Polycrylic topcoat?

Brently · 10-15-13, 08:45 AM

I read on here somewhere to use minwax polycrylic as a sealer on my enclosure because it is non toxic. I am getting ready to seal my wood and am getting a little nervous about some reviews that I am reading. How well does this hold up to humidity? Does anyone have any experience working with this stuff? Would you recommend it for both inside and outside the enclosure? Just looking for some reassurance before I apply it to the wood.

formica · 10-15-13, 08:57 AM

Polycrylic is a polyethylene varnish (edit: also acrylic, indicates high VOC's, so may not be safe), Polyethylene is used allot and generally considered to be safe - do you know if its low VOC (Volatile Organic Chemicals), it will say on the tin if it is, these are the best ones to use, if its not, then you need to ensure its aired out for a good few weeks, with heating on inside the enclosure, wait until there is absolutely no smell left before putting your animal inside

other thing to check is anti-mold and anti-fungal additives, these should be label, and should be avoided for reptile enclosures

how much humidity we talking about? Yacht varnish will hold up well for moderate humidity ~60%, with silicon sealant along the edges once the varnish has dried, but varnish scratches and wears down eventually, so best for snakes rather than lizards with claws, if you need very high humidity, the something like 3M's epoxy resin is recommended by some on here (infernalis used it on his Monitor enclosure with great results)

formica · 10-15-13, 08:59 AM

just looked up a tin of PolyAcrylic Water based varnish, it lists VOC's @ 256g/L - this is very high, check your tin carefully

Brently · 10-15-13, 09:11 AM

Ok well I will return the Polycrylic and shoot for something else I guess. Any suggestions on specific brands. It is for RTB about 6'. Humidity usually around 50% and I increase periodically especially when she is in blue. Ambient humidity is generally pretty high due to the area.

formica · 10-15-13, 09:37 AM

Low VOC Yacht Varnish, couldnt tell you a brand coz they are diffrent to here in the UK, but as long as its Low VOC, and doesnt have any anti-mold/fungi additives then it'll be fine. any aquarium-safe silicone will do the trick for the joins/edges

Brently · 10-15-13, 03:16 PM

Bioshield, Aqua Resin Stain Finish

I found this, does that appear to fit the bill. Please forgive me for being a bit timid on my decision. This is just my first enclosure build and I really don't want to make a mistake.

WoodShield Clear Varnish

I also saw this stuff. Would you recommend either? Should I just go to lowes and ask for a low voc varnish? Or can anyone recommend a specific varnish for me?

formica · 10-15-13, 03:48 PM

not sure about the first one, second one looks ok, see if they have an outdoor version which is still waterbased and zero VOC - i'm sure the store will have some yacht varnishes you can choose from tho, probably best to see what they have or can recomend unless someone has a brand they can suggest on here

Brently · 10-15-13, 04:52 PM

Ok thanks man. I'll look into it. I appreciate the help.

Brently · 10-25-13, 05:44 PM

Natural Wood Finish, Wood Varnish, Floor Finish, Oil Finish, non toxic

I stumbled across this and I was wondering if anyone has any experience with it. I like the eco friendly aspect.