[geckonamedspot]

Originally Posted by killuminati

ya i use acrylic paint to and always here people saying i have to seal it but never why. I can see having to seal it in a humid cage but in a desert?

i have a desert reptile. i have not created a hide yet but i would do at least one or two layers to protect from any toxicities in the paint and grout. just my opinion.

[killuminati]

Originally Posted by geckonamedspot

i have a desert reptile. i have not created a hide yet but i would do at least one or two layers to protect from any toxicities in the paint and grout. just my opinion.

but wut if i painted all the grout in acryilic non toxic paint?

[EsotericForest]

I'd worry about it scratching off. Acrylic paint doesn't stick very well to those types of surfaces in a lot of cases. Especially if you layer it at all...the top lighter layers will peal off and reveal your dark base.

[Klowne]

The sealant is also very important for protecting the structure when you are cleaning it. Wiping poop of with a damp cloth can take a heavy toll on grout if it is not sealed.

[EsotericForest]

Makes you wonder how those people manage who just coat their backgrounds and such in cocoa fiber, or substrate.

[Klowne]

not really. The coco fiber is stuck on with silicone and is actually quite sturdy in itself. With the fiber though, if some does come off with cleaning you can just stick some more back on there but with the grout to apply more would leave an obvious repair spot.

[EsotericForest]

I suppose that is probably true. I've been considering going the cocoa fiber or substrate coating route for awhile now. It seems to have a more natural look to it.

[Klowne]

depends on what you are setting up for. If you are setting up a tank for a tropical species the coco fiber will be better for holding humidity in and keeping a moist environment. Also many of the tropical species will look great on the substrate as it will make their colors pop.

If you are setting up a desert environment for a leopard gecko or bearded dragon the grout will probably look better as it will provide a drier environment and appear more rock-like. You can create some great rock formations with styrofoam and the grout can make them look like they were created by mother nature.

Check out Lizard care, and fake rock wall landscapes for all your needs with creating with grout and styrofoam and Vivarium Forums for all of your vivarium needs and also some great tutorials on coco fiber

[EsotericForest]

Way ahead of you . I've already been doing a lot of research on both of those places.

[Riverside Reptiles]

If you use an epoxy grout (which comes in a bunch of different colors), you wouldn't need to paint it or seal it.