This is right from the can of stuff I used -- Minwax Helsman Spar Urethane Indoor/Oudoor.
I used one coat of a wood stain, and then put on about 4 coats of the urethane. I've been using the enclosure for almost a year, with zero health issues.
It does smell strong the first few days, and I actually let it sit outside in the sun for a few days after I sealed it. I think I waited about two weeks before adding my snake.
The stuff is relatively expensive, but I haven't had any issues with warping or anything, and I mist the enclosure daily.
Minwax is fairly good, but I adore the stuff I use: Rust-Olium Latex based in/outdoor paint. That stuff repels water and is safe to use with critters! No smell to speak of and only takes one coat! I've used it, to date, on two chameleon cages, two BP cages, one Blue tongue Skink cage, and one 4-cage system for corn snakes and it's still going strong.
**Adriana - White 'N Nerdy!**
1.0 BP 'SunSpot', 0.1 Corn 'Freya', 1.0 IJ BTS 'Topaz', 1.0 ND bunny 'Licorice'
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George 
I've used it, to date, on two chameleon cages, two BP cages, one Blue tongue Skink cage, and one 4-cage system for corn snakes and it's still going strong.
