Coating new cages?

[jjnnbns]

HEy guys, I just built a tower to enclose 3 corn snakes. Each of the three enclosures are 3' long, 2' deep, and 15" high. It is basically a bookshelf made of 5/8" plywood with open space between each level (for UTH and cords) but I don't know what is best to treat the inside. Do I paint it first and then use poly? Can I use stain, so that the wood grain shows? I don't wanna build this thing and then finish it wrong and kill the snakes. Thanks

PS I need to update my account so that I have room to store pics so that I can post em here! I will though

[crazyboy]

you could urathane them but the best coating is epoxy.. granted i havn't used it but everyone on her that has has loved it.

[Linds]

If you use an epoxy, it doesn't matter what kind of finishes are underneath because they will 100% sealed in. I've used it both on bare wood, or if I didn't like the wood, I painted the wood first. I prefer to use an epoxy over any other kind of finish, even if it is an arid environent, for several reasons. You don't have to worry about it wearing away after a couple years; it is completely waterproof; it does not offgas stinky fumes; in most cases, you can get away with using just one coat. Also, for me, it worked out to be cheaper. It all depends on how much you end up paying for yours. I use Epoxal 3:1 available from Niagara Protective Coatings.

Polyurethanes are quite commonly used to finish cages. They provide a protective barrier, however it does not waterproof, and does need to be be redone from time to time (depends on what kind you use, and what kind of environment it is). They are pretty much useless in humid environments. Oilbased will give you a better degree of protection, however it takes a longer time to cure, and it stinks for a long time. Waterbased doesn't offgas like oilbased will, and it cures quickly, however being waterbased, it does not stand up as well to fluids and cleaning.

[Stockwell]

Varathane is a good line of Polyurethane made by Flecto/ rustoleum. I've used it for years and still do.
They have product for outside furniture which is water based and stands up well. They also they have a product for boats and water skis(spar varnish).. That stuff will certainly take moist environomets, as it's desinged to be IN the water

[Invictus]

Because corn snakes have such runny poop, and the urinate a lot too, you're going to be cleaning that cage quite a bit. Varathane may work for a while, but for corns I'd recommend the epoxy simply because it hardens to an almost plastic finish, which makes it easier to clean - which believe me, you'll be doing a lot of. :)

[jjnnbns]

does the epoxy dry clear? The stuff at the hardware store all came in a tube. Is there any that comes in a paint can? or do I have to spread it on from the tube? Right now I am putting stain on and then I will go over it with either varathane or epoxy, but I want the wood grains to show through.

[Linds]

Epoxy does not come in a tube, it is a two-part mixture that will likely be found in a can. You need to mix in a catalyst, and this will start a reaction, so you only have a certain amount of time to work with the stuff. Silicone comes in a tube, this is what you ened to seal all the joints after you have sealed the wood with either a polyurethane or epoxy. Epoxies are available in both colour and clear. I just use the clear stuff. What's nice about it, is that it dries completely clear, unlike most urethanes which give the wood a different hue, either more golden or whatever, than it is originally.

[crazyboy]

canj you use the epoxy that is used for coating garage floors?