Rug just means that vinyl will be what covers the wood on the cage floor. It's totally smooth thick vinyl.

The paint is what I used on my rack and it's held up very well. I also used the same type, different color, on the corn cage system I'm almost finished building, so I'll see first hand how it works on the INside of a herp enclosure.

I still have to 'tear test' the screen I have for strength, but I do believe I'll just build a nice screen cage since I already have the materials.

And, I know they're omnivores and will eat plant greens and such... but what do you mean by adding variety? There are only so many feeder insects out there, and most of them are worm types. I plan on offering silk, butter, wax, phoenix, meal and super worms (one type/feeding) and also giving occasional crickets (BF refuses to keep them in the house now after I used to breed them) and fresh greens. What else would be appropriate?

Thanks so much for the advice, JimNAZ. You're really helping me out.