Hello guys I really need some advice on this. I have carved out a nice background from styrofoam and have concreted it with 3 coats and am getting the the last stage that has me wondering how. After I get background to a satisfactory stage does it have to be covered in an epoxy? As for the back of the background does it also have to be covered? Does the styrofoam breakdown if its not sealed on the back?I would love to keep just the crete on it because it is looking very good. Ive spent about 20 hrs on this already and its above what I expected it to look like. I dont want to ruin it now. Thank you for whatever info anyone can share with me
help please on DIY concrete background
- Thread starter fishheadPH
- Start date
If you dont seal the crete it will leach lime for up to 2-3 months in some cases which will send your PH off the scale 9+ a lot of people use G4 pond sealer or west systems epoxy.Styrene should not de grade in water so no need to seal that although if you do the bond between the styrene and the tank will be better than not selaing the whole thing.
I am just about to start something similar but want to avoid using cement of any kind so I am planning to carve and then coat the whole structure in tinted epoxy then paint with acrylic paints and then 2 further coats of epoxy maybe with some sand stuck to it in places but will have to see.
Good luck with your background would love to see pics.
I am just about to start something similar but want to avoid using cement of any kind so I am planning to carve and then coat the whole structure in tinted epoxy then paint with acrylic paints and then 2 further coats of epoxy maybe with some sand stuck to it in places but will have to see.
Good luck with your background would love to see pics.
thank you very much for the information! I am going to look for some of that g4. I want to stay away from that glossy look I see you get from the epoxy. I seen someother guys used some sand to dull it it up and it looks good but I have a lot of detail into the carving and am trying not to loose it. Ive done 3 good coats now and will do another one today mixed with a little black for more shading. Hope I can find the g4. Thanks again I will be getting some pics up soon