What kind of coating for wood?

[SoCal Soldier]

Alright just starting on my first cage build. just picked up some Redwood and was going to ask what kind of clear coat should I use to protect it from moisture. if anyone has built their own using wood, I was told to try Thompson's clear coat. Please and thank you for the response.

 

[SaintJimmy]

I just painted mine with two coats of black paint and any clear coat should work fine.

We built it, sanded our stand, painted it twice, sanded it again for an "older" look, and then clear coated it so no water gets in and destroys it.

So far it's worked.

I doubt it matters what kind of clear coat you use, I assume it's all waterproof for the most part (humidity).

I would use low VOC paints if you plan on painting. Also let the piece air out (even with only clear coat) before you put a chameleon near/in it.

 

[SoCal Soldier]

Ok perfect thanks SaintJimmy, I just wanted to know and make sure I did not use any harmful coats on the cage. I will make sure I use a low VOC paints, ya was thinking of doing the old look to or maybe something modern.

 

[kgallego]

Alright just starting on my first cage build. just picked up some Redwood and was going to ask what kind of clear coat should I use to protect it from moisture. if anyone has built their own using wood, I was told to try Thompson's clear coat. Please and thank you for the response.

You might find this video interesting. It covers your question: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PcIbzeCQ0R8

 

[SaintJimmy]

What we did was use pine wood, build the stand and top.

Sanded the wood down, then sanded the corners at a 45 degree angle so they were more "rounded" than pointy.

We put caulking in all the crevices, then painted 2 coats of low VOC black paint (took us a little can. Not a whole gallon, maybe a half gallon? I don't remember).

We then let it dry, sanded down any drips we found, and also gave it a rough look (all of our furniture looks like that, so we decided the cage would match). Then did a clear coat.

 

[SoCal Soldier]

ok perfect, I am still a little curious on how I want the corners, and still thinking of do I want a solid one or something I can break down like some a saw just in case I need to move it or clean.

Would you be able to post any pictures of your cage? If so thank you, if you cant don't worry about it.

 

[SaintJimmy]

here is a pic from my "diy sticks" thread. ignore the stick on the string

here is another

it has a drain in the middle that the water goes under the pot to get into

the back has a hole for a bucket

the inside when the hardybacker whatever was still drying.

and here is the spoiled brat who lives there

 

[SoCal Soldier]

Lol nice I like what you did, the bottom how you funnel is exactly what I drew on my plans to drain it. I like how it looks I bet your cham loves it.

Kgallego thank you for the link that is amazing maybe I should make something like that since I am planning on getting a Nosy Be lol...