Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I am going to paint my wooden cage black inside and out and was wondering about what type of paint to use. I was thinking I would use outdoor paint because it would hold up better to the high (relatively) humidity. Should I also use a primer or would that be unneccesary? Anyone know of any paints that will cure quickly and wont have fumes for too long? I am planning on keeping the snakes out of it for 2-3 weeks, but will have the cage in the house.
Thanks A Lot

What species will be going in the cage?

I know it seems counter-intuitive, but you actually do not want to use exterior paint in a reptile enclosure. Exterior paints are designed to deal with the expansion and contraction of wood kept outdoors and to deal with the significant exposure to ultra-violet light. Both of those characteristics actually make paint LESS moisture resistant.

The general rule of thumb for exterior moisture resistance is that you want to use the hardest finish that is flexible enough for the substrate you will be applying it to.

There are a lot of interior acrylic paints out nowadays that are designed to be used on bathroom walls, etc. I think something like that is your best choice.

However, I would seal the floor with linoleum or some other type of vinyl flooring. Then paint the rest of the cage.

It looks like you used an interior frame of some sort and a pegboard back. Both of that are either flexible and/or susceptible to expansion and contraction during seasonal changes. This may cause you some problems so you may have to recoat the cage fairly often.
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Current snakes:

0.0.1 Gonyosoma oxycephala - Java locale (green)

2.2 Gonyosoma janseni - Seleyar locale (all black)

Edit in blue...

The general rule of thumb for interior moisture resistance is that you want to use the hardest finish that is flexible enough for the substrate you will be applying it to.

I've used water-based kitchen and bath paint in cages. Semi-gloss or gloss is best. Although this holds up quite well and can be scrubbed clean, I think there are other things you can do to make the cage more durable.

1. Like Chris said, covering the floor with either vinyl tile or a piece of expanded PVC will make you very happy when cleaning the cage. I wouldn't just rely on paint alone. A thick layer of substrate will help as well.

2. Marine supply stores sell epoxy paint. I have yet to try it. Just make sure it is safe when dry for animals, as I have not found that out yet for absolute certainty, but I did hear it was from another hobbiest. I have seen the finished product on a boat, and it is just awesome. Totally waterproof, and you can scrub it until you're tired and the paint still looks great.

Keep in mind that it isn't the wall surfaces that usually get the most moisture damage in a cage; it is the seams/crevices and floor. That is why a tile floor with caulk all around it is a great idea. Depending on the species, you may want to tile up the cage walls for 4 inches or so, but I think you can do without. I don't bother with it, and it has worked out well for me. Just make sure you caulk/fill all gaps and seams.

Also, my opinion, use paintable, latex caulk (may contain some silicon, that is fine) instead of 100% silicon. I have had great results with plain old paintable caulk. Plus it is easy to remove and touch up if needed.

For the walls and ceiling, do whatever you feel you want to. Honestly, as long as the floor is done right, it may not matter too much about the walls and ceiling, depending on the species of course. Black paint will likely be fine. Allow at least 4 weeks or more for the smell to leave or use your nose to tell. Good luck.

It is for a pair of ball pythons. That picture is from when i first finished it a long time ago. The floor is plexiglass laid on top of the framing so it allows an inch of space for the heat tape.

Thanks for the advice