How to Make a Fake Rock Geocaching
Geocaching is a popular recreational past time equivalent to a modern-day treasure hunt, except when you go geocaching, you know that likely there is something there to be found. Geocaching is where a GPS system is used to follow clues or a set of coordinates to a place where something is hidden. Many times out of courtesy if an explorer finds the cache, they replace it with something new to keep the the hunt going.
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Things You'll Need
- Geocache container
- Styrofoam sheets
- PVA glue
- Duct tape
- Brown spray paint
- Gray spray paint
- Local sand or dust
- Small bag of concrete
Instructions
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How to Make a Fake Rock for Geocaching
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Stick together sheets of Styrofoam using the waterproof PVC glue. You want a big block that you can carve into an ideal rock-like shape. Make sure there's enough room to carve an indentation in the bottom for the geocache container without compromising the rest of the fake rock.
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2
Wait for the glue to dry, and carve the basic outline of a rock in the Styrofoam. You want to make sure it is large enough to hollow out for the geocache container. Spray paint this Styrofoam gray. While this step is optional, it helps keep a deep color that helps make it look more realistic if weather wears on it.
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3
Line the entire thing with duct tape. Silver is okay, but if you can find a brown or more rock gray color that's even better. This will make the base of the fake rock resistant to water. Spray paint with rock gray spray paint, or another color if that is more appropriate to match the rocks in your local ecosystem. Sometimes in drier climates tan and burnt sienna work better. Let the paint dry.
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Cut the hole in the bottom. You want the geocache container to fit in snugly and securely.
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Make a diluted mix with the concrete. Add a little bit of extra water, and then smear the top of the fake rock with PVC glue. The diluted cement should spread easily, and the glue will hold it in place. Wait for the cement to dry fully.
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6
Once dried, spray paint the cement one more time. Some people like to spray patches of dark brown underneath to give the rock a dirty, more realistic outdoors feel. When you place the rock outdoors, put actual sand or dirt on and around it, and maybe even some local weeds or flowers to help it blend into the environment and provide a fun challenge for any geocachers looking for your fake rock!
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Tips & Warnings
Experiment with different colored paints or tapes based on the color of the soil, rocks, or landscape in your area.
Make sure to work in a well-ventilated area when working with spray paint.
References
Resources
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Comments
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How do you keep this from blowing away in the wind?
