How To Create A Rock Wall With Foam Board, Paint And Epoxy | RK3 Designs

Ultimate Top Coat Instructions:
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0:00 - Intro
1:29 - Carving The Foam Wall
6:39 - Texturing The Foam Wall
11:08 - Carving & Coating The Foam Backsplash
15:25 - Undercoating The Foam Wall
16:36 - Painting The Wall
26:24 - Painting The Backsplash
30:11 - Sealing The Wall
33:07 - Glazing The Wall
38:19 - Glazing The Backsplash
42:08 - Spray Sealing vs UTC
46:27 - Applying The UTC
52:23 - Wrap Up
RK3 Designs is a learning studio focused on teaching how to create beautiful epoxy finishes using Stone Coat Countertop Epoxy. These tutorials include epoxy countertops for kitchens, bathrooms, and much more. This channel provides tutorials for DIYers, contractors, designers, or artists.
Rhonda Dracoulis Founder and Primary Instructor
RK3 Designs started as a way for Rhonda to showcase her creativity but has blossomed into a way to help others find theirs. Her obsession with painting led her to start refinishing furniture and kitchen cabinets. She found customers wanted a nicer option than laminate but more affordable and customizable than natural stone, which lead her to countertop epoxy! Since then, she’s helped thousands of students, from across the country (and even Canada eh?).
If you prefer a more hands-on learning experience, book a class with Rhonda today: www.RK3designs.com/book-online RK3 offers numerous classes that cater to different levels of experience.
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[@RK3Designs]

rk3designs.com || Which side of the rock wall did y'all like most?

[@stop_and_smell_the_roses]

Toward the end I couldn't decide.... they both looked great. Question for you. If it were in the shower area wouldn't the water pool in the grooves and maybe cause scaley build-up ? Just wondering.

[@marysorrells]

I liked your side of the faux rock better.

[@RK3Designs]

@@stop_and_smell_the_roses I don’t think it would be a bid deal. Just use a spray cleaner and wipe. I’ve seen showers that were made of real stone that are fine. 😊😊

[@KristiSage]

I love them both. I could see them in a fireplace & I like the island surround idea.

[@nataliarichardson539]

I like them both as each side has there own beauty!👍👍👍

[@jamescox801]

From what I have learned from foam working, using acetone and a thin paintbrush will dissolve the foam with less mess and spritzing it with water and taking a heat gun to it gives it some of the best texture still with little to no mess. Hope this helps some people.

[@RK3Designs]

Great advice!! Thank you so much!!! 😊😊

[@barbaramitchell8018]

+

[@louisefulton8279]

Not a fan of the turquoise

[@mrsducky3428]

Excellent! Thank you!

[@crazyericstewartofcanton9999]

Thank You James!!! These Are Some Very Good Pointers!!! This Will Eliminate All Those Styrofoam Crumbs That Get Everywhere And Cling To Everything!!!💪💪💪❤️❤️❤️

[@daveyinparis1]

50 years ago we used to make all our set designs with sheet foam. In those days we just used petrol to create the weathered natural look. Then we'd paint it up to look like stone arches or log cabins. Foam is such a versatile material. You're only limited by your imagination.

[@ittybittykittyrescue4843]

Seems so much more simpler & less expensive. Thanks for sharing.

[@TikiTiffany]

Could you use foam in a bathroom?

[@daveyinparis1]

@@TikiTiffany Yes, as long as you seal it well. I've had a foam sculpture outside for a few years and because it's been sealed with a few coats of all weather sealer on top of the artwork, it has not deteriorated at all.

[@kylezilke4921]

40 years ago, I used to do sets and we used acetone to weather the foam for stone walls. I would take a brush and fling it at the styrofoam to eat out spots. Then we used at least 3 shades of gray.

[@WestonRebornCreW1]

@@daveyinparis1 is that for it being in direct sunlight also?

[@thisresinates5655]

This is great for my RV!! I did NOT want to do stick on tile; it doesn’t hold up. But tile is WAY too heavy in an RV and fragile! What a great lightweight alternative for my shower !! 🚿 thanks guys-!

[@francesmorgan9445]

I would like to do this on my basement walls. Our basement is a finished 2 bedroom apartment. The only problem is it has block walls on the exterior and my husband and I disagree about insulating them because likes the painted blocks and the painting technique that was done on them. The outside of the house is real slate rock so I think, especially in the living room it would give me the insulation I want and him the look he wants. It's a win win for us! Thank you so much for this idea to end our 6 year disagreement. ❤️

[@BUCURPOPA]

Hi Ronda! Tx for this unlock! ;P These kind of panels would have a very functional purpose built even from thicker foam and glued to external walls of the house or garage, offering a better insulation by increasing the R value of that wall, also you don't need to worry about re painting or changing a wallpaper. Also in shower panels or wrapping up a kitchen island is great idea, and why not, maybe even head boards for beds or big dresser doors. The small backsplash could also be carved and glued to door architrave/jamb casing/decorative trim around the door! I would not place them close to an intense source of heat though as the foam might melt if it got hot.

[@RK3Designs]

I agree!!! So so many options!!!! 😊😊😊

[@marysorrells]

I am just BLOWN AWAY WITH THIS VIDEO!!!!! Wow, wow, WOW!!!! You started my wheels turning!!!! Faux Effects has so many plaster products that you could use to build up on the rocks to make the rocks different heights and textures!!! I can’t wait to experiment with my ideas. Of course I love the turquoise!!!!! Even your mica flakes would add more interest.

[@RK3Designs]

I knew you would like this. You think like me! ❤️❤️

[@phillipstroll7385]

This is old school stuff. In fact, of bet my legs that half the buildings in your city are built out of metal studs covered in Styrofoam and rock texture paint. While the interiors are foam carved with cylinder block, wood, Stone patterns then painted. Fast growing cities have been doing this for at least two decades. Also using slick finished concrete with stains to emulate marble then epoxied over. Old old old stuff. It's cheap, fast and often stands up to tornadoes. Almost every modern (built in the last two to three decades) hospital, doctors office, federal building is built out of this decorated foam. It's also good against hurricanes. As long as the plates are attached to the studs etc.

[@kcdcdesigns]

It's mind boggling what can be done! Thank you both for sharing this technique as it will open so many doors for others! What you both did looks amazing, on just a simple piece of foam!!!!!

[@vickiwilcox133]

Love the slate looking backsplash too! And “yes” for the turquoise on the rock wall!

[@herbst777]

Absolutely love the turquoise ! Paynes grey would look amazing too as would many other juicy colors.

[@crystalhuntbeebe4800]

I absolutely love this faux rock wall I'd have to say the side with the turquoise gives it a natural weathered look great job ladies, I'm definitely gonna try this out and have it as my accent wall 😉

[@teresa6775]

So glad I found this channel. I've been planning this project for about a year now and just came across this video. I have learned you can also use a hair dryer or heat gun to "roughen up" the foam board. Then, if you very lightly spray it with water prior to the hair dryer or heat gun, it makes it look even better. Fantastic rock wall !!!!!

[@wildfire294]

Absolutely, turquoise goes in all my paintings! I like that shape rock and those colors best. Looks more realistic and natural. Loved the video you guys did a great job

[@kathyhudson7959]

I love the faux rock foam board. Who would ever had thought you could do that. I am going to make a pet door in my slidiing glass door and am going to try this. Thanks for such good ideas.

[@cherylcleveland3529]

I LOVE the turquoise added in. I've been doing this on a smaller scale building a castle and bridges for my grandkids on a train table.

[@RK3Designs]

How fun!!

[@candacehawaiipatriot278]

I did like the blue as well!

[@patsaxton220]

I love the added turquoise! My favorite side is the spray can rub as it looks much more like stone. It’s a great project and excellent look. Keep up the wonderful ideas.

[@collam1299]

Can I use it on outside the house?

[@ritatorres1627]

Absolutely love these faux finishes❣ Thank you for great ideas

[@laurahagfors9646]

I love both these techniques. Both different but very cool. Rhonda's side has more depth if you want more of a rustic rock. Amazing work. Hope you'll have the sample when I come down for class.

[@peteschiapelli3944]

OMG.. THE SOUND! I COULD NEVER DO THIS. But amazing. This is how Hollywood does their backdrops! I've been on several movie sets.. & foam is a must!

[@lindamyers9401]

I would have never thought of using turquoise on that, but I like it. It makes the wall look more realistic. So does the effects with the double gloves!

[@SS-cc8wr]

So cool, didn't know this foam could be done this way! Always more colors make it pop!

[@daniellejohnson199]

I love the transformation.....and the turquoise! Well-done!

[@michaeloliver6745]

That’s crazy cool!!! It’s foam and it’s amazing what can be done!! Looks amazing!!!

[@CeruleanBlue1967]

A big yes to the turquoise! I’m the same way with blue. I want it on/everything! I love this technique. Thanks for sharing

[@RK3Designs]

You bet!! 😊

[@janicebillingsley1287]

Luv this rock wall!!!! This is exactly what I was looking for on a wall in my living room behind TV and cabinet. Will do panels floor to ceiling for 10' x 10' wall. Will try green and blue highlights to go with decor, not turquoise ;) ! Thanks so much for this great demo, luv it!!!!!

[@sylviasanchez5229]

You all did a beautiful job love the turquoise in the rock this is amazing thank you for sharing

[@philindeblanc]

Lot of great effort and materials used! I cant say its a uplifting and pleasing look, as it looks like a dungeon look, but for such a look it is good work. I think as mentioned in the start, a lighter, gray mortar look would be much better than black. And yes, the turquoise helped, but very muddy dark dungeon look.

[@SneekySecrets]

Very cool. Rare to see a totally new idea with many potential uses that is affordable and easy to do. Another great use for this idea is to camouflage a damaged area needing a solution with some thickness.

[@rendaowe]

So many ideas are going on in my artistic mind right now! Mind blown! Thank you for this video!

[@sharonhotho7181]

I love it with the turquoise!!! I’ll be doing this above my guest cottage fireplace!!

[@stevemc6861]

Your rock wall is one of the best I've seen doing my research of creating faux rocks. I'm going to use this technique on the back wall of my aquarium. With fish safe materials, of course. I especially like the glove technique. The rocks came out so real looking. THANK YOU for the awesome inspiration.

[@RK3Designs]

Thank you so much!!! I appreciate you watching!!! 😊😊

[@samwareham8364]

Came across this by accident whilst searching for vivarium decoration. Love the whole process and outcome, as for where to use. I am making backgrounds for my 7 Leopard Gecko vivariums enclisures. I am from England, so I need to find equivalent products for some of the materials. It's a great tutorial, thank you 😊

[@karenmusa3052]

Omg the turquoise is for me every time..both sides are stunning

[@KristiSage]

Hey Rhonda & Deb, two of my most favorite faux finishers! 😉 This is amazing!! And the timing is absolutely perfect!! I’ve been doing some research on faux wood boards to create some wood beams for our homes vaulted ceilings. This guy used foam insulation panels and with a wire brush & some acrylic paint they looked very realistic. In addition to that, I think the hammered spray paint could give it some interest, but sparingly. This is a great video. Thank you!!! 🫶🏼❤️ I welcome any other ideas you might have. All the best -kristi

[@davypaul9827]

kristi i've been experiementing and playing with this type of work for minute, ha. If interested I could offer a few more things I have seen or dont myself.

[@lynnarthur1411]

Turquoise is my favorite stone. So yes…I’d add it. Beautiful faux stone look 😍

[@RK3Designs]

Thank you!! 😊

[@bettypruitt7582]

Yes on the turquoise! Think about how Turquoise is mined. Beautiful!!! Love both techniques!!!

[@tomhdg]

Stunning! I would like suggestions on mounting and on how to interlock panels (that would be a great video!). We’re going to attempt this for our bedroom wall. Since I’m currently not sure how to do an interlocking panel, we are planning on doing a wood ‘grid’ and placing each panel inside the ‘block’. As for that turquoise…. I have a birth ‘defect’ that gives me an extra cone in both eyes, so I see color a bit different and pick up more colors on the spectrum than ‘normal’ people do. If you could see what see, you would be even more impressed with the turquoise as I pick up a tinted green and blue. It’s gorgeous!

[@ViKee010]

What a wonderful birth “defect”!!!

[@johnpatrick1647]

For interlocking panels, try tounge-and-grooving them. That's a great way to join two panels together without a very noticeable seam.

[@dianedavis1620]

.

[@kimiramsey6499]

The spray paint side looks fabulous!!

[@merilee222]

I think I would use both spray paint and the acrylic, but not on the same "stone" so it looks like a mix of differently sourced stones.

[@robinmckenzie4142]

The turquoise is great i love it !! I really love this technique!! Thanks for sharing . Both sides are great but i like the one with the turquoise in it😉

[@leteishiamosley2057]

This was an awesome video. I love how realistic these rocks look. Thank you for sharing!!

[@RK3Designs]

You bet. Thanks for watching!

[@thedangerousbeauty]

This looks amazing! Great job ladies so detailed.

[@kathycandelaria2115]

The blue added is very pretty. Both really do look great

[@robinzachery5827]

Loved the turquoise! Loved the spray paint and hands on method best.

[@madusonkeeper]

I have thought of doing this in the past. Glad to know it works may need in my new home

[@teresagriffin]

I liked the side with the teal tones. Great idea!

[@vickinger]

❤️. Words can't express how inspirational that was!

[@onedayatagirl]

Acrylic side is amazing. I'm all over this technique.

[@dgb56bgd]

NICE! I like both finishes. Super cool 😎! Blessings y’all.

[@Msstudiocreations]

I honestly love the touches of turquoise on the rock wall. There are so many variations in nature I feel it would be out there somewhere

[@carolynworden524]

Yes yes yes on the turquoise. Or mossy green or rusry red. Or mustard yellow. Love this technique.

[@pblackcrow]

I would do it on the outside of my mobile house when I redo it to my tastes. And make it look like lapis lazuli on the larger stones, with sodalite and turquoise for the smaller ones. With antique ivory for the grout.

[@yvonnerobertson9522]

I like the turquoise. 1st time watching your channel. I see a faux fireplace in my apt. Thank you. Great backslash even for a rental. Yes on more faux finishes.

[@sueharris6616]

Give her a break! I’ll admit I’ve never done this before so any explanation she adds is helpful.

[@joelbrock6561]

Rhonda you do such a great job of being on Camera and explaining the procedures

[@rallen9433]

I love the blue stone, I did my wood cabinets in a jeans blue...I will try that for my walls and back splash... Thanks.

[@lillynewkirk6631]

That spray painted look is amazing

[@celiabroadhead2217]

I like the spray paint version of color. The turquoise looks great!

[@lizmolinar9575]

Very impressive I like the bit of turquoise that you added Rhonda but they're both beautiful and the backsplash makes me what to get creating ❤❤

[@timothyfreeman9917]

So love this. Exactly what I'm looking for

[@KarenC_SerenadeRotts]

I like just the touch of turquoise! And both finishes so thak you for showing us both!

[@RK3Designs]

You bet!! 😊

[@pcdube6939]

Love your creativity - beautiful -- I like with no quick quote

[@sassyshekshek]

Sprayed foam is nice afterwards. It gives it that cement look

[@joydrane6647]

This is so Awesome! I really enjoyed watching you create this. Thank you for sharing this technique. Again, Awesome!!!

[@RK3Designs]

You bet!! Thanks for watching!!

[@ps3845]

WOW just WOW not even finished all the video yet but this is amazing what a game changer for everybody, carnt wait to try this it's amazing I love it thanks for sharing xxx

[@RK3Designs]

You bet!!! I’m glad you’re enjoying the video 😊😊

[@donaldgrant8433]

I lived in Warner robins back in the eighties, I left my true love in Macon and never been the same since. I love this video.

[@missy5587]

I definitely like Deb's side! Amazing

[@maladyhawkemaladyhawke8864]

I love the turquoise touch, would then have a unique turquoise vase sitting in the kitchen to accent that color

[@angeliamoore6973]

Beautiful job! I would like to suggest using a respirator. The concept is fantastic . Thx for sharing

[@tynitahaines4012]

I love what you do....simply beautiful.

[@renees766]

I tore out an end cabinet n replaced it with a dishwasher. Hadn't figured out how to cover the end till now! Thanks for a great idea!

[@tlrmd4you]

Rhonda I love all your videos so very much...Debbie, I think your side looks just like my flagstone in my entrance and in my courtyard with a waterfall. I love this idea!!!

[@thinleydem7063]

Awesome!!!!Just the perfect idea for my new project

[@jbeck4279]

Love it all colors are great and I think I can try it. Amazing and gorgeous.

[@carol1derful]

Hello! This is the first I've watched of your videos! Very interesting 👌 Love the touch of turquoise...my favorite color 💙 I do wish that you'd shown close-ups of each step. And a quick shot of products & their ratios. Thanks 😉

[@Frazzlenodazzle]

A tool for pumpkin carving might work good too. Very cool idea.

[@kathydexter4557]

I think the rock part would look really nice if you did both kinds of rocks randomly amongst each other. All rocks are not exactly the same. It would give it a little bit of character.

[@TheSkyhazFallen]

This is the good side of KZbin and hiw it can be so useful. Thankyou fir sharing, it came out beautifuly.

[@ramilogenita2064]

Thanks for showing us your expertise I love it

[@joni22262]

Florida girl….can see the beach from my house. Did the mayors midnight sun marathon in anchorage and Alaska is beautiful. Driving to the sound the first time was beyond words. Went to whiter (sp?) and saw so many whales, otters and seals. If you’ve never been you have to go for sunmer solstice and fet a mobile home. So glad to see you in Georgia passing on your skills to your son.

[@PHamm54]

This is great, I actually did this in a Rubbermaid Mail Box! I love the “river rock” colors

[@tracyletch9459]

I would like to see this type of application used but adding geometric layers and using metallic pigments to recreate amethyst and other types of stone. I really like the turquoise it's also a color I love the most and like to combine it with copper and deep browns

[@PleaseNThankYou]

I happened upon this technique about 25 years ago while making Halloween decorations. I wanted to make "headstones" out of 2" Styrofoam. I cut the basic shape and started to carve out the "names/dates" . It was horrible and so time consuming! So, I decided to spray paint over it to hide how bad it was. VOILA! I saw it eating up the Styrofoam and it left a beautiful, old, weathered texture. Bright idea...just paint the names/dates and let the paint melt the styro. Looked carved. Knocked out 5 more in less time than the first hand carved. I had the best ever decor that year. I've been pricing faux stone for my living room and can't get below 4000 bucks. I think I've just fixed the problem. THANK YOU ALL for this great idea.

[@dzzspotreptariumeducationa6340]

This would be awesome when we're building our Reptile enclosures. Great video.

[@vanessaboman8143]

In my world turquoise rocks! It's my favourite colour in the world. Not sure which I like most though as both paints do a brilliant job. I don't have any colours so I might try both ways!

[@idcook]

Beautiful work. I liked both sides and glad you added turquoise because it is a reminder that rocks do often have far more color than we realize. As I’m considering something of this kind for a shower wall, I’m wondering how it can be applied to a wall in a way that won’t damage the foam or wind up pulling away from the wall later?

[@donnacaraway9085]

Definitely love the torquoise

[@janinedelouw8077]

Turquoise looks sick!!! Wow ladies I’m watching this at 3:45am and I’m literally hopping in my car at 9am and getting foam!!! This is going too focal point of my living room!!!

[@RK3Designs]

Awesome!! Let us know how it turn out!!

[@karenmontoyapaints-n-craft8894]

Happy Mother’s Day Rhonda and to all mothers watching.

[@RK3Designs]

Thank you!!! 🥰🥰

[@nataliegist2014]

I love both. Add some clear glow in the dark paint and the back splash would look like the stars

[@elizabethcramer3741]

This is absolutely gorgeous! It looks so authentic! Could it be used as a bathroom floor? That would be so cool. Does it hold up as a countertop in the kitchen? Would the foam melt if you put something hot on it?

[@yvettejolivet5736]

Sweet of you all to spend Mother's Day showing this Amazing technique. Love thevFaux Finishes. 2 questions, how to butt sections to seal, thinking to do this on squirting around house using an exterior sealer.. Next question is, do I need to paint or seal the other side, as will it warp ?

[@RK3Designs]

I’m not sure it would be durable enough for skirting. Also I would put something besides epoxy if it will be directly exposed to the elements. Epoxy will become brittle and crack after extended exposure to UV rays. The exterior sealer would be good for sure. As far as seaming, you’ll need something behind it to attach to, then I would use some sort of exterior colored caulking.

[@donnasaltz5431]

Amazing. Wow! Great job.

[@barbaragrace1992]

Yes I totally agree with the blue in the rock. I also would have added a tiny bit of green and purple.

[@samuraihd5642]

WOW 😲!!! I gotta try this!!! Thank you!!!

[@hipdogdsv]

Kewl! I think I'm going to do this for under pinning on my tiny cabin I just built.

[@vikkitibbetts6238]

Really like the turquoise!!

[@prettynink6011]

I love the mossy look.

[@donaldgrant8433]

I liked the one done by the spray paint. That looked the most realistic to me. I would love to do this on my outdoor pizza oven I'm building. May say I love your fingernails. Please let me know what I'll need to do this on my project.

[@dawndowty7569]

I love this! I'm leaning to the darker with turquois in it. I've now GREAT ideas for my apt. No paint to cover, and more class with this style!! OMG! Its going to be fun

[@jillmondt5398]

WOW, I l❤ve this. This promises to be a lot of fun. They are both nice looking. Each methode has its positives. All the looks and themes a person can gat. I will have a blast applying both methods with various colors and textures to get the look I want for my kitchen. My apartment is going to look completely different, and my landlord won't freak out. Well, maybe at first, until he realizes it's faux finishing.😂 Thank you for this great how to video. Awsome. 👍

[@RK3Designs]

Have fun!