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wood framing for screen lid

Just

Just

New member
I'm in process of constructing a lid for my 46g bowfront.

I got some wood to make the frame of the lid, but I didn't think to check what kind of wood I was working with until after I had built the frame. I'm afraid it might be pine :uhoh:.

Either way, I my original plan was to seal the wood in a couple generous coats of polycrylic and then paint it black with some krylon fusion before I attach the screening. Would this be make it safe enough for the snake, or should I just scrap what I've done so far and try to find something else to use for the screen framing?
 
Thanks. It doesn't look like the VA retail location exists anymore, but according to their product descriptions it looks like they're just a water based sealer, like polycrylic is. I'm not sure how it would work any better than my original plan.
 
Your plan is fine. Most all pine woods that are sold for building purposes are kiln dried, so there aren't very many oils or sap left left in them. Once they are sealed they are fine.
 
Just said:
Thanks. It doesn't look like the VA retail location exists anymore, but according to their product descriptions it looks like they're just a water based sealer, like polycrylic is. I'm not sure how it would work any better than my original plan.
Click to expand...

I'm not a green building nut, but I do like the idea of using "safe" products when dealing with reptiles. Though polycrylic is water-based, IIRC it does off gas. Polyurethane definitely off gases, and though greatly recommended most suggest a 2-3 week off gassing period. I've not ran into it yet, but you may have to re-apply water-based sealants over time when they are constantly subjected to moderate to high humidity.

What I did for a recent build (wooden light canopy for a future day gecko tank) was seal the wood with a water-based sealant (SafeCoat's Safe Seal) via 5 applications, then I covered it with Zinsser's 1-2-3 water-based Primer For All Surfaces. HOWEVER, on the back, under limitations it states, "Not recommended for application to floors or decks or to surfaces subject to immersion or prolonged contact with water." The Zinsser's is tintable, but I kept it white as I wanted light to reflect. I let the lid off gas for 2 weeks before placing it on the tank and subjecting it to heat and humidity. So far it is holding up and was placed on the tank in early May. I think my possible saving grace will be the fact that I used 2x80mm computer fans for cooling/dehumidifying within the canopy; 1 fan blows in and 1 fan exhausts.
 
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