Making Fake Rocks

[pa.walt]

about what type of epoxy and your cement question monkey just read or skim over all the posts here. unless you have done this already. it pretty much covers all the different ways it has been done with stuff in the u.s. and in europe. there is alot of different methods the people have used. too bad some of the pics posted are no longer able to be viewed, the pics from hx.

[JaredJ]

Originally Posted by VivariumWorks

I use a slow curing epoxy made by a company in Corpus Christi. They are called Dewey Supply. You'll have to call them up to order as they don't have a website. I use their Epo-Bond brand. It has a strong sweet smell but works really well for painting applications as long as you use a thin coat. A thiker coat will show the slightly amber color. I'm going to be carrying this product on my online store when its up as I use it with great results. It doesn't yellow or fade due to UV like polyester resin will.

But as for a local place that you can go to pickup clear epoxy, I've yet to find one.

I was gonna ask you about your website. It looks great so far, when do you think the tutorial section will be up?

[VivariumWorks]

Not soon enough. *sigh*

Too many things pulling me in too many directions.

I WANT to have it up and done by the end of this month but I'm not putting up something incomplete and half-assed.

I'm hoping for the site to be a concrete reference for beginners in this hobby as there is none at the moment. Just everyone's personal opinions on the forums with lots of contradicting info. There are only a few posters actually worth listening to, because unless their methods/designs have been replicated MULTPLE times and have been documented in detail, with exact material listings, how can someone trust it? I've already learned many lessons on what NOT to do by following bogus build journals.

But basically, when it’s ready. Which is more and more each day.

[JaredJ]

I agree.. no need to rush to put up crap. Looks great so far though. I can't wait to dive into your tutorials on how you make such awesome molds. I'm getting ready to make twin 40g verts and I'd love to make some great cast stumps/trees instead of foam/grout.

Great job!

[VivariumWorks]

One of the molding methods I have used will be on the tutorial section.

Just FYI though, its not cheep. Mold casting is pretty expensive. The end results are worth while, but its not for the tight budgeted for sure.

[Vajkpapa]

Originally Posted by Onagro

Does anyone know how to make fake rock for backgrounds? It's not for darts, but it does need to be able to be submerged long-term. Would great stuff work?

Yeah, lot of european like me, use stirofoam tables, cutting the form, cover with concrete, and paint with acrylic paints. It's a link, where you can see a half done background with a small (cca. 50 cm high) waterfall.

Vivarium | Facebook

Ask me on my e-mail address if it's something like you want. I'll explain how to make it. Sorry for my english, I'm a hungarian

[BR5]

Incredible work, had to mark for future ref.

[Brotherly Monkey]

where do most people buy their styrofoam at? I cjhecked the local craft store and it seems surprisingly expensive there.

[pa.walt]

go to home improvement/hardware stores for the styrofoam. comes in big sheets.
like i wrote before just check the earlier posts. some of the questions you are asking where answered in the earlier posts.

[ninjamonster]

At my local Home Depot, they have this Quikrete Acrylic Fortifier. Is this the same as acrylic polymer? here's the link: Quikrete 1 qt. Acrylic Fortifier - 861014 at The Home Depot
thanks for your help!