Question about Varathane for leo gecko.

inuit_jay · #1 03-19-2009, 03:31 PM

I was trying to make a wooden enclosure for my flying geckos and I was told that wood would rot. So they told me to use a finish called varathane. Apparently its poisonous before drying, but I am not sure whether it would be after drying. People sometimes use it for flooring and wall in the house and we don't die, but I was wondering whether it would be safe for flying gecko. I am probably going to test the toxin with crickets but I wouldn't find out any long term damage. Does anyone have any idea or suggestions?

reddmann · #2 03-19-2009, 10:04 PM

Not sure about varathane. I've heard a lot of people say they coat everything with 100 percent silicone. Minwax also makes a water based sealer called polycrylic and it also comes in a spray. Definitely check with an expert first, but I would think the water based products would be safer. I'm no expert though.

Matt K · #3 03-19-2009, 10:24 PM

I don't understand why you want the interior of a cage to be wooden.

? ? ? ? ?

So here are some random thoughts for perspective.

1. So what? It will take the wood a very long time to completely rot through, possibly longer than the gecko will live depending on how often you are applying what quantity of moisture and on what kind of wood.

2. Varathane is fine. Once coated it takes about 24 hours to thoroughly dry through. Then I would let it sit another week or three in a dry location. It will be fine to use after that. Then you have a slick surface that is for the time being moisture resistant though subject to a slow breakdown if subjected to UV lighting. It also may crack over time with temperature variations along the seams of the cage.

3. Line the inside of the cage with plastic, either a plastic film or polycarbonate that you can buy and cut to fit from many hardware stores, then apply silicone to the seams.

Just a couple thoughts.....

inuit_jay · #4 03-20-2009, 12:53 AM

Thanks. Its wooden cause my parents wants me to build it and wood is the easiest material and cheapest to build with. So let the varathane sit. Thanks.

Matt K · #5 03-20-2009, 09:17 AM

Ah, Ok then.

Yes, if you let the Varathane sit, depending on the dryness/humidity of where you are working it *should* be completely set up and dry feeling within 24 hours (or less), but it can still emit vapors for another 1 to 7 days, again all things depending on your workspace environment. I like to let it set another couple weeks to "cure" as it seems to be harden up more in this time. (I like to build a piece of furniture once in a while just for fun).

There are other products that dry faster but I cant say for sure how long they tolerate humidity or moisture- Varathane is a pretty good product for that purpose.

Post some pics of your project when its finished- maybe I will do one too just for fun!

RFB2 · #6 03-20-2009, 10:22 AM

The safest method with an all wood enclosure is 2 part epoxy paint. If you visit some of the fish hobbyist forums you will see why. There people building fish tanks 800+ gallons out of plywood and sealing it with this material. It is expensive, but depending on the size of the cage there will be a lot of paint left over to make more enclosures if you like. Sweetwater is the brand I use, look it up.

**Riverside Reptiles** · #7 03-20-2009, 11:14 AM

Varathane will off gas for quite a long time. So, if you're going to use it, I'd allow at least a few weeks for it to fully cure. I'm curious about the 2 part epoxy paints. I'm going to have to check into that stuff. It sounds interesting (and promising).

inuit_jay · #8 03-20-2009, 05:27 PM

Thanks a lot. What is a epoxy paint, and also for varathane is there any way to speed up the process? Maybe hair dryer? If not I will just leave it :P.

RFB2 · #9 03-20-2009, 06:51 PM

To put it simply epoxy paint is a type of plastic that can be painted on like normal paint. The brand I mentioned above cures inert in about seven days. The brand I use is safe enough to use in drinking water containers if one would wish. The problem if you use a urethane of any type, constant saturation of water will eventually seep into the wood. It is water-resistant not water proof. Think of when you place a glass on you coffee table. That little ring left on the table is the water reacting with the urethane that has coated the wood. Urethane is a great conditioner outside the enclosure, but not inside where it will have potential contact with water your animals may drink. There are many type of materials you can use the list is endless. Come up with a design. If it cost you more than $200 to make than I would definitely invest in the Epoxy paint if you have lots of cages to build than this is the best way to go. A one gallon kit paints about 250 sq ft.

In regards to the so what if the wood rots comment, granted the wood itself rotting may not harm the cages inhabitants, but if plywood is used and it most likely will be than the chemicals used in the manufacturing process will i.e. formaldehyde.

Good luck,

Matt K · #10 03-20-2009, 09:36 PM

As far as Varathane or any other polyurethane goes, it is not like water-based paint in that you cannot speed up the drying process with a hair dryer.

Having used plywood extensively in the past, it was never a problem (though now I use only glass). Isn't formaldehyde no longer in use for plywood manufacturing ?? I am pretty sure it had been used in pressure-treated wood products, but around 3 years ago that may have changed to some (something-nickle hydrate?) solution they use now which is harmless- ... or so I had heard.

But more to the point, I wish I had thought of the 2 part epoxy paint previously. If you have to build a cage out of wood, the best thing to coat the inside would be that. It all depends on how long you realistically intend for the cage to last.