Question about paint- Please Help.

[ReptilesK2]

I built an 8 shelve rack and its made out of melamine.
Question is; I'm wanting to paint it black, will the paint have negative affects on my ball pythons?
Is the scent/smell harmful in any way?

[ReptilesK2]

Nvm, sorry about the double post, kinda messed up on editing.

[kitedemon]

You are hoping to paint melamine?

Typically paint need to out gas before use with animals. I like to 'bake' it out myself give it a few days with heat and lots of air circulation.

Do not use paints designed with mould killers and fungicides like those used in bathrooms and exterior decks. Also spar varnishes are usually not a good idea either.

I have never tried to paint melamine but I can't see many paints really sticking to it. I think it will scratch off very quickly.

[dr del]

Hi,

For future refference they make melamine with lots of different coloured finishes for the same price ( pretty much) and that includes black.

I usually have to order it in advance but your supplier should be able to get it.


dr del

[HighVoltageRoyals]

You could always try to use contact paper on every part except where the top of the tub would meet the melamine (for humidity reasons; I'm sure contact paper doesn't do well with humidity seeing as there's glue involved but I may be wrong on this). I've seen it used on a couple of racks and if you can manage to be delicate and precise with, it can turn out great looking!

[Shadera]

Paint will scrape off melamine easily. Sand it a little first to rough up the surface and give paint something to stick to. I would assume you're just going to be painting the outside and not the top/bottom of shelves where tubs will be scraping against it all the time?

My very first rack I built, I painted. I used a zero VOC paint, and let it air out for several weeks before I moved snakes in. Had no problems with it.

[PitOnTheProwl]

As mentioned, paint needs "tooth" to stick to.
I dont think you will even get the proper tooth out of melamine without sanding it completely off

[ReptilesK2]

Sorry for not being more specific.

Yes all of it is completely sanded off so it's pretty much just the "inside wood" lol.

Painted it today, and just finished the second coat. Hopefully it'll be ready by the time the flexwatt and thermostat get here in a few days.
Will be posting up pics shortly.

Thanks for all the replies/help.