For best results cover the bottom with plastic. Sintra (a type of expanded PVC board) is an ideal covering. You can buy it at www.usplastic.com.



Chris gave you good advice for the paint. Water-based semigloss or gloss paint used for bathrooms will hold up well on the sides and ceiling.



If you do not want to cover the floor with plastic, then you will have to repaint the floor often, which is doable, if using water-based acrylic.



I tried some spray epoxy paint on a tank cover made of pine molding and screen. It took about a month to cure and took at least 2 months for the smell to leave. Man, what a tough finish. Way way tougher than water-based paint. Looks like the finish on a washing machine. Probably really expensive for an entire cage, and touch-ups take a long time to cure.



Another idea is polyester resin. We used to make skimboards with plywood and resin, and they held up to salt water. Probably a good month of smell. Hard to paint on but tough as nails and the closest to waterproof you will get. No colors though. Just clear.
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Mark

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