To paint or not to paint?

[Kaianuanu]

I'm sitting here w/ a can of polyurethane and a brush staring at the frame of the jackson's cage i just built trying to decide if i should just seal it now leaving it a very light wood grain pattern or wait until tomorrow, to get some stain or black paint. So, can you guys help me decide if I should seal it as is, stain it first, or paint it black then seal it???

Thanks

 

[draetish]

Personally, I'm not to fond of black I like the natural look. I would stain it with waterbase stain and not seal it. Unless you plan on water running over the wood. It may eventually start to deteriorate but not for a long time. Mine is still good. The stain smell will hang around awhile, so you won't be able to use it right away.

 

[Kaianuanu]

If i stain, i will seal it anyway, it will keep it from warping in any small way from elevated humidity and, it will let seal in the smell from the stain letting me ise it sooner.

 

[draetish]

There you go, I didn't think of that! Whatcha waiting fer

 

[Kaianuanu]

well, im not sure if i want to stain, or paint black. But, Im sure i dont want the natural white wood grain.

 

[draetish]

well, im not sure if i want to stain, or paint black. But, Im sure i dont want the natural white wood grain.

I agree, I did a pecan stain on one I'm working on and it looks good. I guess it depends on your decor and taste.

 

[Kaianuanu]

I think a stain would look good on the outside but i think black would look better on the inside, i think the black would "pop" least making the folliage and the cham's color stand out more. That is also why i am planning on painting my mesh black.

 

[Tputtwhatwhat]

I personally like DIY cages stained. Painting it black takes away from the craftsmanship, imo.

 

[VeiledOwner87]

black will increase the temp, perhaps drastically. i agree black on the inside would look really nice. but how about royal blue and just put some heavy plantage? im starting a design for mine. going to be a nice summer project 3'wide, 4' tall, 2' deep. with a running water fall and pond. full front and top vent.