Building a background

[KrissyLeigh]

So I actually made this for my leopard gecko, but could also be used for bearded dragon enclosures - I may do one for my beardie too!

Finished product:

The process:
Draw layout for foam pieces, which I absolutely did not follow

Cut and glue (with craft glue) foam bits

Mix grout and start painting!

I had to experiment a lot with the water to grout ratio - too thin and it doesn't make a rigid enough layer, too thick and you can't paint it into the cracks. So I ended up with a good consistency about the same as shampoo. Also had to frequently mist and mix the grout as I painted. I did 3-4 layers total of grout only.

See next post for further steps - it wouldn't let me do it all at once.

 

[KrissyLeigh]

More layers and thicker grout on weight-supporting parts - I intended to put succulents on that little shelf, but turns out my Leo likes to use it!

After all the grout had dried, I mixed one final layer with acrylic paints added. Thin grout plus white paint, and some thin grout plus black paint, and painted accents

Then I set it in the tank with a bit of silicone and let Sunny loose on it!

She absolutely LOVES it - she crawls on it every night!!! An adult beardie may not use it as much, but I think a smaller beardie would like scampering around.

 

[Hdrydr31]

Very nice job!! love it!

 

[PatsyB]

GOOD JOB! Looks great!

 

[Mom of blazey]

I love it, good job!

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G850A using Tapatalk

 

[puffthedragon]

Nice!

 

[knucklez305]

wow I would love to try that out some time