Jeremy wrote:

"Its actually perfectly acceptable to do both, building the rock background and then adding cocofiber to a silicone layer in areas to simulate dirt.



As far as the base, you can use all three with ease. In fact some of the best backgrounds I've seen used Extruded polystyrene as the layer and then used the expanding polyurethane foam to add details and transitions between sections. All are carve-able with a blade or a hot-wire set up. Expanded Polystyrene makes a mess."



True on all counts in my experience, especially the use of extruded base + expanding details/transitions, and expanded being a mess. But as for "plants on rock", one can also skip the silicone & organic step by sculpting and sealing drained planting holes into your "cliff", and/or sculpting soil-retaining sloped ledges for plants, and/or utilizing clasping plants such as creeping fig and ivy.



I haven't used a hot wire but they look pretty slick. I've been plenty happy with a serrated knife with a shallow blade.

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