Lacquer and for snake cages

[Scootter]

Is there a special lacquer I should be looking for to seal the inside of my wood snake cages after I stain them? Or possibly one to avoid? I've got the wood picked out and I've figured out lighting, heating and wiring.

 

[JButera]

I was about to buy this but my wooden cage plans were aborted. http://agralifeproducts.com/products/product/Kennel-Seal-1-Gal

 

[Scootter]

I was about to buy this but my wooden cage plans were aborted. http://agralifeproducts.com/products/product/Kennel-Seal-1-Gal

Thank you!

 

[bcr229]

Interesting. If you use it report back and let us know how it works out please.

 

[Scootter]

I'm looking at a couple brands. I noticed tonight that the one JButera linked is white and I'd like to use a clear lacquer. I'm still in the planning/design phase so anything is a possibility right now.

 

[Helenthereef]

I think the trick is just to make sure that you don't put any snakes in the tank until there is NO trace of odour left.

Also we made the mistake of making the layer a bit thin, and it doesn't wipe clean as well as I'd like, so I'd do thick or multiple coats.

 

[JButera]

It's clear.

 

[Scootter]

I think the trick is just to make sure that you don't put any snakes in the tank until there is NO trace of odour left.

Also we made the mistake of making the layer a bit thin, and it doesn't wipe clean as well as I'd like, so I'd do thick or multiple coats.

I'm wanting to get these built way ahead of time so they can sit in my shop and air out for at least a month before I put snakes in them. I plan on putting a thick layer on the bottom of each cage. I also read a tip about wiping down the floor and sides with silicone before setting the cages up so that it will be easier to clean.

And I see JButera says it's clear so game on! Now I just need to find the wood I want to use locally (gotta love a small town) and I'm off to the races.

 

[Lucille]

So, just my opinion, water based acrylics like the Kennel Seal are not going to last on the bottom of a cage. Acrylics are great (as paint or stain, for instance) for the sides of houses or fences, because while the surface does get wet frequently with rain, it does not sit on the surface.
In my opinion, horizontal surfaces that are prone to extended moisture need oil based coverings, spar urethanes, two part epoxies, and the like. Oil based urethanes can be applied better as several thin coatings, with the surface lightly sanded between coatings to rough up the surface, then wiped down to prevent the sanding dust being included in the next coat, rather than one thick coating.
The oil based products have higher vocs and must be aired out for a significan amount of time before use. And they are more expensive in general. The two part epoxies are very expensive.

 

[Scootter]

So, just my opinion, water based acrylics like the Kennel Seal are not going to last on the bottom of a cage. Acrylics are great (as paint or stain, for instance) for the sides of houses or fences, because while the surface does get wet frequently with rain, it does not sit on the surface.
In my opinion, horizontal surface that are prone to extended moisture need oil based coverings, spar urethanes, two part epoxies, and the like. Oil based urethanes can be applied better as several thin coatings, with the surface lightly sanded between coatings to rough up the surface, then wiped down to prevent the sanding dust being included in the next coat, rather than one thick coating.
The oil based products have higher vocs and must be aired out for a significan amount of time before use. And they are more expensive in general. The two part epoxies are very expensive.

Definitely some good food for thought. I need to sit down and do some reading and research. I've thought about using something like Flexseal for the floor and part way up the sides but that stuff is really expensive and I'm not sure there wouldn't be some off gassing once heat sources are turned on to bring the cages up to temperature. I watched a video where a guy lined a plywood aquarium with a 2 part epoxy and I liked how it turned out but like you said it was expensive. I want to use whatever is going to be the most durable since I plan on these cages lasting my lifetime at least. I can handle having them sit and air out for a while before using them as long as the end result won't harm my snakes.

 

[Lucille]

Scott,
If you decide to go with oil based urethans, it might be worth while to list your material expenses. Good lumber is not cheap. While a custom wood enclosure can be beautiful and last a lifetime, there are other considerations. Many people move several times in their lifetime and a fully built wood enclosure with a glass front weighs a lot.
You might compare costs with new or used plastic enclosures. I was very happy with my large Vision enclosures and I bought them second hand so they were a really good deal.
Of course the ultimate choice has a lot to do with your personal cage preferences.

 

[Helenthereef]

We built our cages around water/oil resistant trays sold to fit in the trunks of cars. They don't fit exactly (we are not great carpenters) so we still have to deal with urates (and occasionally snakes), that manage to get between them and the cage bottom, but being able to lift the tray out for really good cleaning every now and again is nice.

If you are a more accurate carpenter than we are, you should be able to reduce the gap

 

[Scootter]

Scott,
If you decide to go with oil based urethans, it might be worth while to list your material expenses. Good lumber is not cheap. While a custom wood enclosure can be beautiful and last a lifetime, there are other considerations. Many people move several times in their lifetime and a fully built wood enclosure with a glass front weighs a lot.
You might compare costs with new or used plastic enclosures. I was very happy with my large Vision enclosures and I bought them second hand so they were a really good deal.
Of course the ultimate choice has a lot to do with your personal cage preferences.

Before sealing and glass I am at about 1/4 the cost of plastic cages with the designs I have so far. I have a line on inexpensive glass so I'm not overly worried about that cost. The melamine 6x2x2 I designed is right at $100 before glass heat and light. Comparable cages can be 5 or 6 times that. I'm not real worried about moving unless I hit the lottery. If that happens I'll pay some kids to lift heavy stuff lol. Another reason I'm building my own is because I want to start selling them locally. I'm already building some rat racks for a gal. Between custom wood and selling feeders hopefully I can offset some of my future snake purchases.