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!
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