Making Fake Rocks - Page 23

HX · #**221** (**permalink**) 09-14-2008, 09:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vinicam

Really sorry for my dumbness, but i can't understand what is this acrylic polymere added to the grout. I have a poor english and can't find a equivalent to that... So, this is the problem.

The a-p is what you use to paint the coats? Is that? Or you use another type of paint? Can't understand that yet... :s

And... You recommend some type of tutorial, guide or any type of hint for painting those rocks?

Well, sorry again for that...

The polymere is an additive used with cement products to strengthen it.
It is really helpful when you are using very thin layers of cement-based products.

The colour in my system is from the grout. Grouts are made in dozens of colours and can be mixed to get any colour you want.

If you want to use paints, then someone else might be better to give you assistance, as I don't know too much about it...

Vinicam · #**222** (**permalink**) 09-14-2008, 11:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HX

The polymere is an additive used with cement products to strengthen it.
It is really helpful when you are using very thin layers of cement-based products.

The colour in my system is from the grout. Grouts are made in dozens of colours and can be mixed to get any colour you want.

If you want to use paints, then someone else might be better to give you assistance, as I don't know too much about it...

Well... I discovered that grout isn't too popular here, and the few types i can found didn't have a variety of colors. :/

I can use cement with some paint in it to get a good effect too? Or some another way?

HX · #**223** (**permalink**) 09-15-2008, 08:37 AM

I don't know if mixing paint in with cement works. Haven't tried.
Some people have used powder colours with cement and succeeded.

parkanz2 · #**224** (**permalink**) 09-25-2008, 03:17 AM

I've been thinking about doing this for a while and was very excited about finding these forums!

Theres one question I have about the styrofoam/grout system though. Do you also grout the back of a structure if it going to go up against the glass? I feel like sealing the back which is up against the glass somehow (some coats of grout or epoxy) would be safest as I'm pretty confident that no matter what you do, there's going to be some water seaping back there.

what do you guys think?
max

pilo0024 · #**225** (**permalink**) 09-25-2008, 05:01 AM

I feel like if you silicone your styrofoam onto the back wall you wont have to worry about water getting back there. Also, water getting back there wouldn't really be a problem would it? You could just seal the edges with your grout as well I would think.

parkanz2 · #**226** (**permalink**) 09-25-2008, 01:08 PM

is their any worry with styrofoam leaching toxins into the water over time? If not then I guess it doesn't matter if water gets back there. That was my only worry.

pilo0024 · #**227** (**permalink**) 09-26-2008, 06:17 PM

Not that I know of. Anyone?

nathan23 · #**228** (**permalink**) 10-03-2008, 04:57 AM

HX,

WOW, YOU DA MAN!!!!!!! Like everyone else is saying, we OWE you BIG time for sharing your knowledge. Thanks... I got a 200 gal tank and will DEFINATELY try this technique to make the background. Okay, the list of materials needed as far as I know are:
- Styrofoam/polystyrene
- Grout (in 3 different colors lighter, medium, dark)
- Acrylic polymer (if the grout doesn't already contain it)
- epoxy (not required)
- silicon (to bond the styrofoam together)

and the various tools you use are:
- knifes and other cutting tools
- blow torch?
- paint brushes
- sand paper
- gas mask, googles, etc.

Are there any items I'm missing?
You mentioned that you glue the pieces of foam before you start sculpting the foam right?
Last question is: do you just follow the directions on the package on how much water to mix with the grout/A-P mixture (the A-P is mixed with the grout right, not applied seperately?), or what is the ratio you use? Or how thick to you want the mixture to be like?
Sorry for the questions, after 24 pages of information, I just want to make sure I get all the materials I need and not missing anything. Thanks again, Hope you are still reading this thread.

Nathan

HX · #**229** (**permalink**) 10-04-2008, 04:29 PM

Hi, Nathan. Thank you.

200 gals certainly makes a nice playground for fakerocking. Some serious depth can be made, to the rock.

An item I would add to your list is a soldering gun (Soldering gun - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia). It's very useful in finishing the pre-cut styrofoam.

Yes, I glue the layers of foam together before cutting it. I try to add glue only where I'm not going to cut.

As to the amount of a-p, I can't give an exact measure. But about 1/4 of the amount of water or less is what I propably use.
Thicknes of the mixture depends on the layer. First layers are a bit thicker, the last are thinner. But always a "brushable" mixture. Make a mixture on the thicker side and add water/a-p to make it right for yourself.

Thanks again and good luck.

pilo0024 · #**230** (**permalink**) 10-08-2008, 05:30 AM

after reading this post many times for inspiration, i have finally started my first rock project. it's going in a 160 gallon vert. I have zero artistic experience so the carving is interesting to say the least. I'll post pics soon. Thanks for the help to all who have been contributing to the post.