2. DESIGN THE TUNNELS
2a. Remove 1 side of the protective
plastic sheeting from 1 piece of
plexiglass. Lay the plexi on the floor,
exposed side up, over newspaper.
2b. Start by creating a horizon line,
about 14" from the top edge of the 3'
end of the plexi. To mask the horizon
line and tunnels, tear the masking
tape in half lengthwise, and working
in sections, use only the torn edge for
the template lines.
2c. From the horizon line, create
your network of tunnels, roughly 2"
in width, by either using this design
as your guide, or creating your own.
2d. Tape off a 2½" border along
the 3 edges of the plexi below your
horizon line.
NOTE: To cut plexiglass, score a deep
line, using a straightedge. Sandwich the
plexiglass between a
straight board (like
a 2× 4) and a table
with the scored line
about ½" away from
the edge of the table,
and clamp it in place.
Put on your safety
goggles. With even
pressure and a quick
downward motion,
snap the plexiglass
along the line.
3. POUR IN THE “SAND”
3a. With newspaper, cover everything above the horizon line. In a
well-ventilated area suitable for
spray painting, place the sheet of
plexi — masking-tape side up —
over the newspaper. Loosely sprinkle
the aquarium gravel over the face
of the plexiglass, making sure the
gravel doesn’t clump or cover solidly.
3b. With the granite finish spray
paint, spray the entire prepped area,
coating evenly and lightly (better to
do 2 light coats than 1 heavy coat).
Dry completely, for at least 4 hours.
