Editing Foam Background Guide (section)

== Materials ==

=== Required: ===

* Enclosure: Suitable size and type enclosure for future plant or animal inhabitants.
** Examples: Exo Terra, Zoo Med, Fish tank.

* Safety equipment:
** Well-ventilated space: Some materials used in this guide release fumes prior to curing that are toxic or flammable. The work space should have plenty of fresh air and ventilation while working and curing.
** Disposable gloves: Some materials used in this guide will stick permanently to most surfaces, including skin. Gloves can also be used to spread silicone and substrate.
** Eye protection: Use safety glasses, ideally goggles. You do not want expanding foam in your eyes, enough said. 
** Face mask or respirator: Some steps in the background construction process will send dust or small plastic foam particles airborne. These particles can be dangerous if inhaled - so be sure to use a face mask or respirator when applying or shaving expanding foam, or applying substrate to your background.
* Expanding foam: Polyurethane expanding foam, typically sold in an aerosol can.
** Examples: Great Stuff ™ Gaps & Cracks, Great Stuff ™ Pond & Stone.

* Silicone: The important thing here is to use 100% silicone, which is free from filler ingredients that may interact with water or living things in your enclosure.
** Example: ASI Aquarium Sealant, other aquarium-grade silicone, GE Silicone 1*.

* Substrate: Any fine substrate with the desired texture will do, but it must be completely dry during the application process. Substrates or mixtures with some organic plant matter may be more suitable for vines / epiphytic growth.
** Example: Reptisoil, fine coconut coir, etc.

* Caulk gun: For applying silicone that typically comes in 10-oz tubes.
* Utility knife or Drill with Wire Brush bit: For shaving off the shiny outermost layer of the expanding foam.

=== Recommended: ===

* Cork bark: Can be adhered directly to expanding foam to create texture or ledges.
* Other branches / hardscape: Wood and other hardscape can add habitable space for plants and animals, and aesthetically adds depth.
* Vacuum cleaner: To clean up tiny bits of foam, and substrate.

<nowiki>*</nowiki> There is some debate within the community over the safety/purity of GE Silicone 1. Aquarium-grade silicone is strongly recommended. 

Pro Tip: We strongly recommend buying all supplies before you begin, and buying more than you think you'll need (unless you live across the street from a hardware store). It's not fun to spend half your project time driving back and forth from the store to get more supplies! You can usually return what you don't use later.