Reptile Safe Wood Sealant?

[HoneyHawthorne]

Sooooooo.. I just finished carving and hollowing out this big OOOLD chuck of eucalyptus that will make a PERFECT hide..

I want to seal it really really well, but don't know what is safe.
I want to do this for two reasons:
1. There is debate as to if eucalyptus is safe for snakes or not (it would seem that as long as it is just the wood, thoroughly treated, then there is no issue whatsoever), so sealing it would lock in any oils that could be dangerous.
2. I want to be able to clean it!! If he poops on it and all that jazz, I imagine the wood wouldn't be good for long unless it is sealed.

So anyone know of a safe and thick wood sealant? Or maybe a safe clear paint?

 

[m1n054]

There was someone that was using Polycrylic to seal the wood:

http://www.cornsnakes.com/forums/showthread.php?t=132259

I also found this:

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.

 

[HoneyHawthorne]

Thank you M1n054! That was very helpful!

Currently we are thinking of using Butcher Block Oil, figuring if it is safe for us to eat off and to be around infants, that it should be safe for our snakes. This is the exact kind I have: http://www.homedepot.com/p/Howard-1...tting-Board-Oil-BBB012/202500132#.UojW3-IlLhE

What do you guys think?

 

[Chet]

Maybe you can line the area with something like this:
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Unbrande...ard-MFTF12IXA480009600/100389836#.UokDBXAaDS8

if link doesn't work google:4 ft. x 8 ft. White .090 FRP Wall Board

If you sealed the seams I think this stuff would allow for easy clean up. A little more work to build out, but avoids toxic chemicals. Also maybe some vinyl might work?

 

[Lennycorn]

I never deal with eucalyptus but I have "branches" in my viv with nothing on them, the few times it got poop on it I just washed and lightly bleached it.

But and sealer will do as long as it is dry before the snake touches it.
A water base floor finish would work well. Easy clean up and less drying time needed.

 

[yojoe05]

When I built my viv stack for my snakes I sealed it in Polyeurathane water based sealant. Left to air out a day or so after its dry it's perfectly safe for reptiles and it's guaranteed for life if applied in 2-3 coats.

 

[backafter30]

How about inexpensive peel and stick vinyl floor tiles? They are easily cut, can be had cheaply, and should be waterproof if you can butt the seams tightly. Maybe caulk the corners and edges, but also easy to clean. Not that you want your snake cage to look like a 70's kitchen floor, but they also come in stone and wood grain styles. Just an idea...