Crossfire Enclosure Background Ideas - Paint Options! :)

[DeweysMom]

I'm in the process of building a crossfire enclosure for Dewey and I'm looking for ideas on a background for the back panel and the two walls. I don't want just plain white. I was thinking of maybe painting the melamine, but then I'd have to seal it I'm assuming? I also seem to recall that the adhesive liners give off harmful fumes is that correct? Aside from that I'm lost. What backgrounds would you suggest?

 

[DeweysMom]

Bump!

Nobody has any suggestions to offer?

 

[Rutabaga]

I am interested in knowing the answer to this as well.

 

[volvotech]

I'd go with contact paper. Plenty of people have done that. If it gives off fumes, put a heat lamp in the cage and let it air out.

 

[triumphtt]

Sorry guys I've been away for a few months. Getting back into things now though and I actually came up with a new idea that might work for the crossfire since you don't have a ton of room to really build on the walls to much without that cutting in to the space. I found textured wallpaper that looks like rocks on it. It actually has sand on it when they make it and stuff. I haven't used it yet because I'm not sure how I wanted to use it but that's an option. I went to a local wallpaper place and just asked a lady who happened to keep reptile and knew what I was shooting for which really helped. If I could find the charger for the camera I'd take a pic but I'm sure you can get an idea of what I'm getting at. The worst part is normally you have to buy a double roll which would cover well half a room or so lol. I was able to get them to just give me a sample of the roll they luckily had in the back and it didn't cost me anything. Hope that helps

 

[DeweysMom]

Ok, so I decided that I'm going to paint the interior of Dewey's cage. Just to see how it would look, I used the back to try a few different patterns. Can you please take a look and let me know which one you like the most? Everyone at my house has picked a different favorite. I think I'm leaning more towards one now that I've looked at the photos for a little while.

Option 1: Burnt Umber

Option 2: Country Tan

Option 3: Burnt Umber over Country Tan

Option 4: Country Tan over Burnt Umber

 

[TASTIGER]

i like number 3 or 4 it gives it depth

 

[triumphtt]

i like number 3 or 4 it gives it depth

Agreed I would go with 3 if you want a lighter enclosure of course and 4 for a darker.

 

[Rutabaga]

I like # 3. What kind of paint is safe to use in the viv? Does it need to be sealed as well and if so, with what kind of sealer?

 

[DeweysMom]

Thanks for the input. I decided shortly after I originally posted those sample shots that I'll be going with #3. I really like how it looks.

Rutabaga, I'm using Apple Barrel acrylic paint. I don't need THAT much of it since I'm going for a more textured look so I won't need to do several coats like if you were to paint a room or something. It's non toxic paint, but I'll still be giving it plenty of time to air out before moving Dewey in. For sealing, I haven't figured that part out, but I'm sure I'll be sealing it one way or another.

 

[Slave2Scarlett]

Can't wait to see pics!

 

[Drache]

ultra flat white. reflective to light, not sight