action=vthread&forum=5&topic=13068&page=0)

[drache]

that is pretty amazing
and thanks for the cool frog site too

[Thamnophis]

That is a very beautiful vivarium!
Thanks for showing us...

[drrockne]

There's also a great tutorial on making fake rocks at:

Build your own fake concrete rock (http://www.seekfindlearn.com/landscape-boulders-and-stones/build-your-own-landscape-stones.html)

It's got step-by-step instructions on how to make a mold, mix the concrete, etc.

[Stefan-A]

Thanks for the link.