Reptile & Amphibian Forums

O.k. I've been reading allot of posts in this forumn... and think I know what I'm doing?.... I have my plans all drawn up for my cadge... Now my only thing of confusion, is... When I go and seal it... I'm reading about... polyurethane .... there, are different kinds?... I looked it up and came up with foam polyurethane... is there, a clear kind you just paint on? Is that what I should use? I'm building a 6x4 for my Ball Python...
Sorry if I sound like a moron... Building the cadge is no problem, for me.... just making sure it sealed proper, is where I'm confused... also because it's a wooden cadge.. with glass sliding doors... should I put vents, on the sides, for air flow?

Any Help would be great... and this seems like the place to go for good help.... Thank-you!!!
-----
0.1 Ball Python- Bella
1.0 Pac man- Chub Chub
1.0 Bearded Dragon- Monte
1.1 Leopard Geckos
0.0.2 House Geckos
0.0.1 Brown Anole
0.0.1 Baby Emp Scorpion
1.0 Betta
1.0 Son
0.1 Girlfriend

For a BP you don't need an oil-based polyurethane except perhaps on the floor.

But since cage floors are covered with substrate I'd instead recommend painting the floor and the first few inches of the cage sides with a high-glass, acrylic-latex paint. Not as durable as an oil-based product but very easy to work with and quick drying. This makes it easy to touch up the cage every couple of years. Personally I'd rather do that than deal with oil-based polyurethane once. The process of applying several thin coats, waiting for them to dry, and sanding them smooth is only worth the effort in certain applications.

Then if you still really want a clear coat on the visible parts of the cage interior a water-based polyurethane is probably sufficient. At least for a BP.

Another tip. Instead of using silicone along the edges after sealing use Bondo bodyfill instead. But apply the Bondo before painting/sealing. MarkG tried this in his Boa cage. I think it's a great idea.

I had to take a call and did not have time to post on ventilation. I would include some ventilation. Duct covers or PVC Grates both work well.

Back to the polyurethane, I do like Polycrylic for a water-based product. Very easy to work with.

Thank-you that helps... I wasn't sure, about sealing it... I figured it only being a BP... I wouldn't need to go buck wild on sealing the cadge... but I wasn't sure? That's why I asked.. lol.. I like the idea, of just painting the bottom and a couple inches up the sides like you suggested... it is clear?..right..because I want it to look good... I was reading in another place..people using ...Melamene? (not sure if I spelled it right?) But personally I dont like the look of it for a cage. Do you have any suggestions as what type of wood to use that is good, for this type of project.. that will look sharp, I want it to be a nice display, for my BP...
Thank-you once again, for your time... you seem to be one of the go-to guys around here, for building suggestions!
Being farely new to this, it is nice to get advice, to make sure it's done right!
Thanks
Crazy4
-----
0.1 Ball Python- Bella
1.0 Pac man- Chub Chub
1.0 Bearded Dragon- Monte
1.1 Leopard Geckos
0.0.2 House Geckos
0.0.1 Brown Anole
0.0.1 Baby Emp Scorpion
1.0 Betta
1.0 Son
0.1 Girlfriend

The acrylic latex paint will not be clear. But it will be covered with substrate, right?

The polycrylic that I would use on the rest of the cage is clear.

I really like birch laminated plywood. Super smooth, light, and easy to work with. Makes for a paintable or stainable surface.

Here's a picture of a cage I built for my GF's bearded dragon. Birch laminated plywood, mahogany stain, and several coats of polycrylic.

I covered the floor with vinyl rather than painting it. But that's becuase he scratches a lot.

Look over at the end where his basking light is. That more glowing, red area is pretty much what the cage looks like. Unfortunately this particular picture does not do the cage justice.

Yes, yes.. the bottom would be covered.. Duh... I forgot about that.. lol.. So that sounds like a better Idea. I think I will try it out.... I think I'm good to go now.. You have been very helpful... Thanks... and sorry if I annoyed you by asking somthing that has been asked a 1000 times already!!

And by the way, your GF's Beardy cage, is very nice!!
Good job!! That is around the same idea, I have for my inclosure. Just a little lighter, stain..to go with the rest of my house.
-----
0.1 Ball Python- Bella
1.0 Pac man- Chub Chub
1.0 Bearded Dragon- Monte
1.1 Leopard Geckos
0.0.2 House Geckos
0.0.1 Brown Anole
0.0.1 Baby Emp Scorpion
1.0 Betta
1.0 Son
0.1 Girlfriend