DIY Home-made "realistic" Hides

[KatAstrophic]

Does anyone know if Rust-Oleum LeakSeal is safe for this process?

On sa side note... that's a lot of freaking salt! Lol

[SnakeBalls]

Any more long term updates? Whats the shelf life for these?

If it is properly baked and sealed, should last forever eh?

[hollyfac]

This saved me so much money and gave me a bonding opportunity with my "snake daddy" (also known as my boyfriend...Lol!). We enjoyed making these for our babies. (:

[Valeria-g87]

Can I use polycrylic as a sealer instead?

[Robertdibler]

Has anyone had a problem with the clay cracking?

[Jarvis the Python]

I'd like to hear from someone who has a good, cost effective sealer that works in a more humid atmosphere. These clay hides seem to be working well for beardies and other desert species but failing in more humid habitats. I've been researching diy hides all over the web and the people who build a lot of hides all seem to use Shields-all, but the smallest amount of that stuff you can get is still about $40 - not reasonable if you just want to make 2-3 small/medium hides. Other people have mentioned silicone tank sealer but I don't see how that works - it's a thick gel, seems like it would make a thick, blobby, rubbery layer on your surface. Mod Podge apparently is not durable enough or fully waterproof. What sealants have you guys used successfully for hides in 50-70% humidity enclosures?

[cayley]

I've been reading this thread and it got my sculpture brain going. Was trying to figure out a super accessible technique for making hides etc but with structure besides a mold... I was thinking that you could easily make an armature and use some type of homemade non-toxic air dry clay. I'm gonna try this out for when my snake needs a bigger hide.

[Goddess]

Thanks! I think the kids and I are going to try this today!

[gunkle]

Thinking about 3d printing a hide mold then using this clay method to make the hide. The thing with FMD 3d printing (the kind most home owner priced models are) is that it builds the item by laying a single layer of melted plastic at a time, moving up a fraction of an inch then doing the next layer. This means that you shouldn't use them in any fashion that can cause bacteria or other things to form. Too many tiny, tiny, tiny places for things to hide and grow. The only issue is that I can't bake it on top of a 3d printed mold as it would melt. would it work if I let it air dry for a day or so then remove the mold and bake? anyone try something like that. I admit I haven't read the whole thread but did skim through it quickly.