4x2x6 Large Enclosure HELP! What kind of sealent?

Hello everyone, I am working on a very large pine plywood enclosure. I am curious as to the best way to seal the wood. The enclosure will reach temps of 120-125 at the top and need to be over 80% humidity. My older enclosure is melamine and is doing okay but not holding up as well as I "wood" like <--- bad joke lol...

This enclosure is not for a chameleon but you are the smartest people I know! So I trust the opinions heard here.

Please help! My blue tree monitor wants his new and improved enclosure!

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

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!

I used a water-based spar urethane sealer for my oak enclosure. I would probably use oil-based if I were to do it over, but I feel like it works really well. My Jax goes through a lot of water, and so far after several months, it is holding up really well.

I haven't built a wood enclosure, but I did use Helmsman Spar Varnish on my kitchen table. That stuff is great! I haven't had a single water ring on my table since I refinished it. When I finally build my drainage table that's what I plan on using.

mrfixit01 said:

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

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Is this an oil based sealer then I would assume?

I like how this one looks, I may go with it.

MelissaB said:

I haven't built a wood enclosure, but I did use Helmsman Spar Varnish on my kitchen table. That stuff is great! I haven't had a single water ring on my table since I refinished it. When I finally build my drainage table that's what I plan on using.

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Lathis said:

I used a water-based spar urethane sealer for my oak enclosure. I would probably use oil-based if I were to do it over, but I feel like it works really well. My Jax goes through a lot of water, and so far after several months, it is holding up really well.

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Thank you both for the input. I think I am going to use oil based.

The oil based tends to yellow a bit over time where the acrylic stays clear but the oil goes on thicker and requires less coats. I've used the oil based spar urethane on my saltwater aquarium stands and it has always held up really well to the constant spills and strong lights.

I have a quart of sealant that you are welcome to use..... It's the water based with no toxic fumes and dries fast. It's yours if you like.

Alex

hmmmm water based

frikitiki said:

I have a quart of sealant that you are welcome to use..... It's the water based with no toxic fumes and dries fast. It's yours if you like.

Alex

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Wow thank you. If I decide to use water based I will be bugging you!