River rocks

[Nathan]

I have a salmon mount on a base, and I need some realistic looking river rocks and sand to go with it. My question is, what supply company makes the best products to fit my needs?

[Dean]

Why by them?  Make them yourself. River rock is an easy base to make out of foam. With paint and wash coats you can make some pretty realistic lookiing river rocks. The key is to make them look different. I know there are posts on rock making becasue I know I've explained it on here a couple times.

[Nathan]

Thanks Dean, one of the reasons that I wanted to buy and not make them is that I don't own an airbrush, and would have to hand paint them. I'm not being cheap about this, but did not see the point in buying rock making supplies, and paints, then learning how to make realistic rocks through trial and error. I'm not a taxidermist, I simply own a very nice piece of taxidermy with a base that has not been finished, and would like to finish it with as little fuss as possible. I appreciate having you reply to my post.

[JNH]

PM Sent

[JE]

If it is just for one base, I would try your local pet/aquarium shop. they should have various gravels/sands/stones ect that would meet your needs, Unless of course weight is a big problem. And I am sure someone can help you with a US brand glue .

[Dean]

 Sorry Nate. I thought you were a taxidermist and was just intimidated to tackle a project like that. I wasn't thinking you were cheap. I was just trying to encourage you to go for it and try it.  I hand paint most of the rocks with a bruchand sponges with little to no airbrush work. My base coat is with a flat house paint. When it's dry I use different colors of acrylic paints and take a cheap paint bruch for trim work. Dab off some of the paint on paper so the brush is on the dry side. Then dab it in different spots on the rock. I also do the same with sponges and other materials to add color and texture.  I spatter on paint with an old tooth brush. spritz water over the rock and dab off some of the color and wash some off. I add water to some paint and do a wash over the rocks. There is endless techniques to making and coloring realistic rocks because no two ever look alike. You can't go wrong. If you don't like it do it over. Once you get the hang of ways to color and blending colors it's endless with the looks you can get. I can do a lot of rocks in short period of time. If you want give it a try. It's easier than you think. The rocks itself can be carved out of foam and a quick method is to coat it with a hard plaster like Hydrocal. There are many othe ways I use but that's one quick way.  For me the best product is one I make myself.  Other wise there is just peoples opinion to which of the prefabricated  ones are better. It's personal opinion and which one applies to the job you're doing. Good luck