Finishing inside of wooden viv

[cwoodrow]

We are repurposing a bar into a vivarium. The wood is a dark cherry colour and we plan to line the sides with a custom made background made of styrofoam. What is the best option for styrofoam? Also, the top will be solid wood but the wood is that dark colour. Is there something I can cover it with that doesn’t include painting?

 

[CooperDragon]

I would use a dense foam that isn't as likely to flake and crumble over time. Are you talking about sealing the wood to protect it from water damage? Some polyurethane over the wood should do the job and will let the natural wood show through.

 

[cwoodrow]

The bar was already stained a dark cherry colour. I’m just wondering if that is too dark for the ceiling of the vivarium. Is it better to have a lighter colour to help reflect light? In terms of polyurethane, what is the safest option? I would like to sell the bottom of the viv as we are putting loose slate tile down and want to seal the floor.