non toxic paints.

[kontron]

what kind of paint and finish is used for plastic reptile hides? does anyone know. i know they are usualy made from poly-resin, but what type of paint can be used so it doesnt flake or float into water?

[Marla]

Marine paint works well, the type they use for boats. Be sure to let any paint air out for several days after application, though.

[kontron]

i see. i assume they make a sealer too for this type of paint. but do you know what companies actualy use? i want to make my own hides trees and stuff for my snake, and i want to make sure nothing i put in there can harm them in any way. i looked and looked, but have yet been able to find hides i havent seen at every other pet store, so i resort to building them myself.

[Marla]

Sorry, I'm afraid I don't know. i do know that use can use polymer clay to make nice hides for your snakes, like the igloo in my gallery.

[mlededee]

what if you just used acrylic or latex paint and then sealed it good with several layers of polyurethane?

[Marla]

That orta woik two.

[kontron]

i thought about that, but latex will peal easily off polyresin. i guess with polyurethane it should hold though. i have never heard of polymer clay. i was going to make the hide out of reguler clay, make a mold out of latex, and then cast it in polyresin. i wanted more then just a hide. more or less i want to build all my own custm snake accesories for both our snakes. i am just not impressed by all the same things all the stores sell. i wanted to use polyresin cause it is mold resistant, and not eaily breakable.

[kontron]

by the way. i think the igloo looks neat. i think i now know what kind of clay you are talking about. the kind that doesnt dry iwhen set out in air, has to be baked in the oven???? smells bad when you bake it. is it mold and water resistant? (after it is baked)? that may be an acceptable alternatve. thanks marla.

[Marla]

Yes, that's exactly what I mean, and it comes in bunches of colors, so if you want a green and brown tree hide or a brown and grey stone hide or a flaming pink Barbie tent hide or whatever, you can make any of it. The cheapest, though, is usually to buy the 1 lb or 5 lb blocks that only come in white and terra cotta colors. Common brand names are fimo, Premo, and Sculpey. Glad you like the igloo -- so does Hanover. Oh and btw, you can buy a little bottle of glaze that I would suggest you use because it makes cleanup easier.

[kontron]

thanks a million.. i know roswell would thank you too if he had the hands to type it with...
mmm.. barbie pink my fav (j/k)