Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Okay im done building and im going to stain the outside, and make a fake rock wall as the background and paint the sides inside. The stain on the outside wont effect the snakes on the inside right? so then i just need to know what kind of paint i can use. no lead based right? and water proofing it after i paint, how do i do this?

Okay im done building and im going to stain the outside, and make a fake rock wall as the background and paint the sides inside. The stain on the outside wont effect the snakes on the inside right?

Typically no, however any stain left exposed willnot fair very well. I recommend useing a polyurathane or some other finish over a stain application in extend the life of the wood. I myself use the same on the outside and on the inside of the enclosure saves on product purchases.

so then i just need to know what kind of paint i can use. no lead based right?

On the inside any latex paint specifically designed for kitchen and bath will be more than durable for most species, the gloss is up to you. I hear Sherwin Williams makes a good product many have had success with in cages. I also doubt you will find any Lead based paints, unless your diggin' through grandpa's attic.

and water proofing it after i paint, how do i do this?

Its self incopasing the paint is the waterproofer, unless you are refering to caulk. If thats the case you should pre primer and caulk the seams before you paint. Defenetly get a paintable latex caulk.

Hope that helps a little, I'm not the resident expert on finishes.
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Jeremy

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

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0.3 Catus Terribilis
0.1 Spouse
1.0.1 Child

The stain on the outside wont effect the snakes on the inside right?

Correct. I would not hesitate to use an oil-based stain or varnish on the outside of a cage. Let it cure before putting reptiles inside, however.

I just need to know what kind of paint i can use. no lead based right? and water proofing it after i paint, how do i do this?

Depends on the species and what sort of water features you'll have in the cage. In general I would recommend choosing a paint that also provides sufficient water resistance for how you'll be using the cage. But in some cases people do put a water resistant clear coat over a the paint color of their choice.
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Currently keeping a small collection of various Gonyosoma. Both G. janseni and G. oxycephala.

4'L x 2.5'W x 4'H wooden wooden enclosure with sliding glass doors for a 5' boa constrictor

Weren't you also looking to do a waterfall and have live plants, etc.? That can change things.

In general Boa constrictors don't need that much water resistance but that really depends on how you keep them. If you used some sort of plastic or vinyl on the floor and first few inches of the cage walls you could probably get away with a high solids acrylic for the upper walls. Something like a paint made for bathrooms.

But if you'll have a waterfall or misting system then you need to think about more protection.
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Currently keeping a small collection of various Gonyosoma. Both G. janseni and G. oxycephala.