Sanded Grout is the Best!

jeremy283 · Dec 4, 2015

I used unsanded grout for my first creations and had some minor cracking problems (when drying). It also had a smooth texture which was even smoother once sealed. Unfortunantly my main piece was too tall (too close to UVB) so I am recreating a main piece and this time I used sanded grout. No cracking issues, cheaper, and 4 layers of sealant into the Mod Podge and I can't even tell the surface has been affected (still has a ton of traction/texture).

:headbang:

CooperDragon · Dec 4, 2015

That's good to know, thanks for sharing! There are a lot of questions about the best materials to use to create hides and basking spots so hopefully this will help lots of people.

beardy27 · Dec 6, 2015

So you mod podge and then sealed as well? If so what sealer did you use?

jeremy283 · Dec 6, 2015

beardy27":lpp3pmj4 said:
So you mod podge and then sealed as well? If so what sealer did you use?

Mod podge was my sealer.

I used normal mod podge matte that I got from Walmart. Four thick layers sprayed on from a spray bottle.

jerrbear · Jan 8, 2016

Got a question for ya. I'm build my large vivarium in my basement before bringing it upstairs. The enclosure has a bit of flex to it. I'm making fake rock walls for the sides and back and was wondering if the grout will crack when moving it?

jeremy283 · Jan 8, 2016

Sure, there is a risk of cracking but I feel there is less of a chance of cracking with sanded grout vs unsanded grout. This large structure initially had flex to it as well but once completed it seemed pretty rock solid (no cracking).

jerrbear · Jan 23, 2016

jeremy283":2acox5kw said:
beardy27":2acox5kw said:

So you mod podge and then sealed as well? If so what sealer did you use?

Click to expand...

Mod podge was my sealer.

I used normal mod podge matte that I got from Walmart. Four thick layers sprayed on from a spray bottle.

How'd you find the sealer spraying from the bottle? Did you have to water it down?

jeremy283 · Jan 23, 2016

Yes it is watered down quite a bit but still works great.

Madzilla101 · Mar 9, 2016

I think the sanded grout was better because it make more rocky and more realistic. I just redid my enclosure with styrofoam and grout and I used the sanded grout. It looked very realistic and had more texture.

groan · Mar 11, 2016

Did you paint the build or is that jsut the color of the sanded grout? I suppose it darkened a bit when you podged?

jerrbear · Mar 11, 2016

For mine, I had two different grout colors. After I was satisfied with the grout layers, I took the other color and kind of streaked across with my to make some highlights for my final coat. I'll try to get pics uploaded tonite of my setup. I used Varathane Diamond Exterior Finish- water based for sealing. Even with several layers of this sealer over the sanded grout, I still have a nice rough finish from using sanded grout.

There's a guy on YouTube Reptile Creations who made a wicked canyon landscape from which I got some of my ideas from

groan · Mar 11, 2016

Water-based? Wont it dissolve with cleaning or perhaps it needs a lot of water to dissolve...

jerrbear · Mar 11, 2016

It's water based instead of solvent based. Meaning the fumes are not nearly as strong and toxic. When water based solutions are wet and not cured yet, it's very easy to clean up as well. It's strong as a rock when it's dried and cured!

I also like the fact that it is a waterproof finish so I can easily steam all my hides and platforms to sanitize them when needed

Sanded Grout is the Best!

jeremy283

Member

CooperDragon

BD.org Sicko

beardy27

Member

jeremy283

Member

jerrbear

Member

jeremy283

Member

jerrbear

Member

jeremy283

Member

Madzilla101

Member

groan

Member

jerrbear

Member

groan

Member

jerrbear

Member

Members online

Still Needs Help

Beardie won't lay eggs in her laybox??!!

Latest resources

Latest posts

Latest profile posts

Forum statistics

Share this page