Hey folks! New to the site!

[k1pickel]

Been looking up information on building my new terrarium for my two Whites Tree Frogs.
Figured I may as well join! Eventually I'll post some pictures of my progress. Although, while
I got everyone's attention. Do you know if Krylon Matte Finish Spray is able to seal and waterproof
my fake rock wall. I saw that Krylon Clean Polyurethane works. So, I may just end up going over it
with the Clear just to be sure.

Thanks!

Kurt

[flybyferns]

Hi Kurt,
Welcome to Frog Forum.

Not sure about the Krylon? I will get Bill's attention ----he will know.
Bill is very experienced with these types of products - his builds require this expertise---mine-the-other-hand on are as simple as simple cloud be.

I do know, Bill will ask ------>What is the "fake " rock wall made with?

[Mentat]

Hello and welcome to FF! Yes, before sealing anything; what is background made of? For waterproofing recommend use Titebond III. It can be applied as is or mixed with shredded coco into a slurry (oatmeal consistency) to give surfaces like pond expanding foam a natural look .

[LilyPad]

Welcome to FF, Kurt! I can't wait to see pics of your build

[deranged chipmunk]

I'm going to assume the fake rocks are made of styrofoam or expanding foam. The only "animal safe" paint is krylon fusion. If you are using anything other than that, be sure to cover it with krylon fusion clear. ALL sides must be covered with several coats of clear coat to ensure it is 100% sealed. One small area that is not and chemicals can leech into the tank and wreak havoc on your inhabitants.

When I built my steam punk tank, every piece that was painted got roughly 10 coats of krylon fusion clear coat. Funny how I keep mentioning krylon fusion, huh? Like it's important or something lol


Education is the most powerful weapon we can use to change the world ~ Nelson Mandela

[k1pickel]

THANKS EVERYONE!

So Krylon Fusion? lol! And just an fyi yes I did use great stuff expanding foam. Then I carved and sanded it. Covered it in Drylok. Then over that with a mix of tile grout. Then tinted Drylok (with acrylic paint). Then I layere the colors of acrylic paint. Then three coat of Krylon Matte Finish to seal the paint. This weekend I'll hopefully find the Krylon Fusion Clear and do multiple coats of that and call it ready for testing.

Additional question I used old coated wire (destroyed an old xbox pad cord) for a base and applied a thick coat of black silicone over it then rolled it in jungle mix substrate to create vines. I didn't have any rope available. I was hoping since its coated in silicone it wouldn't matter the base especially because I will go over the vines with the Krylon Fusion Clear anyway. Thoughts?

And again thanks for he help!

[deranged chipmunk]

I would be concerned with the wire, only due to the fact that even though we think things are sealed, but water, especially vapor can get in the strangest places. It doesn't really need a visible opening to get in. Couple that with the fact that the wire is most likely copper, which corrodes super easy, I would be a bit leery. But hey, we never know until we try. I would say keep a VERY close eye on it. At the first sign of any discoloration, pull it.


Education is the most powerful weapon we can use to change the world ~ Nelson Mandela

[deranged chipmunk]

Oh, and just an aside, you would have been fine with just the drylok


Education is the most powerful weapon we can use to change the world ~ Nelson Mandela

[Lija]

Urg no idea what you are talking about here lol


ill just say welcome to the forum!

[k1pickel]

LOL! I'm sure I would have been. I thought using the grout mixture would give it a nice texture. =) Plan on picking up the Krylon this weekend. How much time do you wait in between coats? I would love to knock this last step out over the weekend.

Thanks

[deranged chipmunk]

could have saved yourself a bunch of steps by adding sand to the drylok. but that's how we learn. i gave each coat 3 hours to dry. some got more, some got less. but on average, about 3 hours.

[k1pickel]

So im at home depot who told me they carry Krylon. Now im here and there is NO Kyrlon. Any chance thereb is any other brand I can use?

[deranged chipmunk]

Not sure. I only use krylon. I suppose any clear that is formulated for plastic would work. But i can't say 100%


Education is the most powerful weapon we can use to change the world ~ Nelson Mandela

[k1pickel]

Went on Amazon and bought two cans of the Krylon Fusion Clear of Plastic. I should of did that a week ago! Thanks again for all your help. Hopefully by next weekend it'll be ready to plant. I have several small plants I've purchased. I'll be looking for advice on what more to buy and where to plant! =)