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lizard friendly wood sealer

ChameleonWulf Aug 01, 2004 06:18 AM

Hi
I have a chameleon. I plan on converting an old tall dresser into a enclosure I plan on just sitting out in my jacuzzi room by a window... wondering what would be safe to use for sealing wood since I may put an auto mister in it? I doubt the cham will even touch the bottom of it or the sides since Ill just be putting a couple of plants in there for it to climb on. Or maybe I shouldnt bother?and just line the bottom with a big trash bag? Thanks for any input
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Replies (5)

harlanm Aug 01, 2004 09:32 AM

check lowes and home depot, they have this epoxy paint ( i forget the name) but its approved by the FDA and is non toxic and can be used for cutting boards(about 20$ for a small can). also i hear that pool epoxy is ok to use too have never used either but i plan to.

ChameleonWulf Aug 02, 2004 05:45 AM

Thanks for the input. It will have 4 screened sides. Think that the only part that would really get wet would be the bottom. Do you think varethane would be alright for what wood may get wet?
I doubt my chameleon would be touching any of the wood as he tends to stay in his plant and vines. Maybe I can find a tub that would fit in there and I could just set the plant in that. If not find one that I can modify. Thanks again for your input
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chris_harper2 Aug 01, 2004 09:32 AM

I would seal it. I would also make sure the dresser is not made from cedar.

Due to the mister it might be worth it to line the bottom of the cage with a thin sheet of plastic. Something stronger than a trash bag, though. A piece of thin Sintra (a brand of expanded PVC) sign board will probably be easily found at a local sigh shop.

You could also line the first few inches of the cage walls with this.

The rest of the walls should be sufficient protected with a high-glass acrylic latex.

ChameleonWulf Aug 02, 2004 05:41 AM

I had planned on only screening the front and back since it is going to be an enclosyre for me to put him in so he could get fresh air and sun. But since one side has a hole in it all 4 sides will be screened now. So there will be just mainly the "frame" left. It isnt cedar but I think soft pine. Maybe just varethane what may get wet? I had left the very top drawer in place. Figured later on it could be used to hide lights in as they would get ventillation via the back. Gonna screen the top ( bottom support area for the drawer). Now when you say pvc I tend to think of sprinkler piping lol. Would that pvc you recommended be cheaper than say plexi? since there really is no bottom ( was cheap faux wood cardboard) I'm gonna have to put something in there.All in all if really did with time I think it would/will turn out to be a nice conversion that looks like a piece of furniture. Thanks for your input and help. You seem to be the enclosure answer dude on here
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chris_harper2 Aug 02, 2004 10:32 AM

::So there will be just mainly the "frame" left. It isnt cedar but I think soft pine. Maybe just varethane what may get wet?

I'm not that familiar with varathane. I believe it's just a brand name for one of many types of polyurethanes. I think it is water based.

It's certainly not a horrible choice, but I think there is a good possibility you will need to touch it up every year or so, especially if the mister leaves droplets directly on it's surface.

You might orient your plants and the mister nozzles to keep direct moisture away from the varathane.

::Now when you say pvc I tend to think of sprinkler piping lol. Would that pvc you recommended be cheaper than say plexi?

Either Plexi or the Expanded PVC sheet are easily found and both can be bought in small quantity. In other words, you don't need to buy a full sheet. My guess is that thin Expanded PVC will be cheaper and easier to find, but it is easy to price both.

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