polycrylic

[ortega]

I am thinking about building my cage. I am wondering about painting and sealing the cage without it being toxic to my snake. I herd about someone using a sealent called polycrylic, does anyone know if this is the best way to go? Price wise to?

[Invictus]

Use only 100% rubber silicone. This is the same stuff that is sold in pet stores as "Aquarium safe silicone", except that it's twice the price in pet stores.

[Linds]

Silicone is only for sealing the joints on your enclosure. Even though it reads 100% silicone, make sure that is specifies it is aquarium-safe, otherwise it contains additives to stave off mold and mildew, and will continue to offgas ammonia after it is fully cured. Like Invictus said, stay away from the stuff in pet stores, it will cost an arm and a leg.

It all depends on the environment you will have in your enclosure, what will be an effective method of sealing it. Polyurethanes are quite common, although they will not provide a 100% waterproof seal on your surfaces and will wear down over time with cleaning, etc. Oilbased is more effective, but stinks for a long time and takes a while to cure. Waterbased doesn't offgas after it is cured, but being that it is waterbased, doesn't stand up well to cleaning and moisture. Make sure you match types (oil with oil, water with water, don't try to put an oilbased urethane over top of a waterbased paint). I prefer to use an epoxy to seal my enclosures. I use Epoxal 3:1 available from Niagara Protective Coatings. It will provide a hard as nails finish that is 100% waterproof. It is touch dry in hours, can hold water after 72 hours, and is fully cured in 5 days. I just used an alkyd housepaint underneath.

[ortega]

I don't know how easy it will be to go all the way to niagra falls to get Epoxal 3:1, considering i live in brampton. Although, it does sound perfict for the job. Polycrylic is supposed to work that well if i use five coats instead of just one. The sillicone will be fine to buy at superpet, because I work there and get 30% off. I favor the natural look of wood but mabey it is a better idea to just use those shelf cover things. Once i seal on the edges with sillicone it should be fine. Well still need to think about it and find prices. thanx guys

[Linds]

Polycrylic is a waterbased urethane. I would recommend avoiding it if you plan on keeping a humid environment. There are other types of epoxies available, I don't know of any places in the Brampton area however to point you at. You could try checking in the yellow pages for places that specialize in protective coatings. Niagara Protective Coatings may also be willing to ship the stuff out. Even with 30% off you still may be paying more than double for the silicone as well. Last I saw a small tube went for 6.99. I get the giant (gun) tubes for 2.99 or 3.99 at Home Hardware.

[Jeff Hathaway]

2 part System 3 epoxy (what I use), and probably any other composite material out there, can be purchased in Mississauga from Composites Canada (their new name, I think- used to be Fiberglass Factory). They're at 5205 Timberlea, (905) 629-3178. Be sure to follow the instructions!

Jeff Hathaway
Sciensational Sssnakes!!

[ortega]

an epoxy does sound like it would hold up better. Could I use any kind though?, like the type used to seal boats? how do we know it is not toxic?