Sealent and Paint!

Vince3267 · Member Joined: Jun 20, 2005 Posts: 30

How long should you wait after sealing and painting the enclosure before you can put the tegus in. Thanks

Shan · Honored Member Joined: Jul 26, 2005 Posts: 155

From what I have read you should place the enclosure outside if possible and let it sit for a couple of days. I have never done this. This is what I have read, but I am sure others here will know for sure. Hope this helps.
Shannon

Vince3267 · Member Joined: Jun 20, 2005 Posts: 30

thanks, any one else know how long to wait?

Diegar · Posted: Fri Sep 09, 2005 7:38 am Post subject:

I agree with putting it outside and leaving it open for a few days. After that, i would close it up for a few hours and then stick your head in it and take a whiff... If you smell the paint and sealant... then open it up and air it out for longer. When you can't smell it anymore, then it should no longer be toxic for your little friend.

Just my two cents...
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The Jay

Rick · Posted: Fri Sep 09, 2005 9:31 am Post subject:

My inside enclosure was built into the room. I couldn't be take outside, but if I could I would have.

Sand the inside of the enclosure to make sure there are no splinters that would kill or blind your tegu because it will end up rubbing it's face back and forth in there as some point.

Paint with non-toxic paint, I suggest white as it's easier to light up your enclosure during the day. They make some really nice non-toxic white for kids rooms (aka washable) which means it can handle the humidity of the enclosure.

Seal after painting is done & dried. Use clear silicon sealant and remove the excess. They make a nice little 'scraper' that you can stick on your finger. It makes it look like you have a large, curved fingernail. You drag this across your bead and it removes all the extra and makes a nice looking seal. If you don't remove all of the excess it makes more dried 'globs' for the tegu to dig at, freeing a bit that could get eaten later.

Allow the enclosure to sit open for several days. I waited a week to be sure. I then closed my enclosure and let it sit for several hours and had a few people, separately, smell inside it for paint or silicon odor. Note that this is not the most scientific method but it was all I could do. Smelling in there yourself may not work because of the several hours you spent days ago exposed to the strong smell, as well as being around the milder order for the last few days, will dull your sense of smell because you are adjusting to the odor.

Once no one could smell anything I gave it another two days then washed the inside with mild bleach and water and allowed that to air out.

I then added lights, water dishes, substrate, etc and the next day I placed in my tegus.

I hope my experiences help you.

Rick
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Sisco Reptiles - Proud Breeder of the Tamest & Most Social Tegus. See www.SiscoReptiles.com

Vince3267 · Member Joined: Jun 20, 2005 Posts: 30

Nice, Thanks alot guys, I have allb ready sealed the tank last weekend, i am currently on my last sage and thats adding the front doors. I will be doing that this week or weekend. I'll try to post some pics once i can!