Posted by:
Bigtattoo
at Sun Feb 27 10:51:10 2005 [ Email Message ] [ Show All Posts by Bigtattoo ]
IMHO Spar urethane is unnecessary, while it does have great abilities in humid, even wet applications, the significant off gassing times and possible long term off gassing even when fully cured may not be good for your herps.
I've used oil based poly urethane in so many wet applications without problems for years. Floors, kitchen and bathroom counters as well as numerous reptile enclosures. Your herp enclosures are certainly not going to get the regular wear and tear that a floor would have and I have had poly last for years with just 3 good coats. Off gassing time is minimal compared to some of the other materials mentioned and application is about as easy as it can get.
For an initial sealer coat on pine I would recommend a 50/50 mix with thinner to penetrate deeper into the grain. A light sanding and follow up with three coats of straight poly. I would suggest doing all surfaces for ease of maintanence. I would agree with Chris on the Burm enclosure for floor coverings like vinyl. You might even consider a 6" band around the walls once the floor is in.
If you're really that concerned with wearability then get gym floor finish poly but even that is overkill.
The two oldest enclosures I've made are a Burm enclosure that's 8 years old and a Monkey Tailed Skink one that's 6 years old. Of the two the Burm enclosure shows a little discoloration on the floor from urates but the finish is still in very good shape. The skink enclosure still looks new.
Why try to build a better mousetrap when the old one works fine?
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Hope this helps.
BigT
There is a difference between ignorance and stupidity. The ignorant can be taught, stupidity is beyond our control.
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RE: A Good Sealer For Pine? - Bigtattoo, Sun Feb 27 10:51:10 2005