Sealing paint question!

[Gyro]

I was going to make a PVC tank, but then decided against it and instead i plan on making a 3/4" plywood enclosure for my beardie with a hardwood frame. I was wondering, If I plan on staining the plywood to make it fit with the rest of my furniture, would I also have to seal the outside with Polyurethane? Or just the inside? Also, my girlfriend and I wanted to have a custom painted back which we do ourselves, but I was just wondering if it would b okay to use regular acrylic paint (i: gesso then the actual painting) and then seal it with polyurethane and give it a few weeks to dry? And LAST question, if i were to use tile as my substrate, would I still have to seal the bottom of the viv with poly or would it be okay with just the tile on top? Sorry for all of the questions, and thank you for any answers!

 

[Kevog08]

Hi Gyro.

I've done a few dragon enclosures with paintings on the back wall. And, after trying a few different things and pouring through lots of lizard-safe google searches...

I think acrylic paint is ok if sealed and cured long enough. I've been using Mod Podge more and more as a sealant. It can be thinned with water and rolled on, and seems quite safe. MP comes in several different sheens and is almost completely clear when dry. Just my opinion, but you could seal the outside of cage, your painting, and the floor under your tile with Mod Podge.

 

[Gyro]

What paint do you use to do the back? I was just going to use regular painters acrylic, but there's also craft acrylic. I want to opt against oil just because it takes weeks/months to fully dry and cure whereas acrylic takes at most a couple hours if its on thick. The acrylic I use is the one we used to use at my highschool which is non toxic so That would help. But I still plan on sealing it. I heard Mod Podge doesn't dry to well and moisture can make it un-dry?

 

[Kevog08]

I just use water-based, low voc, acrylic paint. In my opinion, the paint you're thinking about would be just fine as long as it doesn't have bad fumes or anything like that, especially being well-sealed.

And I thought the same thing as you about Mod Podge before I used it. I thought it would be tacky or have moisture issues, but it actually just cures to a hard, non-porous crust. I've used the regular (matte) paste, the spray (usually for the background painting), and also the "hard surface" type (which does take longer - 3-4 weeks to cure, but is even more sturdy) - all with very good results.

By the way, I have tried other sealants - shellac, and water-based polyurethane, and I know other folks are pleased with those and have good results. But, I personally prefer the MP.

 

[Gyro]

I just use water-based, low voc, acrylic paint. In my opinion, the paint you're thinking about would be just fine as long as it doesn't have bad fumes or anything like that, especially being well-sealed.

And I thought the same thing as you about Mod Podge before I used it. I thought it would be tacky or have moisture issues, but it actually just cures to a hard, non-porous crust. I've used the regular (matte) paste, the spray (usually for the background painting), and also the "hard surface" type (which does take longer - 3-4 weeks to cure, but is even more sturdy) - all with very good results.

By the way, I have tried other sealants - shellac, and water-based polyurethane, and I know other folks are pleased with those and have good results. But, I personally prefer the MP.

Okay well, I guess I will just see which one is cheaper when I get to making the enclosure whenever I get my financial aid money back!