Reptile safe stain or paint to simulate wood?

[parashootist]

As the title states, I'm looking for a reptile safe way to make a piece of pvc or uhmw rod look like a wooden branch. I've seen this done before but I haven't been able to determine how to do it in a manner where it's totally safe for my snake. Any advice would be appreciated.

[Bogertophis]

I know what you're referring to & it's been a while since I've seen that- but I seem to recall they created scorch marks on PVC? Don't recall what they used- maybe a torch?

But all materials have downsides- IMO, PVC is less safe (it off-gasses, more so in heated environments) than natural branches (which are porous but can be sprayed with disinfectant or baked to sanitize them periodically. There's no perfect answer, unfortunately- all we can do is minimize the risks as best we can. I do prefer the natural texture of real branches though, for snakes to grip.

And while they're are some paint & stain products that are reptile safe when dried & fully-cured, I don't think they'll adhere to PVC.

There might be something else though, that dries with safe texture also, that could be applied? You might look into products made for creating fish ponds- as fish are quite sensitive too.

[parashootist]

I've seen the scorched ones but the ones I'm referring to specifically state that they are not scorched. The entire enclosure, shelves, and hides are pvc. I suppose I could use real wood. I was just impressed with the pvc and assumed it would be easier to disinfect. I suppose I'll have to think this over more.

[Bogertophis]

I just added a bit to my post above- we were typing at the same time, lol.

And yes I know that many here use PVC enclosures- that's your choice. Materials are often favored for convenience- but read up on PVC. Personally I consider that snakes are enclosed 24/7, plus the enclosures are heated... A safer choice -IMO- would be HDPE, but even the frozen foods that are designed to be baked in containers made of HDPE say NOT to re-heat them- that's because they know the plastic breaks down. Anyway...

[Bogertophis]

I've also seen PVC pipes wrapped w/ rope (glued on, I think?) for a natural look + grip- but of course, that's porous & will be a challenge to clean if a snake takes a dump on it.

You might also consider using bamboo poles cut to fit- they look more natural, & bamboo is pretty hard. Plant nurseries sometimes have them. But the diameter might not be enough?

[jmcrook]

David Brahms/Specialty Enclosure Designs/The Reptile perch offers exactly that on his website up to 4' long.
In my larger enclosures I just use tree stakes from Lowe's and cut to length. Wrapped in hemp twine and silk vines.
Link to an older thread of mine detailing my setups including these pvc perches
https://ball-pythons.net/forums/show...nd-Accessories