Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I'm in the process of building 4 4'x2'x15" enclosures out of 1/2" plywood. I haven't got much done so far, but I have a few questions regarding paints, primers, and finishes..

I was going to go with some kind of clear finish but I decided I want to paint them instead. The last time I painted enclosures I used marine fish hold enamel and it was pretty expensive. The plywood actually soaked up so alot of it and I had to use alot more than I had planned so I want to try using some kind of primer for the first couple coats this time. Does anyone know what kind of primer would be ideal for this? I'm looking for a good non-toxic primer.

I will be adding alot of branches/driftwood into these enclosures before the snakes go in them and I'd like to do it right so I was wondering what the best type of clear finish would be to treat all foreign branches and stuff. I'd like to go with something strong, non-toxic, and as waterproof as possible. Any suggestions?

As mentioned above, I've used marine fish hold enamel before and I was pretty impressed with the results, but I'm wondering what works for you guys. What kind of paint would you say is the best for painting the plywood enclosures. Something really tough, possibly comes in a few different colors, waterproof, and non-toxic.
I realize most finishes will be toxic untill they've off-gassed for a while..

Thanks,

Kris

...Also I'll probably end up doing some sanding before I paint it so does anyone know what kind of filler/putty would be best for filling small chips, uneven spots, and small knots?

A few questions:

What species is this for?

Where are you located? I ask this because Kelly Moore in the Western US makes a water-based epoxy called EnviroPoxy. It is clear but I believe it can be tinted.

Do you want an apply it and forget it finish or for the sake of saving $$ do you mind something you may have to reapply every few years?

How much offgassing time are you willing to deal with?

Regarding your other questions, I have never painted branches with any sort of clear coat.

For filling in the plywood you used, I would look into Bondo polyester bodyfiller. If you put a skim coat on the entire interior the type of paint you used might not matter.

Hey thanks for the replies, people.

I'm located in the Lower Mainland of BC, Canada.

I will be housing snakes in these enclosures. Carpet pythons mostly and maybe a king or two.

I hate painting so I'd like a one-shot kinda deal. Not really down with re-applying.

If it's neccesary I can pretty much let them off-gass all summer. No big rush.

Thanks again for the info.

Go to http://www.ippnet.com/ and then click on PAINTS then FLOOR COATINGS and then IPP Epoxy Floor Paint.

I believe this is idential to the EnviroPoxy distributed in the states by Kelly Moore.

Used "milk paint" exclusively on several wood cages and sealed with "Behlen's salad bowl finish". Non-toxic to you and the reptile. Painted enclosures inside and out. Fast drying and ready to use in 24-36 hrs. set time. You can mix whatever color you want. Go to google.com for milk paint sources.

Mike

Mike , How hard is it to get that Behlens stuff. I used the Milk paint and it just washed off the containers Duh! Without being sealed. Smelled like licorice to me.

I used milk paint on 4 different cages. The wood was birch plywood (base only) and white pine for the screen openings on the sides and top. The wood was sanded several times: start with coarse and then finer grade. Two coats of paint applied in a 4 hour period. *Follow milk paint instructions for mixing. You don't want it watery. Should be like regular house paint consistency. After 24 hrs. the Behlens was applied. Two - three coats was sufficient. Behlens water based sealers found in almost all hardware / paint supply stores. Haven't seen it in Home Depot or other big chains since they seem to carry only select brands that move quick.

Most important to sand the wood properly so paint is absorbed into it.

Mike

nm