Epoxy?

[Auddi01]

i am planning on making a new vivarium,
i have a lot of OSB board lying around here, so i want to use it
It is very strong, but not waterproof, so i will need to seal it.
I was wanting to use Epoxy paint to seal it. Does anyone know if this is safe to use for a snake?
I will also have a heat pad/ tape on tope of this paint inside the cage, will that be ok?
thanks in advance

[Auddi01]

ANYONE???????

[Big Mike]

I don't know for sure but it's always safer to use a water based sealant rather than an oil base.

Make sure that you let it air out fully before you place any animals into it. This includes running the heating devices for a while as they will bring out some of the offgasing.

[McCarthy Boas]

Hi Austin,

I use a clear, high build epoxy finish to aid in cleaning, and prevent water damage to my cage I make. I also mount my Kane heat mats to the underside of my cage. I make all my wood cages out of 3/4" oak plywood and the Kane heat mat heat the cage just fine.
I like mounting them to the bottom so I do not have to worry about cleaning them or burning my boas with the mat.

Here is a link for the epoxy.
http://www.eti-usa.com/consum/envtex/envlite.htm

This is the 18" x 18" Kane heat mat I use.
<img src="http://www.mccarthyboas.com/KaneHeatMat18x18.JPG">


Take care,
Tom

[Linds]

Tom,
I remember you telling me about this product a while ago. Can it be applied easily to the entire cage, or do you just finish the bottoms with it? How is it applied?

[Chris Steele]

So you put the mat on the outside of you cage, on the bottom? Wouldn't heat tape work just as well..I would want to use whichever one is cheaper. How much are the heat mats and where do you get them?

[McCarthy Boas]

Hi Linds,

The epoxy is mixed up and then poured onto the surface. Then I tip the cage from side to side to help spread the epoxy evenly over the surface. I let it set for a few minute after this.
Then I wave a propane torch over the surface to pop all the air bubbles. If you want to cover the entire cage you would have wait until the one surface is dry. Then just start over on one of the other surfaces. I only use the epoxy on the bottom of my cages.
I also use Minwax Helmsman Spar Urethane to coat the entire cage inside and outside.
I do this before I apply the epoxy to the floor. Here is a link to show you what to look for.
I use the spray can not the brush on type.
http://www.minwax.com/products/protective/helmsman.cfm

Hi Chris Steele,

The heat tape will not heat thought 3/4" plywood so it will not work well.
I do not like using heat tape I do not think it is all that safe. I have seen them burn out and they could start a fire. The Kane heat mats are made for livestock and are very well made. They do heat thought 3/4" plywood. They are more money than heat tape but I think the Kane mat will out last several heat tapes and would be cheaper in the long run.

On most of my cages I use a track to mount the mat, but you can use screws to mount it. I only screw them to cages that are easy to turn over just in case I ever have to replace the mat. So far I have never had to replace a Kane heat mat. :o) The mats that are on my 3 cage system have been on for over 5 years and are still as good as new.
I use the 18" x 18" heat mat on all my cages that are 4' to 6' long.

I do sell the Kane heat mats all the info is on my "For Sale Page". You can also find them at livestock stores if you have any in your area.
http://www.mccarthyboas.com/Forsale.html

Take care,
Tom

[Linds]

How long does an oil-based polyurethane like that take to fully cure? Do you set it with heat or anything additional to help speed it along?

[McCarthy Boas]

Hi Linds,

It is fully cured in 72 hr. However I let it sit for 2 weeks before I use it for any reptiles.
After the first week I do turn on the heat mat for a few days.

Take care,
Tom

[T.O-SK8TER]

Use a latex EXTERIOR paint it works great I use it for all mine!

[Auddi01]

thanks guys

[T.O-SK8TER]

Yea heating the cage dries out any uncured resin to be 100% cautious.