Robc's 3-d backdrop tutorial (pic-by-pic)

My guide for making backdrops...anyone can do it, beginner or advanced. it really enhances the look of the enclosure, IMHO...rob



Tools Used:







Step 1:

Cut styrofoam to size. Styrofoam must be r5-r14 high-impact styrofoam--can be found at Home Depot or Lowes, ect.





Step 2:

Use wire brush drill bit attatchment to add texture to the styrofoam.








Step 3:

Angle top of backdrop to fit the top of cage





Step 4:

Add structure to the backdrop by cutting deeper into the styrofoam. Where sep 2 is just texture, step 4 is about creating more definate

"rock" formations






Step 5:

Prepare caulk gun. Cut the tip off as far down as possible.



Puncture the seal inside the caulk tube.



load the caulk gun





Step 6:

Spread a large amount of caulk on the styrofoam and spread evenly



Tip--use latex gloves, because the caulk is very hard to get off your hands.




Remember to spread caulk along the top and sides, but you don't need to worry about spreading it on the bottom.





Step 7:

Pour substrate over the styrofoam and press it down.




Don't forget to add substrate to the sides.



Tip/shake the styrofoam to remove excess substrate.





The mostly finished product:






Step 8:

Let styrofoam dry for at least 24 hours, although I suggest 36-48 hours to be sure.
After it is dry, shake/tip the backdrop again to remove more excess substrate. This makes the texture even more defined.

Dude that is pretty bad ass... and a lot of time, but well worth it!

good DIY can you do it with other substrates? im assuming yes. how much is the styrofoam?

Great tutorial Rob! Certainly messy though. Does your drill ever get clogged up with all the styrofoam "dust"?

DeTwan said:

Dude that is pretty bad ass... and a lot of time, but well worth it!

Click to expand...

Besides baking the substrate...the whole backdrop is made in 15-20 min. But it adds a lot to the enclosure

NastyNate said:

good DIY can you do it with other substrates? im assuming yes. how much is the styrofoam?

Click to expand...

The strofoam is very cheap 34sqft....for $16.50....you can use any substrate....but eco-seems to hold the best....rob

penny'smom said:

Great tutorial Rob! Certainly messy though. Does your drill ever get clogged up with all the styrofoam "dust"?

Click to expand...

No....never will....I have done hundreds with one drill bit.

Good stuff man. I'm going to have to incorporate that into my display enclosures.

cabey0201 said:

Good stuff man. I'm going to have to incorporate that into my display enclosures.

Click to expand...

It will make a huge difference....In the pics I couldn't get a good shot of the texture but it is very textured and looks like molded rocks or tree roots....the good thing about high impact strofoam is you can push limbs into it and it will hold in place.....you can also add moss ECT......rob

Nice step-by step... Are you using foam insulation? I'm guessing it'd be sturdier to handle and install than the foam they make those cheap coolers out of. I have an old chewed up lid from one of those around here somewhere I thought about turning into a background.

omni said:

Nice step-by step... Are you using foam insulation? I'm guessing it'd be sturdier to handle and install than the foam they make those cheap coolers out of. I have an old chewed up lid from one of those around here somewhere I thought about turning into a background.

Click to expand...

it's high impact syrofoam...the foam the coolers are made out of is pressed balls of foam and the substrate won't stay adhered to the foam...it will pull off within a week or two...great idea though because it's probably the perfect size but unfortunately it won't last...the balls that are pressed can't support substrate...rob

Here are pics of before and after the backdrop was installed.....keep in mind the substrate in the tank is very damp and doesn't match the backdrop....when it dries it will match perfectly. But I think it adds a lot to the enclosure and also gives the T some privacy.......rob


Plain glass (no backdrop)




Backdrop installed

Thanks, great idea.

Will definetly try this.

Ottawaherp said:

Thanks, great idea.

Will definetly try this.

Click to expand...

Its easy....you can also incorporate a lot more than just subsrate.....you can mix in moss....rocks....sand ect.....rob

If anyone reading this post.....I forgot to add this step in.....(leave 1/8"-1/4" on both sides of backdrop to get past the lip on the tank & to let you have manovereability....rob

Wow phenomenal Rob, as always. I don't have a drill, what about other ways of creating the surface, a wire brush?

In addition to adding the visual effect I imagine it also gives the T a better sense of protection, safety and coziness. I have a Rosea tank I am eager to try this out with and include stones. Also perfect for holding cork bark pieces for a communal H incei sac-mates tank I am going to have. Thanks so much.

-Sydney

desertdweller said:

Wow phenomenal Rob, as always. I don't have a drill, what about other ways of creating the surface, a wire brush?

In addition to adding the visual effect I imagine it also gives the T a better sense of protection, safety and coziness. I have a Rosea tank I am eager to try this out with and include stones. Also perfect for holding cork bark pieces for a communal H incei sac-mates tank I am going to have. Thanks so much.

-Sydney

Click to expand...

Use a dremmel tool of if you want (be very careful a tourch) a wire brush would probaly work.

robc said:

Use a dremmel tool of if you want (be very careful a tourch) a wire brush would probaly work.

Click to expand...

I am not absolutely sure what you mean by a torch, but a candle lighter works wonders and lessens "the mess". Excellent work, nonetheless.

Getting creative on this idea.

Ever consider a glueing a couple of pieces together (thickness) to give you more depth, perhaps incorporating a hide or cave into the backdrop?

I have a large hex. tank I may try this with.

This idea seems less messy and less permanent than the spray foam technique.

Stick said:

I am not absolutely sure what you mean by a torch, but a candle lighter works wonders and lessens "the mess". Excellent work, nonetheless.

Click to expand...

Candle lighter I would use for smaller job.....but I use torch's on me 6ft and over backdrops.....rob