Reptile & Amphibian Forums

i'm trying to find out what specific paint or wood sealer i can use on my newly built outdoor enclosure. please don't respond "something non-toxic" as this much i already know. i'm hoping for some recs. for specific products. thanks.

Something non-toxic...no just kidding. Olympic interior oil based polyurethane, gloss, semigloss, or satin (matte) finish. Non-toxic when dry, hard as nails, and doesn't degrade in the sun like most latex or polyurethane products. I apply 5 or 6 coats. I can't remember why, but I chose the interior instead of the exterior. I think the exterior had something in it that worried me. The interior has held up just fine both outside and in.

I'm an avid woodworker. I love the look of wood, that's why I personally don't use paint. Also, run your hand over something that's been painted and sat outside for a year or two. There will be paint residue on your hand. If you paint, I'd cover it with this stuff. Maybe if the paint is oil based, it would be ok also...I'm not sure. My father uses my old turtle pen for a vegetable garden. It's at least 18 years old, and the wood still looks good. Boy, this sounds like a commercial. You can find this product at your local Lowes Home Improvement Center. Hope this helps.

thanks for the response. just a couple questions. did you use the polyurethane to coat both the inside and outside of your turtle box? also, do you know if the water based polyurethane would work as well? i don't mean to sound nit-picky, i just don't want to spend the time and money making a beautiful outdoor turtle box and then have it turn into, in essence, a turtle gas chamber. thanks again for the help, and if the oil based product is indeed the best for the job then i'll get some soon and get to work.