Foam for vivarium

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At a recent pet store visit I noticed foam backgrounds for sale for $30. Seems expensive for foam and I think it would be too thick for what I'm looking for. So my question is, can I carve my own? Is most foam safe to use and what type of paint can be used (if any) Has anyone done this?

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Also, do I have to consider bacteria and mold growth if it gets wet?

[SludgeMunkey]

Many people use the aerosol foam called "Great Stuff".

I have quit using it as it shrinks too much and is not suitable for wet use.

I use regular white floral foam and coat it with acrylic concrete and Liquitex Acrylic paints.

Truthfully, in the long run, if you need only one background it is cheaper to buy one. If you need many, then by all means make your own.

[Judy S]

Many people use the aerosol foam called "Great Stuff".

I have quit using it as it shrinks too much and is not suitable for wet use.

I use regular white floral foam and coat it with acrylic concrete and Liquitex Acrylic paints.

Truthfully, in the long run, if you need only one background it is cheaper to buy one. If you need many, then by all means make your own.

I see that this is over a year old, but have a question since I'm just starting to make backgrounds...what do you mean by "acrylic concrete"? Do you mean "binder"? Do you mix it with the acrylic paints to make the paint "stick" to the foam? Or do you do a base coat of just the acrylic "concrete" (binder??) first, then proceed to "paint" the background as you wish?? Do you seal the finished product?? Thanks for your advice. Your "tree roots" are amazing...something to aspire to...hopefully you are selling lots of them.. Judy S

[UncleChester]

Quikcrete mixed with straight Acrylic Fortifier (no water) applied in several layers over a carved foam background was the method Johnny described to me when I grilled him about vivarium construction techniques in this thread:

http://www.frogforum.net/vivarium-te...ng-im-new.html

and my results:

http://www.frogforum.net/vivarium-te...-enclosed.html