Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Does anyone know of good waterproof lining/coating for wood cages thats non toxic? I've heard sintra is good but its very expensive. Home depot has very nice 3/8" birchwood
for a reasonable price. It looks nice and is very strong and smooth. I was thinking of building a 4x2x2 . The cage floor and sides need to be covered with something. I've always used plastic cages so i'm kind of stumped.

What do you mean by waterproof? Do you mean you need the cage to be waterproof to the point that you could flood the bottom of the cage?

Or do you just need a water resistant finish that can handle occasional spills and moderate to high humidity?

What species will be in this cage?

And I assume you want a clear finish since you like the appearance of the cage?
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Currently keeping:

6.10 Gonyosoma oxycephalum (Javan, mixed colors)

1.1 Philodryas baroni

1.1 Lampropeltis triangulum multistriata

1.0 Rhodesian Ridgeback

A water resistant finish thats non toxic would be ideal. Clear would be nice but it doesnt have to be. Even some kind of thin, waterproof material to line the inside with would be ok. This cage will house a sub adult diamond python for the next year.
The cage does NOT have to hold humidity at all. Just want something in case the water bowl is tipped over, also thinking that the sides should be covered with something in case it gets smeared with urates/droppings.
thanks

One method that a lot of Green Tree Python keepers have used is to line wooden cages with self-adhesive shelf liner, specifically the brand Contact Paper. Depending on how rough the plywood is you may need to put down some primer first.

Another choice would be clear vinyl film, although I don't know if that fits your definition of "non-toxic". Not sure if a layer of Sintra would be truely non-toxic either.

One method that I have recommended a lot here is to use something ultra durable for the floor, like an actual layer of plastic or epoxy and then a waterborne urethane for the visible walls of the cage.

Or you can spend a bit more money and coat the whole interior with either a bartop epoxy or a clear, non-blushing laminating epoxy.

It all depends on the look you want, your budget and whether you want a set-it-and-forget it cage or don't mind doing some touchup and repair now and then.
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Currently keeping:

6.10 Gonyosoma oxycephalum (Javan, mixed colors)

1.1 Philodryas baroni

1.1 Lampropeltis triangulum multistriata

1.0 Rhodesian Ridgeback

You can try laminate sheeting (formica countertop). It's avaliable in 4x8 sheets from Home Depot, Lowes, or you can order it from kitchen stores in 3' wide rolls.

I use construction adhesive to glue it to the plywood, and seal the joints with silicone.

I've done the laminate thing and trust me, it's damn near bullet proof!!! I laminated my cage pieces before assembly and talk about a clean washable surface!!! Just like a kitchen countertop!!!!

Does take a little extra work, does add cost but makes the interior of the cage last and last and last - maybe even longer than the outside??

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Thanks,

Dave Colling

www.rainbows-r-us-reptiles.com

0.1 Wife (WC and still very fiesty)
0.2 kids (CBB, a big part of our selective breeding program)

LOL, to many snakes to list, last count:
26.49 BRB
20.21 BCI
And those are only the breeders

lots.lots.lots feeder mice and rats