- Joined
- Nov 10, 2007
- Messages
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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.
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.