The age old question... which I've yet to find a consistent answer to. What product or category of product do people recommend most heavily for wood enclosures? I *thought* I had a winner with Helmsman Spar Urethane (haven't used it yet, though), but finally found a negative review saying that it can out-gas for up to two months, even with proper ventilation.



I am finishing a walk-in vivarium, the sides and floor of which are plywood. I'm going to be using silicone to caulk the joints and gaps to help with water/moisture resistance, and then treat the interior with a wood sealer of some kind.



My options seem to be polyurethane, spar urethane, or acrylic. Some of these seem to be water-based, some seem to be oil-based. I'm finding it difficult to find reliable information on the out-gas time (not the "dry to the touch" cure time) of these products.



The interior will be a tropical-esque environment for two large boas; high humidity with standard heat gradient (not ever exceeding 90-95 at bask points.)



Any reliable tips on treating wood for a project this size? Should I return the spar urethane and go for poly? (the non-toxic options, like classic shellac, will not hold up to the humidity and heat: they're more decorative than functional.)



(Somebody recommended two-part epoxy paint used for garage floors, someplace else: but I read elsewhere that these can put off gasses for years.)

[ Reply To This Message ] [ Subscribe to this Thread ] [ Show Entire Thread ]