Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I was planning on building a nice display for my monitor and I would like to use oak. Should I like the inside of the cage with something else, or just coat it with some kind of sealer?

Should I "line" the inside of the cage with something else?

Sorry about the typo.

That's a tough question. By all means use oak if that's what you like. At the very least the exterior of the cage will have that nice oak look you prefer.

Regarding the interior, I suggest you ask an epoxy related question over on the monitor forum. The monitor forum has a wealth of cage building information as I'm sure you know. I no longer keep varanids but still go over there from time to time and read up on what they have to say about cage construction.

I have used and like Envirotex Epoxy on cage interiors. It is super clear and shows off the grain very well. Much clearer than other readily available epoxies and resins which tend to have an cloudy look.

Envirotex is also extremely easy to use. You literally just pour it on and trowel it around with a piece of cardboard. You then use a torch to get the bubbles out. It is solvent free and can be used indoors.

Other two part epoxies have terrible solvents and require the use of a respirator and high ventilation. They can also take weeks to cure completely. The upside of these epoxies is that they are extremely durable.

With the Envirotex I just don't know how durable it will be compared to the other epoxies. It will provide excellent water resistance but I just have no idea how well it will hold up to constant scratching.

It might be a safer choice to coat the interior of the cage with Fiberglass Reinforced Panel (aka FRP board). It is that textured plastic panel used in showers and bathrooms. Cheap and very durable.

If you really want the oak look on the interior you could try the Envirotex. At the very least it will be very easy to touch up any areas scratched by the monitor(s). If it get's to be too much you could go back later and add the FRP board.

I'll post a picture of an oak cage I coated with Envirotex (interior only) so you can see how well it shows off the grain.

Thanks for your advice, Chris. Nice cage by the way. I'll post some pic of mine when I build it but it probably won't be till sumnmer.