Reptile & Amphibian Forums

So this week I'm going to put together a very large enclosure for a burm and would like to figure out what sealants and paints I should use.

I'm new to cage design but the end result is that I require the cage to have a black and neon green paint, it needs to be water proof of course and after it is said in done with multiple coats it will have about 3 weeks to cure before the animal is placed in his new home.

I've read posts on acrylic, poly, milk paint etc.. and now I'm even more confused on what is safe vs super safe vs non-toxic and well.. whatever.

I just want what is recommended.

Help.

Derek

This is confusing, and in general I recommend trying not to worry about it. I believe that all too often people get wrapped up in terms like "environmentally safe" or "non-toxic" and assume they actually mean something (they really don't).

As a general guideline, I do recommend avoiding 1) exterior products and 2) oil-based products, even those that are rated suitable for food contact.

For a burmese python I think you could use pretty much any interior waterborne paint, with a preference for some of the higher solids acrylic paints designed for bathrooms, etc. For a burmese I would get a higher quality paint and in the highest gloss you can tolerate. Sherwin Williams makes some nice paints.

I say all this with the strong recommendation that the floor of the cage and the first several inches of the cage walls are covered with some sort of durable plastic, vinyl flooring, epoxy, or whatever. You need something durable and that can withstand scrubbing and disinfecting.

The visible parts of the walls can be painted with a less durable finish.
-----
Currently keeping a small collection of various Gonyosoma. Both G. janseni and G. oxycephala.

For best results cover the bottom with plastic. Sintra (a type of expanded PVC board) is an ideal covering. You can buy it at www.usplastic.com.

Chris gave you good advice for the paint. Water-based semigloss or gloss paint used for bathrooms will hold up well on the sides and ceiling.

If you do not want to cover the floor with plastic, then you will have to repaint the floor often, which is doable, if using water-based acrylic.

I tried some spray epoxy paint on a tank cover made of pine molding and screen. It took about a month to cure and took at least 2 months for the smell to leave. Man, what a tough finish. Way way tougher than water-based paint. Looks like the finish on a washing machine. Probably really expensive for an entire cage, and touch-ups take a long time to cure.

Another idea is polyester resin. We used to make skimboards with plywood and resin, and they held up to salt water. Probably a good month of smell. Hard to paint on but tough as nails and the closest to waterproof you will get. No colors though. Just clear.
-----
Mark