Making custom stuff questions

[L-G-C]

Okay, so I was wondering on making custom hides.
I was thinking of using foam.
1. Does it trap heat?
2. Is there any problems with it?
And for painting:
2. Will any non-toxic paint work?
Other question:
3. I've heard of selant, what brands should I use?
4. I've also heard of people using grout, what does it do?
5. Is there any other ideas other than foam I could do?

 

[Amped Herptiles]

The trapping of heat depends where the hide is in the terrarium. If it is over a heater then the hide will be 5-15 degrees higher according to substrate height and the heater. It is best to offer each gecko at least one hide on both sides to allow the gecko to choose its preferred range. If it is not the only hide and it is under the heater and other hides are available then it is fine. As for building it I have used many different materials. I find it is best to use Styrofoam; it is easy to get, shape, and work with. I build the shape I want out of the Styrofoam and glue it together with Elmer’s or similar craft clue. Then I use regular grout and cover the hide with it. This is the final time to shape and add texture to the hide. Allow it to dry. Then use acrylic non toxic paints to color the hide to what ever color you want. Since you will not be using it in a moist habitat a sealant is not necessary and the grout and paint will not come off as long as you give ample time for the grout to dry before you paint.

 

[MiamiLeos]

go to lizard-landscapes.com everything you need to know is on there.

 

[SoLongOldBean]

I'm in the middle of a "project" myself and I'm wondering about the same things, especially what, if any, sealant I should use. We'll figure it out Good luck!

 

[L-G-C]

thanks for the replies and I'll look at the website

 

[Toasty84]

I'm in the middle of a "project" myself and I'm wondering about the same things, especially what, if any, sealant I should use. We'll figure it out Good luck!

I just finished making a styrofoam and grout background a while back. The product that I used to seal is called Crystal Clear, an Acrylic sealer made by Krylon. You can get it, or something similar (just your basic non toxic acrylic sealer, in a spray paint bottle), at most hardware/paint stores.

Don't mean to hijack the thread. Sorry.

 

[SoLongOldBean]

I just finished making a styrofoam and grout background a while back. The product that I used to seal is called Crystal Clear, an Acrylic sealer made by Krylon. You can get it, or something similar (just your basic non toxic acrylic sealer, in a spray paint bottle), at most hardware/paint stores.

Don't mean to hijack the thread. Sorry.

I've almost finished all of mine now, and I have pretty much everything figured out. I tried the Krylon brand on one hide but I didn't really like using a spray-on sealant so I picked up one that I could brush on instead. I'm just fussy like that. Thanks for the suggestion, though, and you're right - if anyone else is looking for a sealant, the Crystal Clear is a good choice and it's a LOT cheaper than the one I settled on.

 

[robin]

I've almost finished all of mine now, and I have pretty much everything figured out. I tried the Krylon brand on one hide but I didn't really like using a spray-on sealant so I picked up one that I could brush on instead. I'm just fussy like that. Thanks for the suggestion, though, and you're right - if anyone else is looking for a sealant, the Crystal Clear is a good choice and it's a LOT cheaper than the one I settled on.

i think our paint on one is going to work really well though

 

[Cephalectomy]

I bought some Krylon Acrylic Crystal Clear...but it doesn't say Sealant on it, it just says gloss/clear, would this be safe to use or should I be looking for something else?

 

[chechatonga]

I made a hide and background for my gecko using grout and non toxic sealer.
I also made some mushrooms and a cricket feeder that looks like a pile of rocks. I plan on selling in future, check out my site http://reptileisle.webs.com

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[chechatonga]

I use grout to strengthen the structure and give a good looking rock texture.
I also use non toxic acrylic paint for more details and color and finish with multiple coats of a non toxic sealer called MOD PODGE. It comes in matte finish or gloss i think.
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http://reptileisle.webs.com