Melamine?

[zombiepixel]

I want to build two short-term (about 3-4 months) cage stands this weekend and I was thinking about going the melamine route since a friend of mine has some he isn't using. I have the edge liners to cover the exposed (cut) edges. Will the moisture pose a problem?

 

[Surfrat]

What is melamine?

Melamine is a white powder with unique properties - the chemical compound melamine, consisting of carbon, nitrogen and hydrogen. The German scientist Justus von Liebig first synthesized a compound in the 1830s and called it melamine. Commercial interest and synthesis of the compound started in 1937. Nowadays melamine is an important starting material for the production of synthetic thermosetting products worldwide.

What are typical properties of melamine?

Melamine enables the creation of hard, glossy surfaces which are durable and hardwearing. Melamine surfaces and products are safe, hygienic, non-allergic and highly resistant to heat, chemicals and moisture. Melamine in glues for wood-based panels contributes to achieving low-emissions targets.

What is melamine mainly used for?

The main use of melamine is as a reactive intermediate for the manufacturing of melamine-formaldehyde (MF) and melamine-urea-formaldehyde (MUF) resins. Most melamine-based resins are used in decorative surface laminates and in adhesives for the production of water- and moisture-resistant wood-based panels. The wood-based panel industry supplies end-markets such as the construction industry with boards, panels and beams. The majority of these panels are surfaced with durable, hardwearing decorated melamine papers. Panels and laminates are used as kitchen worktops and tabletops, and for furniture, flooring and wall coverings. For an overview, see Melamine end markets and Melamine applications.

Sounds pretty moisture resistant to me

 

[Pure]

To answer your question. You need to do something to protect the edges and the few inches next to the edge on the back. I just used a simple clear coat spray paint to seal it. You have to put it on pretty thick but it works and hasn't shown any water damage in 4 months. It gets exposed to 40 gallons of water being sprayed every day.

Also, be sure to caulk the corners of your base and where ever 2 pieces meet.

 

[Fearaffect]

I use melamine in my Beardie and Monitor enclosures...........it should be ok for that time period, but u r gonna get some warping and bubbling of the surface. My Dragon cages, where I've sprayed them with water warps just after a couple of sprays..........

 

[zombiepixel]

I use melamine in my Beardie and Monitor enclosures...........it should be ok for that time period, but u r gonna get some warping and bubbling of the surface. My Dragon cages, where I've sprayed them with water warps just after a couple of sprays..........

are the warping areas coated?

This is what I plan to build with the melamine. the water pan will sit inside and the enclosure on top.

 

[Fearaffect]

are the warping areas coated?

This is what I plan to build with the melamine. the water pan will sit inside and the enclosure on top.

Yea, areas r coated.

U should be fine with what your building.....just make sure that he edges are covered completely with plastic strips......other then that, design looks good......cant wait to see the pics!!

 

[Pure]

How did it warp Brye? If it is protected right, moisture shouldn't effect it. It's kinda what the stuff is made for.

I know it isn't recommended for large reptiles or ones with really sharp powerful claws. Scratches will open it up to moisture causing warping. But a cham shouldn't be able to cause this.

 

[Fearaffect]

How did it warp Brye? If it is protected right, moisture shouldn't effect it. It's kinda what the stuff is made for.

I know it isn't recommended for large reptiles or ones with really sharp powerful claws. Scratches will open it up to moisture causing warping. But a cham shouldn't be able to cause this.

Melamine is "resistant" to water, not impervious to it. Every melamine cage that I've seen with high humidity or water contact warps and then cracks.

NEVER believe some1 that says their melamine cage/enclosure is water proof....might be on the corners where the 2 pieces are put together....ie silicon on the creases, but the actual board is not impervious to water left standing on it........wipe it off right away and yea, it will not damage it........thats what its ment to do.....like on counters.....u wipe a spill off of it.

Thats why there is plastic cages on the market......these are water proof.

 

[danhinch]

I own a commercial construction company. I have tons of experience fabricating and installing melamine.
We never use melamine anywhere near moisture. The problem is sealing the corners where the edge banding meets the face. The best solution I have for that problem is painting the edge before you put the edge band on. However...... If it going to be a temporary stand then you should be ok for a short while. The core of melamine is partical board, which is just a wooden sponge.
Dan

 

[Pure]

Melamine is "resistant" to water, not impervious to it. Every melamine cage that I've seen with high humidity or water contact warps and then cracks.

NEVER believe some1 that says their melamine cage/enclosure is water proof....might be on the corners where the 2 pieces are put together....ie silicon on the creases, but the actual board is not impervious to water left standing on it........wipe it off right away and yea, it will not damage it........thats what its ment to do.....like on counters.....u wipe a spill off of it.

Thats why there is plastic cages on the market......these are water proof.

That sucks man. Not looking forward to having to rip down this Melleri cage. *sigh* oh well, it's been 4 months and so far so good...wish me luck.