A rock that weighs nothing?

[mrshawt]

My inspiration: DIY realistic hides

My homemade Playdoh hides were too brittle and cracked. So I started thinking what else I could use. After a trip to Walmart, I came back with:

A 3 pack of Gladware Family size containers - $4.96


Krylon black satin finish spray paint - $3.77
Rustoleum Stone spray paint - $9.19 (see pic below)

What I had already:

Krylon satin finish clear coat
scissors
sandpaper
glue gun
heat gun


The family size Gladware is about 9" in diameter, and a little more than 3" deep. First, I melted the sides and bottom of two of the Gladware containers with the heat gun to make it look more like a rock.



I had to be careful not to melt holes in the plastic. It did happen, so I patched up a couple errors with hot glue.


Next, I cut the rims off the containers and cut an entrance hole in each one. I used sandpaper to smooth any rough edges. And just for kicks, I melted any sharp bits left with the heat gun.


Next, I applied three light coats of the black spray paint to make sure not light could get through the plastic. Then I applied three light coats of the stone spray paint.


Right now, the stone paint is drying. Tomorrow I will seal the outside of both with the acrylic sealant to make sure it's waterproof. Then I will let them air out for about 3 days until all the vapors are gone before putting it in the tank.

So, with $17.92 I was able to make two identical hides (I'm sure I could make more with the paint, but I didn't need any.). When done, they should be completely washable come cleaning day and still look snazzy in the tank.

I will have more pictures once they're done and the tank's all set up. And just for kicks, PEEKABOO!

[stratus_020202]

Wow!! I did the same thing. My BP's love them. I just used black paint tho. I'm loving the rock look. Might have to upgrade mine lol.

[mrshawt]

Wow!! I did the same thing. My BP's love them. I just used black paint tho. I'm loving the rock look. Might have to upgrade mine lol.

It'd be easy for you haha. Looks great so far.

[Buttons]

You can also pick up the same style containers at a $1 store! Save a few extra bucks.

[Crazy4Herps]

Love it! Thanks a million! I'm going to the store today to get some of this stuff.




I vote sticky.

[mrshawt]

You can also pick up the same style containers at a $1 store! Save a few extra bucks.

Crap my life haha. Oh well.

I just realized I said "just for kicks" twice. Oops haha.

[PythonBreeder]

Good Idea! I'll be making some very soon!

I also vote sticky!

[mrshawt]

Ok, I did a little looking to see what the proper drying time for spray paint is. People have suggested anywhere between 3 days to a week to get rid of vapors. Make sure it is in a well ventilated place (preferrably with a higher temp) to ensure that the fumes are gone.

[pavlovk1025]

Strange...I use the same containers for water bowls. But if you flip them upside down...HMmmmmm

[the_Ryno]

Very nice! I was thinking about doing something like this with the smaller 4oz cups for my baby king snake and didn't know how to go about it. Now I know how to do it.

Where did you get the heat gun? And how much was it?