Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Was wondering what kind of sealer you use for your pine plywood. I have a plywood rack for balls and want to seal the inside to keep any problems from occuring,i.e. glue toxins, mold, etc.

I would like to have something that I can wipe clean and be fairly well problem free. Since it's a rack it would need to stand up to pulling in and out of shelves.

Any input would be appreciated.

Jon

In a rack, the area that needs most protection is the ceiling above each box.

Realize that because the rack is so enclosed, you need to use a sealer that cures quickly and is safe.

IMO the best approach is a coat of shellac to seal the wood somewhat, then sand it smooth. Shellac cures quickly and is completely safe once cured. One (or two) coats will seal in the plywood glue and wood oils. Then on each ceiling (turn rack upside down), lay down some contact paper. The paper can be replaced as needed.

Others have used adhesive-backed vinyl sheeting to do the same thing. I used thin styrene sheet plastic before. Gets costly but does the job. The contact cement did smell however, whereas contact paper does not smell.

If you want to get fancy adhere Formica to each ceiling.
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Mark

Mark,

Thanks for the response. Definitely sounds like a winning idea. Looks like I have an evening project tonight.

Jon

You may want to purchase the small roll of contact paper of choice, coat a piece of scrap plywood with shellac, let dry and apply the paper.

You will want to be satisfied with the result before you do it for score. Look for the shellac that you can overcoat. This way, if you ever change your mind, you can paint right over the shellac with polyurethane or primer and paint.

Shellac itself is not as water-resistant as poly. It does provide some protection but does a better job of sealing in the oils and glue for overcoat with whatever. I suggest contact paper because it is available, safe and affordable.

Sometimes the edges can loosen especially if there was dust when you laid it down. Then I found some nice extruded vinyl angle at HD. I places that on the side seams where ceiling meets the sides.
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Mark

I used to use bathroom tileboard with wonderful effect. They come in sheets of 4x8, are waterproof, cut beautifully, and a thin silicone II bead pressed in makes them completely waterproof. Used to use this to make all my burm cages years ago. Just an idea. Seems a lot easier than all the paper and shellacking, and all that being discussed prior, though I am sure those things would work beautifully.
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John Gibeau
US Army (Retired)
Queen Creek, AZ

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