Styrofoam platform.

[Inferno33]

I am thinking about making a corner piece for my gecko's cage. It will be two sets of stairs leading up to one platform sitting 4 inches high in the hot part of my tank. I was just wondering if it is alright to just use the styrofoam, and then spray-paint over it. Or is there something else that I should do. Also, if it is okay to spray paint, what are good choices to make it look natural. (I am going for a desert look).

 

[triplegex]

Spray paint dissolves styrofoam, you have to grout the styro.

 

[Inferno33]

Where would I find grout? Home Depot or something?

 

[Taquiq]

I found some grout at Lowes.

 

[Anejodave]

You should use a non-sanded grout in the color white (cheapest). The first 2 layers of grout should be applied approx. 1/8" thick and have the consistancy of pancake batter to ease spreading. Your third coat should be anywhere between 1/8" and 1/4" thick and be much thicker to enable you to form it into a more natural look. This final coat should have some additive coloring in it or mix in an appropriate amount of sand. I'm looking at getting some local sand from the sandstone quarry.

Grout then needs to be sealed or it will grow mold. I'm using a spray on acrylic sealant with 2 light coats. On top of that I will use a water bottle and diluted paint and paint the white grout to match the local sandstone. If you choose not to use sand in your final layer of grout, this is the appropriate time to sprinkle sand for traction onto your sculpture. A thin layer of sand, then spray on some sealant. Repeat as many times as appropriate for your project.

After all this is done, you will need to let your finished product sit in a well ventilated area for 7-10 days to let the majority of the VOC emissions exhaust themselves. I recommend you keep a small desktop fan blowing over it to aid in the outgassing.

One all this is done and you're satisfied with the results, take pictures and let your critter have a happy new home.

 

[Inferno33]

Thank you Anejedave. I have actually completed the platform project. It was my first try so it's not that great. I used non-sanded grout and used 4 layers. Two thin/watery ones, and two pretty thick ones. I did not add any additional color to it though.

For the sealing stage, I used Mod Podge; All Surface Sealant. I used 5 layers of that. The jar said that it took about 15-20 minutes to dry, but I let it sit for about 3 or 4 hours between coats. And when I was completely done the project I let it air out for 5 days, with a fan blowing on it only during the day.

I have started a new project about 3 days ago, because I had so much fun doing the first one. I cut it all out from the styrofoam, and have applied two thin/watery layers of grout. I didn't do anything to it today because I didn't have time. I was going to try to add some color to the grout mix just to test it out before I put the final layer on. What kind of paint should I use? Or would it also be possible just to spray paint it after the final layer of grout, but before the layers of sealant? Thanks.

-Ed

 

[Remy]

Drywall mud instead of grout works too. I used it for a platform and rock wall that I built. A messy job, but turned out great.

 

[molzonice]

I just used lightweight drywall mud and sealed it. It turned out great. Ill post pics as soon as possible.

 

[Inferno33]

Does it matter what kind of spray paint I use, as long as I seal (Mod Podge) it when it's done?

 

[Noahboa1]

I have seen a lot of great faux rock hides, walls, structures, etc. made out of styrofoam or polystyrene and painted. What most people that i've seen use is Rust-Oleum spray paint. They even have a paint that's made to look like rock! Make sure you seal it with a non toxic acrylic sealer, or if it's not going to get wet too often, as i'd expect in a leo cage, I just use Mod-Podge with the fake hides I make that go in my leo cages.

 

[im faster]

lets us know how it goes

 

[Tanggecko]

Ive made one of these and it turned out pretty well. Ive been using it for almost 2 years and its held up great. I used foam board, Great Stuff spray foam, 3 coats of Sanded tile grout, Anita's acrylic craft paint, and 2 coats of poly.

Note: If using Great Stuff be sure to work in a well ventilated area.

 

[Inferno33]

Thanks for the tip, Noahboa =]

 

[Noahboa1]

No problem Ed. Can't wait to hear about your progress.