Reptile & Amphibian Forums

whats the differance between waterbased polyurathane and waterbased polyacrilic? are both safe to use?

Polycrylic is a type of waterborne polyurethane (technically they are not water-based, even though that term is used throughout the industry).

Regarding safe, I am always tentative to answer these questions, as the terms "safe" and "non-toxic" tend to be based on arbitrary measurements and guidelines. I guess I would answer that by saying that just about any finish is safe once fully cured and that polycrylic and other waterborne polyurethanes are able to cure completely with fewer toxic compounds than other clear finishes, and that is where their safety advantage comes from.

One of the safest finishes in a fully cured state are the two-part urethanes. They basically cure to a finish you could eat off of. But the hardener used to activate the product is EXTREMELY toxic, and you have to use a lot of it.
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Currently keeping a small collection of various Gonyosoma. Both G. janseni and G. oxycephala.

but whats the differance between polyacrilic and polyurathane? i bought the polyacrilic cuz it came in a smaller size, i didnt need enough to do a whole deck.

There is no difference. It's like asking the difference between a Honda Accord and a car... a Honda is a type of car... polycrylic is a type of waterborne urethane.

I have used polycrylic in cages, or at least one cage. I know for sure I used it in a bearded dragon cage and it held up okay.
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Currently keeping a small collection of various Gonyosoma. Both G. janseni and G. oxycephala.