Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I am building a new cage for a blood python which are known to urinate a lot i am building it out of wood. I will silicone all edges but what should i use to paint it i need it water proof so the wood doesn't soak up any urine.

thanks derek

It really depends on what your goals are. Do you want a clear or solid colored finish? Is cost an issue? Do you want an apply it and forget it finish or do you mind refinishing every couple of years?

Also, what type of wood did you use?

it will be a solid color. cost isn't to much of an issue but would prefer it to be cheaper. i would prefer it to be a one time thing but if i have to do it again i would.

derek

Derek,

First, I would strongly recommend that you laminate a plastic floor over your wooden one. That will be more durable than any reguarly available paint. A piece of Sintra fron a sign shop, a scrap piece of linoleum flooring, or even some vinyl film from the graphics industry will be much better for a blood python.

Since you want a solid color I would also encourage you to consider vinyl film for the walls of the cage as well. Vinyl film is the self-adhesive film that is used in the graphics industry to make letters or other patterns attached to cars, store fronts, etc. You can get an idea of how it is used at FineGTPs.com. On that site they use Contact Paper but that is no longer recommended due to a change in the product.

If you can't find the color you want then you can either use an oil or water based paint for the walls. With an oil take care to apply each coat thin and let it cure completely. Give it more time than the recommended re-coat time. Also give plenty of time for it to offgass after the last coat.

With a water/latex based paint you may have to recoat more often, even if you use plastic or linoleum for the floor.

thanks a lot i think i will go with the vinyl or linolium for the floor and get the vinyl tape for the walls

thanks again
derek