Which Sealants/Stains To Use?

[JeanTownsend]

I know most people say not to use cedar (obviously) or pine, but I was told by someone on ballpythons.net (I think) that pine was all right as long as a proper sealant/stain was used. I'm wondering which sealant/stain is best for that?
Thanks in advance.

[6strings]

Pine is fine but don't put a heat pad on it - it warps too easily. Use a radiant heat panel instead, or use a plywood floor.

Anyway, I have used good acrylic paint from a craft store (Michael's). The one I used more recently is Martha Stewart furniture paint, quite awesome.

Michael's also sells a multi-surface paint for outdoor use that is non-toxic. Still acrylic paint with more of a shiny finish. Holds up to heat well too.

Alternative is water based polyurethane.

The danger of pine is overated. Wet, sappy pine, yes. But kiln-dried, painted or sealed pine, no problem. Plus, the snake will be on substrate, paper, whatever, not bare pine.

[CALM Pythons]

Pine is fine but don't put a heat pad on it - it warps too easily. Use a radiant heat panel instead, or use a plywood floor.
.

Go with a hardwood plywood Top too if you use a RHP. My panels are 180 degrees and thats hotter than a regulated UTH or a 140 degree unregulated UTH.


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