Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Anyone had any experience using acrylic paint to paint hheir cages inside and out? Thanks

I've used acrylic/latex paint to paint three sides of a glass aquarium (on the outside of the glass). The paint, although it seems to stick well when you put on the first coat, will tend to peel as you brush across it for the second coat. I would recommend using a spray paint for more even coverage, or gently dabbing the second layer of paint after giving the first coat ample time to dry.

If your cage is acrylic or plastic and not glass, though, acrylic paint should stick to it extremely well. Simply mask off any areas you don't want painted and go to town. Are you painting the outside of the cage or the inside? I would have reservations with using any type of paint on the inside of an enclosure.
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My Growing Zoo:

1.0 Husband (Byron) ^_^
0.1 black cat (Shade)
0.1 Brazilian Rainbow Boa (Zia)
1.0 Leucistic Ratsnake (Houdini)
1.2 Cockatoo cichlids (A. cacatuoides yellow-gold)
1.2 Panduro cichlids (A. panduro)

The problem with acrylic paint is that the more water resistant it is, the more brittle and susceptible to cracking it is. This also holds true for a lot of finishes. This according to a Sherwin Williams chemist I exchanged e-mails with.

I think I know about the Eyelash article you are talking about. I have heard that guy has had trouble with some of his cages.

A lot of this boils down to your preferences. Do you want a cage that will stand up to a lifetime of direct water exposure or are you okay with something cheaper and less durable that has to be touched up every few years?

Lastly, depending on the species, you might be able to get away with a plastic floor and painted walls. Floors are really the place where most abuse happens.

Chris, is acrylic paint nontoxic when it is fully cured? Thanks

Non toxic is a bit of a misnomer as everything has a toxic effect to a certain extent.

I would say that it is pretty safe, how about that?

I've built 4 (3' -4' ) cages out of pine and painted them all with "Milk Paint". It works great and you seal it with a water based varnish or polyurethane. It comes in powder form, small bags, and you can mix whatever color you want. Paint the outside and inside. Just give it a few days to "cure". I use "Artist Gesso" white to paint the outside of my rubbermaid cages so the snakes have privacy. This acrylic gesso can also be mixed to color of your choice and is safe for your animals.
Been using this for over 10 years and never had a problem.
Just make sure the paint sealant is safe. You can also seal with a clear finish made for butcher blocks and wooden food utensils. This is the Behlen's brand butcher block finish.

Mike