Editing Foam Background Guide (section)

== Directions ==

=== Step 1: Prepare the enclosure ===
Use a damp cloth or paper towel to gently clean and prepare the enclosure. Dust or debris may make it difficult for silicone or foam to adhere properly. Allow the enclosure to dry completely before continuing.

=== Step 2 (optional): Apply a thin silicone foundation ===
Some experienced hobbyists have reported issues with foam backgrounds partially peeling off or become unstuck after construction. 

It's not known why these issues occur (e.g., environmental factors like temperature or humidity, user error, etc.), but using the caulk gun to apply either a thin layer or a few long beads of silicone across the surface area you intend to cover with expanding foam can provide a stronger foundation for the foam to adhere to. 

Let silicone cure 24-48 hours, until the acetic acid (vinegar-like) smell is completely gone.

=== Step 3: Apply expanding foam ===
[[File:Foam background spray foam step 1.png|right|frameless|500x500px]]
Now's the time to put on your eye protection, face covering, and gloves. Increase ventilation in your workspace by opening windows and doors (as weather permits).

Lay the enclosure gently on its back on a soft, flat surface like a rug, carpet, or towel-covered floor. 

Shake the can of unopened expanding foam vigorously per the instructions on the can, and screw on the application tube.

Then, apply the expanding foam by holding the tip of the application tool about an inch (2.5 cm) from the enclosure, and using slow, smooth motions to apply foam evenly across a single side of the enclosure. Take breaks as needed.

Allow this side to expand and dry for at least an hour, then repeat on the other sides of the enclosure you want to cover, turning the enclosure as needed so that the side you're applying foam to is face up.

Tip:

* Leave at least 2 inches (5 cm) of clearance from the edge of the foam to the top of the enclosure, as well as the doors of front-opening enclosures . Remember the foam is going to expand while curing - if you're not careful, it can expand far enough to break the doors of the enclosure or seal them shut.



=== Step 4: Touch up foam and add hardscape ===
[[File:Foam background hardscape and carving.png|right|frameless|500x500px]]
Repeat Step 3 until each wall is covered. Use expanding foam to attach cork bark, wood, and other hardscape to the background by pressing pieces into freshly-applied foam.

Allow 24-48 hours for all of the foam to cure before continuing.

=== Step 5: Shave off the surface of the foam ===
Once the expanding foam is done curing, and you're done attaching your hardscape, it's time to remove the shiny surface layer of the foam to add texture and improve the adhesiveness to silicone.

After putting on your protective eyewear, face covering, and gloves, use either a utility knife or drill with a wire brush drill bit to remove the shiny surface layer from all of the expanding foam. 

This is also a good time to carve texture into the foam, if there's a "look" you're going for.



=== Step 6: Applying silicone and substrate ===
[[File:Foam background Step 6.png|right|frameless|500x500px]]
You'll need your safety equipment for this step, and it has to happen pretty fast.

Lay the tank on its side, with the side you're applying substrate to facing up.

With your gloves on, use the caulk gun to apply lines of silicone across the surface area of the expanding foam. 

The silicone will begin curing immediately, and will lose adhesiveness as time goes on, so you want to do this quickly.

Once you're done applying the silicone lines, use your (GLOVED) hands to spread the silicone evenly across the background, no more than 1/4" thick. Try to cover all of the foam.

Then, pour your substrate mixture onto the uncured silicone and gently but firmly press it down with your gloved hands - use more substrate than you think you need. 

Try to cover all of the foam.

Allow 24-48 hours for the silicone to cure, until it no longer smells like silicone.

Repeat this step until the first layer of substrate has been applied to all background surfaces.

=== Step 7: Touch up ===
Stand the enclosure up and allow loose substrate to collect in the bottom of the enclosure. Vacuum up as much as you can.

Unless you've done this a hundred times, or you're some type of silicone-substrate artisan, you'll likely notice spots where you need to go back and touch things up with more silicone and substrate.

Remember to use your safety equipment, and a fresh set of gloves each application.

Repeat until all of the foam is covered, or you're satisfied with the result!

[[Category:Guides]]