Dirt for habitat base?
12-27-2017, 02:05 PM
#2
Spike
Join Date: Dec 2017
Location: Indiana
Posts: 2
Here's what I do.
If you haven't got an actual base you'll need to make that first......I use Urethane Foam - 2 Part Liquid 3# density foam to pour for a base. Mix equal parts and pour it over a core such 3/4" plywood. Use disposable gloves and Work quickly as it starts to set within minutes. Once it sets and hardens usually within 10 minutes you can cut and shape it as desired.
Once that is complete, rough up any shiny spots on the surface so glue can stick.
Now for the dirt, I use regular peat moss.
If you already have a base......First you will want to cover your urethane foam base with Elmers glue and lots of it. Pack the peat moss over the Elmers glue covered base. Once packed let dry, usually takes a whole day. After you think its dry, shake off the excess peat moss. If you find that you have missed a spot or two you can cover the area in Elmers glue and repeat the process. Don't worry the Elmers dries clear. After everything is to your satisfaction, mix Elmers glue and water in a spray bottle, (30glue/70water) mix it well and spray the surface of your base. This seals the peat moss to your base.
If you haven't got an actual base you'll need to make that first......I use Urethane Foam - 2 Part Liquid 3# density foam to pour for a base. Mix equal parts and pour it over a core such 3/4" plywood. Use disposable gloves and Work quickly as it starts to set within minutes. Once it sets and hardens usually within 10 minutes you can cut and shape it as desired.
Once that is complete, rough up any shiny spots on the surface so glue can stick.
Now for the dirt, I use regular peat moss.
If you already have a base......First you will want to cover your urethane foam base with Elmers glue and lots of it. Pack the peat moss over the Elmers glue covered base. Once packed let dry, usually takes a whole day. After you think its dry, shake off the excess peat moss. If you find that you have missed a spot or two you can cover the area in Elmers glue and repeat the process. Don't worry the Elmers dries clear. After everything is to your satisfaction, mix Elmers glue and water in a spray bottle, (30glue/70water) mix it well and spray the surface of your base. This seals the peat moss to your base.
12-29-2017, 10:20 PM
#5
Typical Buck
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: North East PA. but not home.
Posts: 743
I used blue foam insulation sheets for the base stapled or screwed to the wood base/ It can be sanded or rasp to shape and then glue and peat moss applied. Not every one has urethane foam laying around !
As you may know then you can add weeds,grass, some sticks and small pebbles if you wish ?
As you may know then you can add weeds,grass, some sticks and small pebbles if you wish ?
12-31-2017, 06:43 AM
#7
Typical Buck
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: North East PA. but not home.
Posts: 743
Yes a while back . The stuff i tried was very sticky and didn't seam dense enough ?
There are a number of them out there if you can try a few of them on scrap wood to see how they come out .
There are a number of them out there if you can try a few of them on scrap wood to see how they come out .
01-01-2018, 07:03 AM
#8
Spike
Join Date: Dec 2017
Location: Indiana
Posts: 2
I've used the can spray foam before also, and I have found over time the foam shrinks and the glue/peat moss combo falls off. The blue or pink insulation foam work VERY well. I've used the blue foam and cover with a home made paper mâché after shaping. Adds another level of texture.
