Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Im building a plywood cage, and for staining it im wondering if the Water Based Polyurethane Varathane is ok to use. And im also wondering for an all plywood cage, what the best floor is for a heatpad....or what are your thoughts on a heatpad being a necessity for a african rock python?

I have not been extremely impressed with water-based polyurethane. It seems very sensitive to water spills, humidity, and feces/urates (a huge concern with a large python). I do have it in my bearded dragon cage but that's about all I would use it for.

I typically have recommended oil-based products for such species as yours but I'm starting to re-think my position. I've done some looking into the high-glass acrylic paints and think they are much more durable and almost as easy to use.

MarkG on this forum recommended a high-gloss acrylic for the floor and first few inches of the cage walls. He also had the idea of putting Bondo body-fill onto the lower edges rather than silicone and then painting over that. I think it's a great idea.

The rest of the walls could then be sealed with whatever one preferred from a looks standpoint. I think water-based poly would be fine for the walls of a rock python cage.

Both products are so easy to work with that yearly touchups are easy.

I don't think you absolutely need a UTH for your rock python if you already have another heat source. Is that what you meant?

ya i have another heat source. thanks