Water Proofing Background Options

[ndame88]

I posted this as well on another forum, but since its more of a Paludarium, thought I would post it here as well.

Still trying to determine the best option for waterproofing my unsanded motar background build and some fake rock wall I plan to build to hide the egg crate next to the water area. My searching has come up with the following options:

1. All Shields Waterproof Sealer Clear for wood,masonry,roofs,metal

2. Dry-Lok Natural UGL - DRYLOK® Masonry - Clear Protectors

3. Pond Armor Pond Armor - Non Toxic Epoxy and Polyurea Pond Liners and Sealers

4. Silicon

My initial thought was to go with the Dry-Lok because it will not leave a shinny finish which is what I want, but concerned about the long term hold up especially the fake rock wall. Pond Armor is pricy but seems to be the best waterproofing option, I contacted the company they recommended taking a scouring pad to it after it dries to take away the shine.

Thoughts? Opinions

[jermajesty]

Wait so drylock is completely waterproof without sealing?? i diidnt know that..
And yea, the pond sheild is the best, although i havent looked into drylock yet.

[ndame88]

Not sure Dry Lok is 100% waterproof by its self, but on one of the forums I came across a few people who did builds with mortar and just Dry LoK.

[pleh]

A friend sealed his outdoor pond and his cement walls/roof by thinning silicone and painting it on. I think he used two tubes of silicone to a gallon of thinner. On the pond edges you couldn't see the difference on the cement until you splashed water up the side, then the treated area would bead off and above that the water would wet it. I've used it for sealing foam by mixing silicone with naptha 1:2.

[ndame88]

So I went with 3 layers of mortar, then clear Pond Armor, turned my grey rock formations black and left the whole thing super shinny. I hated the look, ended up putting two more coats of mortar, going to seal it with DryLok Natural tomorrow, we will see how it turns out.