Can I use plywood to make a rack if i stain it?

[reptidude1]

if so what kind of stain should i use?

[reptidude1]

is this a good stain?
http://www.homedepot.com/Paint/BEHR/...atalogId=10053

[wilomn]

is this a good stain?
http://www.homedepot.com/Paint/BEHR/...atalogId=10053

Nope. You don't want an oil base.

Get a polyurethane stain. Behr makes a bunch of those. They're water based and will seal as well as stain.

Melamine might be easier if it's not the look of the wood you're after.

[reptidude1]

what would a good actual paint be?

[wilomn]

Can't help you with that. I've never been much of a painter.

[reptidude1]

would this work just to seal it so if there is any pine in it it wont harm the snakes?
http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1...atalogId=10053

[wilomn]

would this work just to seal it so if there is any pine in it it wont harm the snakes?
http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1...atalogId=10053

Nope. It's only a primer and any water will wash it off.

If you're using plywood for a rack you don't need to worry about the pine smell. You may smell it when you're cutting but it will be gone quickly.

[reptidude1]

oh, so ply wood has no pine in it at all, so i dont really need any sealant?

[matt71915]

you'll need sealant so the plywood doesnt suck up moisture. Then you'll need to buy more material and start over because it will fall apart eventually
From what ive seen answered in the thread, water based sealants will be ok, no oil based.

[ThyTempest]

Typical plywood is all pine, the sealant is to keep moisture out to preserve the structure of the rack.