Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Anything I need to consider if I decide to paint a cage for my Everglades? Any special kind of paint to use (or not use), time on drying, etc.?

Update on the feeding situation I mentioned in an earlier thread: I moved the snake into his old cage, put his hide box and familiar water bowl back in with him, and he calmed down immediately. I went to feed him earlier in the week, and he's in shed. However, he has been very responsive, as opposed to listless like he was in his former cage. Hopefully, he'll be shedding in a day or so. Then I'll have another update.

RP

You definitely want to stick with a latex (water based) paint, and an enamel would give you the best results as far as durability and cleanability. You also can't go wrong with priming the surface first, again using a water based primer (Kilz 2 is an example). Drying time is trickier. Latex paint is dry to the touch quickly, but it takes a long time to cure. In fact, a professional painter I once knew said it takes a month! I'd ask the guy at the paint store to be safe (but go to a real paint store like Sherwin Williams instead of Home Depot so you can talk to a real expert).
Good Luck!

lol I resent that comment about a "real paint store!" lol. I work at Home Depot.

What are you painting? Glass or wood? Tell me and i'll let you know what to do. (hey I have to know something, i'm putting myself thru college and all by working there and if I didn't know what I was talking about I wouldn't have a job. I just got out of a Behr class this past week, actually)

No offense meant. As a matter of fact, I put myself through college working for the former Payless Cashways, which Home Depot put out of business. It was probably for the benefit of society, however, as Payless was embarassingly managed from the top on down. Most of the experienced paint people I knew went to work for Sherwin Williams instead of the relatively low paying Home Depot after the store I worked at closed. Regardless, you're right, Behr is fine paint.
Cheers!

lol...true. yeah mike made a good point....latex paint is lead based. dont want that in a tank.

It has been illegal to put lead in paint for twenty years at least! The only metal content in latex paint is probably titanium, but that's only for the good stuff. Regardless, don't tell your customers at Home Depot that latex paint is lead based or someone will have an attack and get the EPA on you guys.
Cheers!

Sorry for not responding sooner. Been off the computer for the weekend. I'm painting wood, inside and out.

RP

It may be more expensive but won't emit toxic fumes when combined w/ water & heat. Most paints will give off harmful fumes when wet - even after cured. Boat paint is made to be under water AND non-toxic. I'm no paint expert but I wouldn't recommend taking the risk.

I have used both water and oil-based products in snake cages with varying results. I realize some of these products can technically be toxic but I think the risk is very minimal when cured. I know of several zoos etc. who have tested these products around delicate insects and have found no obvious mortality from different paints (once fully cured).

I have recently sealed a few cages with envirotex epoxoy. This is a clear, pour-on finish often seen on bars and counters tops in restaurants.

It is very easy to use and is so safe it can even be worked with indoors (unlike other epoxy paints).

It is very expensive, though, and has a shiny finish that some don't like.

Here is one of my cages sealed with Envirotex so you can see how shiny it is.