How To Create Your Own Cast Live Rock Using Smooth Cast™ 321

Step 3: Shaping Live Rock

Break off and remove as much of the foam from the cured resin/filler as you can. You will notice all of the rock-like texture imprinted into the cured resin. Keep the foam to use in making more live rock pieces.

With the live rock casting taking shape, remove the aluminum foil from the underside of the base. Acetone is used to dissolve the remaining polystyrene foam from the cured resin/filler. Warning: Read and follow all safety precautions when using acetone.

Dispense Acetone into a solvent resistant cup. Slowly pour the acetone over the exposed foam to dissolve it. A solvent resistant container should be used to catch the excess liquid. Pour into crevasses to dissolve any foam that is inside of the casting. Holes and undercuts are now exposed. Used acetone can be saved in a solvent resistant container for future use.

With the foam dissolved, the casting can now be painted.

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