Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I know this topic has come up but could never find a straight answer. So my question is, what is the best way to seal a plywood rack?

From what I gather, it seems like water based paints are the way to go.

Also, will having heat tape cause any problems sitting on a painted piece of wood (problems from odors from paint being emitted, etc.)?

Thanks a lot.

If you're worried about fumes then don't paint the part of the plywood where the heat tape will sit. I think you'd be fine once the paint was fully cured but not painting the lower parts is the safe choice.

Plywood will need to be primed so maybe just use a sealer and no paint. You can get the primer tinted or tint it yourself.

I would use a sealer like Kilz (waterbased) that forms a surface film rather than soaking into the wood.
-----
Currently keeping:

6.10 Gonyosoma oxycephala (Javan, mixed colors)

1.1 Philodryas baroni

1.0 Rhodesian Ridgeback

Thanks for the advice. I think I'll just give it a coat of primer and skip the paint. I was thinking of painting my racks gray anyhow, so that'll work out well. Not crazy about white, but I don't like black because you will have a hard time seeing things that need to be cleaned off or mites crawling around.