wood sealer

[Milgro12]

I am building a new enclosure that is about 3 ft wide and 6 ft tall. I have a question on what kind of non- toxic wood sealer to use. I found this butcher block sealer but I don't think it is the right thing to use. If anyone has any suggestions it would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

 

[frikitiki]

I would appreciate some info on this as well

 

[Milgro12]

More information, the wood is untreated pine

 

[Beautiful4Ever]

One thing I have seen are water-based sealants...that's important

 

[mrfixit01]

I have used Minwax Helmsman Spar Urethane with wonderful results. It is not water-based so it needs to cure outside of the home for about 3 days. I have covered white pine, oak, and plywood with 0 deterioration in almost 2 years since the cham cage was built. It still looks good. I had had situations where portions were wet for days without my noticing and it did not change appearance or peel. I used about 3 coats per piece with about 6-8 hours dry time between coats. Use disposable $1 brushes and save on clean-up. See my pix here https://www.chameleonforums.com/season-cage-builds-82759

 

[mrfixit01]

Another product I've used with tremendous results is from Delta Creative. It is called Ceramcoat. It is water-based and non-toxic. Also it sets up within 30 minutes and fully cures in an hour or two. You can find it on Amazon for around $6-8 an 8 oz bottle. Mix it with about 30-50% water to your desired consistency and brush it on. Clear and durable for up to 6 years they say. Some hobby stores may carry it and you may even get site-to-store at some Walmart stores. There is a slight odor but it dissipates by the time it's dry and is then totally non-toxic!

 

[Milgro12]

Thank you the information was very helpful

 

[jamjam]

also been wondering this, i really only want to use waterbased and not take any risk and having a hard time finding the helsman min wax spar urethane. while at a hardware store i was suggested this, anyone use it before or have any thoughts. its varathan diamond wood finish.

 

[Shaunny]

I know I'm from the uk but if you want a product that will last you for years you need yacht varnish. It's designed to take copious amounts of water. Not waterbase and will need to cure for a few days but that stuff is like titanium of the varnish market!

 

[DanSB]

I personally would be very careful with water based. A varnish's base works as the solvent to keep it liquid and allow it to be applied. I am suspicious of any water based sealer that claims to be waterproof. It either has solvents added anyway or isn't waterproof.

You want to find a product that cures 100%. Avoid oils, they are known to never cure on occasion. Most any varnish will do nicely. Just do research on the specific brand. Woodworkers will complain about products that don't cure correctly.

 

[jamjam]

how do the boat varnishes price compare to the more common ones? and yeah for sure probably does have other solvents added to help with waterproofing its prob just not as much someone made a good point that for whatever reason if a piece were to chip off and the cham ingests it could be bad. thats whats scared me with the other ones thinking a waterbased might have less risk.

I dont have my cham yet and havent experienced a wood enclosure, and just wondering does it really have to super super waterproof anyways. I'm going to be hand misting at first unless i decide to get mist system and when i mist ill be aiming at the plants and stuff and im gonna have a plastic bottom.

I am going to continue reading on the product i bought but seems good so far.

 

[PressurePro]

Just stumbled upon this thread. There is a product called Pond Armor which is commonly used to waterproof wood aquariums. It also holds up against uv and is completely animal safe.

 

[Psychobunny]

I've been using this stuff:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0088LWBSC/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

You can brush it on, or dilute it with water and spray it.

 

[sandrachameleon]

I used latex acrylic zero VOC paint (water based and non-toxic) on my wood cages.