This probably won't be the best of instructions but I will go for it anyways. The biggest thing to remember is try doing a few sample boards, take your time and just get the hang of it first before you jump headfirst into a big project because everybody does these things their own way and needs to find a good level for themselves. I tried creating some little faux rock hides and a partial rock wall climb thing first before I made the project that you can see completed with before and after pictures in this link here: forums.kingsnake.com/view.php?id=1461419,1461419
Here is my material list the best I can remember it:
1) 2" Thick Foam Insulation Board
2) Liquid Nails/Silicone
3) Caulking Gun
4) Paint Thinner
5) Paint Brush
6) Razor Blade
7) Clay Scoring Tools/Small Bristled Brush/Etc
8) Sanpaper
9) PolyBlend Sanded Grout(whatever shade you wish)
10) Quikrete Concrete Acrylic Fortifier(powdered prefered)
11) Liquid Or Powder Cement Coloring
12) Non-Toxic Acrylic Paint(you can get this from a craft store)
13) Clear Satin WATER-Based(NOT oil-based) Paint Sealant
With all the materials you use just remember that it needs to both be suitable for the environment(heat/humidity/underwater) and be non-toxic to your pet. If you are unsure about the item you are using and if it is safe, ask that specific question on the forum and see who turns up with what because for a lot of species it seems that this hobby is 10% what you know and 90% what you can still learn. And now to get started.
1) Take your foam board and cut it roughly to the shape you want it, then use the Liquid Nails or Silicone to adhere it to the backboard.
2) Now do a slightly smaller piece a diffent shape and continue to layer it out to your desired thickness adhering each foam board to the one behind it. Create ledges, small hide areas, places for plants if you wish. Just be creative and take a step back to visualize it if you need.
3) Once all of your pieces are in place you can start using the razor blade to cut grooves and shape the details on the rocks. Try dabbing a little paint thinner, but use it VERY sparingly as it takes a few min to start making its mark on the foam. I kept reference pictures of what kind of rocks I wanted it to look like by my side or up on my computer screen. Just work around and make sure you get it to look how you want before you move on to the next step.
4) Prepare your grout. I started with my basic color layer on the bottom. Mix the grout using the Concrete Acrylic Fortifier instead of water. You want your first batch to be runny enough so that it fills in all the gaps. Once you have your first layer of grout down and all the surfaces are covered, prepare your next layer. I prepared my layers in order from my darkest shade to my lightest. You can do however you see fit though. Each layer should be a bit less runny as long as it is thinner than the consistancy of peanut butter you are good. Continue to put down layer after layer letting each one dry before applying the next. Don't rush and do one really thick layer because it will have a much higher tendancy to crack.
5) Now you are on your final layer of grout. When this layer is about the consistency of clay, use the clay scoring tools, small bristle brush, or even toothpick to maintain a natural look to the rock. Just keep that reference picture handy. Use a bit of sanpaper to wear down the layer if you wish. Keep on taking a step back and checking your work.
6) If you are not confident with this step it is ok if you skip it. It is only here incase you wish to add just that little extra touch of realism. If you see spots that need shadowing, now is the time to do it with the acrylic paint. I prefer using the paint dry and just VERY VERY small amounts at a time. Remember that this is not a portrait, you are just trying to shade slightly.
7) Spray/apply several layers of your water-based sealant letting each one dry inbetween. I think I used Polycrylic Water-Based Clear Satin Protective Finish on mine if I remember correctly.
8) Wait a couple weeks before furnishing and introducing your animal.
You Are Done!
Once again though, this was just a guidline of how I did mine and I strongly encourage you to seek out more tutorials and ask SPECIFIC questions about materials before you use them if you are unsure about the safety of that product. This was my solution for Desert Iguanas which require a very dry and hot environment. If you need a more humid environment or need water features you may want to consider asking other people to review your method and flag anything that looks like it won't work for your situation.
Hope This Helps!
-Matt
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0.0.3 Desert Iguanas(Dipsosaurus dorsalis)
1.2.0 Tucson Banded Geckos(Coleonyx variegatus bogerti)
1.0.0 California Alligator Lizards(Elgaria multicarinata multicarinata)
0.0.1 San Diego Gopher Snake(Pituophis catenifer annectens)
so I am pretty sure the materials I used would hold up very well in a temperate/woodland climate. The cool part is this part