Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Well, I ahve eben talkign about building my racks for quite while but I am now ogign to do it.lol. I just have not had alot of free time/money to start. Melamine is not carried in this area at all, so I am oging to use 12 X 12 red oak boards as the shelfe part, and was wondering what kind of paint woudl be best. I should use non toxic right, but what have you guys used that worked best that kept the wood waterproof and never chipped? I just don't want it to bow up from the humidity.
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Justin

>>Melamine is not carried in this area at all...

Have you looked at melamine shelving? That works very well. You should also call cabinet shops.

>>I just have not had alot of free time/money to start. so I am oging to use 12 X 12 red oak boards as the shelfe part

You don't have a lot of money and are going to use oak? That sounds very expensive to me.

The problem with using plywood or real wood is that they will expand and contract with seasonal changes. Unless you allow your oak boards to acclimate for an extended period in your herp room you will likely have issues. This is very important to keep the boxes secure and sliding well.

I believe birch laminated plywood would be a much better choice than oak boards. It's smoother, which is very important to racks and won't be as susceptible to expansion/contraction.

>>and was wondering what kind of paint woudl be best.

I would use a wipe on, oil-based polyurethane.
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Current snakes:

1.1 Gonyosoma oxycephala - (Silver/Yellow)

2.2 Gonyosoma oxycephala - (Green)

4.3 Gonyosoma janseni - (Black)

when I said that about the money, I meant that is why I have not already built it. I have the money to do so now. I found some other kind of plywood like stuff that is extrememly strong and is not supposed to bend or anything and is made for outside. the name of it is not coming ot me right now though. I willjust use that. I asked people at all kinds of places about melamine and they say, "mela who?" and they never know what I am talking about. thanks for your help. I really appreciate it.
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Justin

Milk paint is fast drying, natural, and non-toxic. Seal with Behlen's salad bowl finish.

Mike