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How to Construct a Urethane Base


Construction of a urethane foam base for mounts is easy. Simple tools are all that is required
  • Tape
  • Urethane Foam - Two part
  • Dry Colorant (optional)
  • Drill
  • Sheet rock Screws
  • Knife
  • Rasp
  • Atomizer bottle with water
  • White Glue
Protect top and side surface of base with tape. Secure driftwood to base with sheet rock screws through the bottom of the base into the driftwood. Mix dry colorant into Part A of the Urethane foam, then mix equal parts of Urethane foam by weight. Urethane foam works best when mixed at 1700 rpm with an electric drill. Pour liquid foam into base; work quickly trying to cover as much of the surface of the base as possible. Allow foam to rise, be prepared to slow or stop the rise with a plastic bag or atomizer bottle filled with water.
As the foam rises close to the driftwood, stretch the plastic tightly against the driftwood forcing the foam to rise away from the wood. Mix a new batch of foam and pour into areas that were not filled on the first pour. As the foam rises, a light spray of water from an atomizer bottle will stop the rise. After the foam has hardened slightly, remove the tape and cut the foam back with a sharp knife.
Use a hand rasp to bring the foam to the desire shape. Apply a seal coat of 1 part of white glue mixed with 1 part of water; brush the seal coat onto all the foam surfaces. Allow to dry 1-2 hours. Brush a thick layer of white glue over the entire foam base. Brush white glue up the side of the driftwood 1/4"
Immediately sprinkle a heavy coat of dirt onto the base and press into the white glue. Sprinkle dirt over the driftwood and also up the sides of the driftwood to assure complete coverage. After the base has set 1 hour, dump the dirt off. If any bare spots remain reapply glue and dirt. Completed base ready for habitat and mount.

 

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