Casket_Case
Avid Member
So I’m really confused on telling what’s safe and what isn’t. How do you tell if what I have cant be used for the Cham?
DIY Cage
- Thread starter Casket_Case
- Start date
Klyde O'Scope
Chameleon Enthusiast
Unfortunately, this is one of those things that's been learned empirically. Hence the lists.
A generalization is that water-based are OK; oil-based are more risky. This is mostly due to the amounts of VOCs. We look for the least amount of VOCs, and preferably none, which is why Ecos Paints are mentioned—they have a pet-safe line with NO VOCs.
This is one of those areas—like plants and feeders—where many feel it's safer to use what's known to be safe than take chances on the unknowns.
Casket_Case
Avid Member
BryanP
Avid Member
Rule of thumb I use is this... if you can smell it while its drying then it's not safe while its wet. Once its dry and all the VOCs have burned off its PROBABLY safe.
A lot of people use drylok. Well, drykock is acrylic based, therefore I figured MOST acrylic based paints (that clean up with water) would be safe in the long run.
I used some exterior grade acrylic paint I got in the opps section of lowes, most of their paints are low VOC anyways (at least here in the communist republic of California) so I just built the cage with enough time to dry amd my guys been fine.
People say 100% silicone is fine and safe and that stuff will burn the nostrils in a poorly ventilated enclosure but once its cured you're good to go.
Just my 2 cents
Casket_Case
Avid Member
I’m so freakin confused lmbooo
Mountain Dragon
Chameleon Enthusiast
I think Kylde correct me if I’m wrong he’s saying there’s no pet safe no VOC so you want to find one with really low VOCs and a lot of those are Eco paint
Mountain Dragon
Chameleon Enthusiast
~accidentally double
water based polyurethane or dryloc or flex seal... All have to be aired out. meaning you have to let them all gas off. Some say on the label how long the cure time is. Pay attention to this because if your doing layers you will have to add additional time for cure and gassing off. Some may take a few days until you notice all odor is gone. From there give it another few days at least. Do not use this in the house with the cham. The fumes can kill your cham. Use in a well ventilated outdoor space.
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Klyde O'Scope
Chameleon Enthusiast
That's some pretty serious stuff.
Klyde O'Scope
Chameleon Enthusiast
That's not what I was saying at all. Ecos makes pet-safe paints with NO VOCs.
If that can't be found or ordered, there are others, but the vast majority are water-based.
I've listed several already.
Mountain Dragon
Chameleon Enthusiast
Sorry lol
Mountain Dragon
Chameleon Enthusiast
Lol don’t listen to me on this
Mountain Dragon
Chameleon Enthusiast
Yea I just looked back at it and lol idk why I said that you clearly said they have pet safe with no VOC
Casket_Case
Avid Member
But if you use one with VOC cant you just seal it with water based polyurethane?
Klyde O'Scope
Chameleon Enthusiast
If you're going to seal it with water-based polyurethane, why bother with something with VOCs underneath? If you want color, high-gloss water-based latex.
Several people have weighed in along the same lines—stick with what's known to be safe.
Mountain Dragon
Chameleon Enthusiast
I would just do what kylde says he’s got Aton of experience
Casket_Case
Avid Member
(EDIT: I meant to reply to you Klyde)
But if I could get something without VOC I wouldn’t seal it. I’m sealing it to stop the VOC from off gassing. I’m not buying the ecopaints I can’t order it so I’ve gotta get something in person and Krylon I’ve heard the best about… it’s still potentially dangerous though and that’s why I’m sealing it
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Klyde O'Scope
Chameleon Enthusiast
Krylon? In post #9 it was Rustoleum. 
Nevermind.
You don't want to stop VOCs from off-gassing. If you're using a product that contains them, you want them to off-gas entirely. Then sealing is not required (unless there are other issues like carcinogens, etc.)
Nevermind.You don't want to stop VOCs from off-gassing. If you're using a product that contains them, you want them to off-gas entirely. Then sealing is not required (unless there are other issues like carcinogens, etc.)
Casket_Case
Avid Member
I’m so sorry I sound literally mentally insane lmaooooKrylon? In post #9 it was Rustoleum.
You don't want to stop VOCs from off-gassing. If you're using a product that contains them, you want them to off-gas entirely. Then sealing is not required (unless there are other issues like carcinogens, etc.)
I’m using Krylon spray paint for color, and it’s got the texture I’m after so I can layer the enamel over it and it’ll give a desired look.
chey<3
Member
I used regular polyurethane for mine
