Most terrariums are made with layers of filler, charcoal, soil, plants and decorations. But some terrariums have a design where adding water will make it look amazing. But how to make artificial water for a terrarium? In this post, you will find step by step instructions on how to make fake water for a terrarium.
Few of the ways to make fake water for a terrarium are by using candle gel wax, epoxy resin (polyester resin is a less preferred choice), blue decorative stones and crystals and special realistic water products.
Way #1: Candle gel wax
You can make fake water in a terrarium by using candle gel wax like this. Candle gel wax is mainly made mineral oil, and some resin added to the mix.
To make artificial water with candle gel, take a small piece of candle gel wax, put it in a small pot, and melt until it’s liquid. Let it cool a little bit (this will prevent bubbles later). Then, add bright blue coloring of any other blue shade coloring to the wax. For dye, you can use some acrylic paint like this or epoxy resin dye.
For other extra effects, you can add some glitter to the fake water. Some dyes will also have glitter in them already.
To fill the part of your terrarium with fake water, put masking tape to separate the part where you want to fill it. Gently pour the wax there and let it dry. When it has dried, you can remove the tape. Allow at least 24 hours to settle and dry.
Way #2: Epoxy resin
Another way to make fake water for your terrarium is to use epoxy resin. To use epoxy resin, you need to get epoxy and a hardener (which often come together) like this.
To harden epoxy, you will need to add some hardener (please follow instructions) to make it harden up. Usually, you need to mix half epoxy and half hardener.
First of all, pour some epoxy in a cup and add the hardener. Keep adding some dye and keep mixing until it’s the color that you wish.
Put the masking tape to separate the terrarium part and then add the epoxy resin. However, if there is going to be any barrier with soil and epoxy, you must create a barrier or epoxy will seep into the soil! To create a barrier, you can use a plastic piece (clear or dark) or anything else that will not melt when in contact with warm epoxy.
One important thing to remember is that you must not pour the whole layer of epoxy resin straight away, as it will crack. It’s also the best practice to pour epoxy mix on a flat surface.
Make sure you only pour up to 6 mm (around 1/4 inch) of epoxy per time. You must then let it cure for around 24 hours, before you pour another layer. Otherwise, it will crack.
If there are any bubbles, you can get rid of them by gently blowing on them (it will burst them). Avoid touching resin as it will stick and create uneven surfaces.
If you wish to add other specific effects, such as falling water from a waterfall, you can easily do it. If you have a hot glue gun or simply PVA glue, tap some glue to make a long stick (as thick as you want the wave to be), with some irregularities on sides. When it dries, you can stick it on a waterfall feature or another object.
You can also cut a long piece of a plastic bottle, make some cuts on the sides to imitate falling water and glue it on top of the waterfall etc.
Way #3: Blue decorative stones or crystals
Another way that you can imitate water in a terrarium is by adding a layer of blue stones in a crystal form like this. Depending on which look you are going for, you can choose smaller grade stones in a sand form, or slightly larger crystals.
Making an artificial lake, pond or sea in a terrarium using small crystals is very easy. All you have to do is to make an outline and add the stones. You don’t need to use any glue, unless you need to glue stones on a waterfall feature or similar. You can use some E6000 or hot glue for this purpose.
Way #4: Realistic water product
Another easy to way to create artificial water in a terrarium would be to use a product called realistic water by Woodland Scenics like this. The brand also has other products (deep pour water for deep water effects), as well as products to make waves and ripples.
To make artificial water with this product, you just need to pour it on the ready surface. Make sure not to pour more than 6mm (1/4 of an inch) per layer. Let it dry before pouring another layer. Make sure it doesn’t come in contact with soil or other materials, as it will soak in.
Other less preferred options for making artificial water
Apart from epoxy resin, you could also potentially use a polyester resin. However, polyester resin emits more toxic fumes and you would need to wear a mask. Also, it becomes hard much quicker, so you will not have much time to work with it until you need to pour it (pot time).
There is also a polyurethane resin, that you could use for making artificial water in a terrarium. But, same as polyester resin, its pot time is much shorter and it releases fumes, so you would need to wear a mask.
How to make waves and ripples on artificial water?
If you want to add other nice effects to your artificial water, you can do so after your artificial water hardens. There are few ways to add ripples or waves.
For example, you can use clear silicone that you will paint on with a brush and allow to dry. This way, you can create small waves and ripples.
Then, you can also use medium to heavy gel like this one or glazing medium for different types of water effects. If you wish to create heavier effects, then choose a heavy gel. Gel and glazing medium are often used by artists to thicken their paint.
Medium gel is for medium sized effects, and gloss or semi-gloss glazing medium – for lighter. Opt for medium glazing products for better visibility. But you can use any type to create water effects that you wish.
Thank you for reading this post on making fake water for terrariums! If you wish to learn more about terrarium making and care, please see this resource page.