Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Can someone tell me the best treatment/sealant for the interior of a wooden enclosure? Most are phenol based. Can they be sun "cured" to eliminate residual toxic fumes? I want to upgrade my BRB's to very nice ply cages but can not settle on what to use for their interior coating, something that can withstand high humidity but not gas my snakes. Ideas, please?
Thanks,
Dan.

That is what I use for my racks. I'm not sure how I'll handle things when they require adult sized enclosures however.

Dan,
. I used to build cages out of wood. I used polyurethane and did at least 5 coats with sanding between each coat. They did have a strong smell while they were curing but after they were completely cured for a week or two they no longer had an odor. I still use two of these cages which I built 12 years ago. They are in good shape and I would not consider using any finish other than polyurethane or epoxe. The new water based polyurethanes might be the way to go. The cages that are now available commercially are so good that I would not consider building cages unless I had to have one of a very specific size. It takes a very long time and is hard work build cages that have no gaps between the wood pieces and to apply and sand multiple coats of finish.
Jeff

>>Can someone tell me the best treatment/sealant for the interior of a wooden enclosure? Most are phenol based. Can they be sun "cured" to eliminate residual toxic fumes? I want to upgrade my BRB's to very nice ply cages but can not settle on what to use for their interior coating, something that can withstand high humidity but not gas my snakes. Ideas, please?
>>Thanks,
>>Dan.

Thanks for the help. I've been building furniture quality plywood cages for some time now & am somewhat locked into the design & decor to blend in with the rest of the house. Only recently took on the Brazilians & the need to keep such high humidity levels. I've normally sealed with polyurethane but wasn't sure if it would hold up for the long term at 80-90%.