Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have seen some terms used here that I'm trying to clear up. Would someone please let me know what these things are

PVCX--is this the PVC board that is used by sign makers?

sintra

vinyl film

Fiberglass Rienforced Plastic--is this available at places like LOwes & HD? It it in sheets?

tileboard--is this the green board concrete stuff that is used in bathrooms, like behind shower enclosures? Or is it something else?

Thanks for any help
Rob

PVCX--is this the PVC board that is used by sign makers?

The is a herp-trade "acronym" for Expanded PVC. Don't refer to it as PVCX when contacting sign or plastic distributors as they won't know what you are talking about.

sintra

The most common brand of Expanded PVC. So common that it's become a universal word for Expanded PVC. Sort of like saying you have a Jacuzzi when you really have another brand of spa tub. Some sign shops don't even know what expanded PVC is. But if you ask for Sintra then they know, even if they don't carry that brand.

Regarding Sintra and other brands of PVCX, they vary dramatically in weight. Many people buy 10mm or thicker PVCX and are very surprised at the heavy weight of the final product. Like I always tell people, if you're interested in PVCX in order to build a light cage either 1) learn how to use 1/4" (a bit more difficult) or shop very carefull for different brands of PVCX.

Some PVCX weighs more than plywood and can cost several times as much.

vinyl film

Another sign/graphic product. Basically a giant sticker than comes in a huge roll. It is the stuff that is used to make window decals or to decorate cars with corporate logos, etc. Very durable stuff to line the inside of a cage with. Cheap if purchased in bulk so really best for a large number of cages.

Fiberglass Rienforced Plastic--is this available at places like LOwes & HD? It it in sheets?

Yes to both. FRP is a very durable product. I don't care for the looks but it is hard to beat for water and scratch resistance. Varies and lot in price.

tileboard--is this the green board concrete stuff that is used in bathrooms, like behind shower enclosures? Or is it something else?

It is not green-board. Most of the time when you hear tileboard mentioned in herp circles people are referring to 1/8" hardboard with a melamine coating. It is an okay product for the price. But it is important to understand that the typical tile-board you see mentioned on these forums is NOT rated for use in shower stalls, even though it is often in the same section as paneling that is.
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Current snakes:

0.0.1 Gonyosoma oxycephala - Java locale (green)

2.2 Gonyosoma janseni - Seleyar locale (all black)

Thanks for clearing that up for me Chris. Couple more questions....

The FRP, in what dept would I look for this stuff in Lowes or HD?

The tileboard-1/8" hardboard with a melamine coating--is that something like the material used for the backing on a clip board? Brown stuff, fairly rigid? Where would I find this stuff in the big box stores? Do they (employees of HD Lowes etc) call it tile board and FRP?

I might go and take a look at these things pretty soon. Just found out that a really good friend is probably going to be getting a 2nd job at HD. Maybe I'll be able to use her discount.......

Thanks again Chris,
Rob

Hardboard is what clipboards are made out of.

I have not shopped for either product in a while but both are usually back by the showerboard or paneling at the Lowes and Menards in my town. No Home Depot here so I'm not sure about that.

I think the employees will know what tile or shower board is and call it by one of those names. FRP, I'm not so sure. I rarely ask for help at the big retail stores.
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Current snakes:

0.0.1 Gonyosoma oxycephala - Java locale (green)

2.2 Gonyosoma janseni - Seleyar locale (all black)

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