Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I am getting ready to start covering my cage with tile grout and wondered what would be the best brand to use, and what kind of sealant works best with animals. I have been told about one that is a grout/sealer combo and has a semi streachy finish to it used in restaurnts. Any thoughts would be wonderful.

Tom

I myself have never actually done any faux rock work to date. Everything I have read basically just empthasizes tile grout and sealer never actually mentions a particular brand. I would think they are all similar and willl do the job equally. I could be wrong.

Are you planning on staining the grout different colors before sealing?
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Jeremy

"I am become death, the destroyer of worlds" July 16, 1945 Robert Oppenheimer

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I don't know either. I have only used concrete to do faux rockwork.

I'm guessing the grout used in restaurants may be what's called epoxy grout. Probably better suited for reptile enclosures and won't require a separate sealer if I understand things correctly.
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Current snakes:

0.0.1 Gonyosoma oxycephala - Java locale (green)

2.2 Gonyosoma janseni - Seleyar locale (all black)

I have thought about staining it but i would really like to get my livingroom back. I can find out what exactly my cousin was talking about and get back. but can you think of any positives to going one way or the other? Thanks guys.

Tom

I did a bit of research on google and I'm certain he is talking about epoxy grout. Unfortunately epoxy grout has a smooth, rubbery look to it, at least according to what I read, and probably is not ideal for faux rockwork.

I would stick with a standard sanded, portland based grout.

You can read more about grouts here.
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Current snakes:

0.0.1 Gonyosoma oxycephala - Java locale (green)

2.2 Gonyosoma janseni - Seleyar locale (all black)

Although a rock finish is what I am going for, ease of cleaning will also come into play. With a smoother surface spot cleaning and monthly replacement will be much easier. After reading that site, i am wondering if the epoxie grout will cut down on the overall weight of the cage. If you don't remember it is about 6x5x1.5. It sounds like even though it will be more expensive it could be more the way to go. when applying the epoxy is it more of a liquid or a paste, or would that depend on how much silica is added. I have a little experience with epoxie from working/rebuilding rowing shells. Unfortunately the book that i bought is back at my apt. and im out of town so i apoligize for any of the easily answered questions.

Tom

I think epoxy grout is mixed to sort of like toothpaste consistency and then applied. But I've never used it so I can't say for sure.
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Current snakes:

0.0.1 Gonyosoma oxycephala - Java locale (green)

2.2 Gonyosoma janseni - Seleyar locale (all black)

Do you know a brand that would be worth looking into or are they all "good"

Tom

I do not. It might be worth it to go to a tile/stone specialty shop and see what they think is good.
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Current snakes:

0.0.1 Gonyosoma oxycephala - Java locale (green)

2.2 Gonyosoma janseni - Seleyar locale (all black)

Tom,

My wife was watching HGTV last night. I caught a very small bit of a show where they were using epoxy grout in an unorthodox application. It was one of those shows where either they are designing on a budget or preparing a house for sale, I'm not sure.

Instead of using it as a grout they were putting a skim coat on a formica countertop to give it a stone look. The troweled it smooth and then sanded it down after it cured.

You can never tell what these things really look like on TV but the effect was not nearly as rubbery as I would have thought.

It might work pretty well for your application.
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Current snakes:

0.0.1 Gonyosoma oxycephala - Java locale (green)

2.2 Gonyosoma janseni - Seleyar locale (all black)