Best sealant for wood enclosure

[Nocona]

I am going to convert a wardrobe into a Vic for my new Cham. What is the best and cheapest stuff to use? Want it to last a lifetime and be waterproof. Thanks in advance.

 

[deerharvester]

I don't know if any sealer will last a life time, but on my wooden enclosures that I've built ive stained and used water based polyurethane(3 coats with a light sanding in between coats.

Scott

 

[repdog]

The only problem I have had with the water based polyurethane is water over time. It will wear off. I'm in the process of doing the same thing. I painted the inside this time just need to seal it. My husband is working on the doors right now and most of the outside is sealed. For the outside I use oil based polyurethane. It holds up better to sunlight. But if you don't plan on redoing the outside then this step you can skip.

 

[deerharvester]

Oil based definitely will hold up longer, but there is a reason why the epa is slowly doing away with oil based paints. Here in pa it is very difficult to get oil based ( other than in quarts). I have a 5 year old cage that i polyed and it's still doing well.

Scott

 

[pigglett79]

For my cages I used spar urethane and it seems to hold up well. Even the wood pieces on the bottom that get watered regularly are still doing great.