I am building my tort an enclosure with maple and birch wood. I had bought food grade stain/finish (meant for cutting boards mainly) I figured this would be the safest option for my tort. What do you guys think? Would this be the safest option? Also for lining the bottom would you recommend a pool/pond liner or shower curtain or no liner?
What to finish the wood with
- Thread starter Sydgeo21
- Start date
I recommend not using wood. It can't stand up to the constant moisture. There is no off-the-shelf product that will work to protect it. Expanded PVC sheets are a much better option.
You can use non-toxic low VOC boat paint and primer that is meant to be submerged. That will cost around $250-300.
Or you can use Pond Shield. Its tricky to work with, but it does work as long as you don't miss a spot.
What size and species of tortoise are we talking about?
I have no idea if it is "safe" for tortoises. What I know is that it won't hold up to the necessary constant dampness. Nothing store bought will.
Sorry man. I know its a bummer. I tried to use wood for years. As frustrated as you might feel, imagine the frustration of the bottom literally falling out of your year and a half old enclosure... Not fun. I switched to plastic after that. No more rot here ever.
I’m sure the “food grade stain” that you purchased will be fine & not harm your tort. The trick is to put it on & let it thoroughly dry out per manufacturers recommendations. Then add on another 7-10 days.
You want all the chemicals & thinners to thoroughly cure & dry.
Many wood treatment products are manufactured for contact with food products that humans are going to come in contact with. I use all kinds of natural products on wooden bowls that I turn. Mineral oil, bees wax, walnut oil, etc. When we built our Sullys first wooden enclosure I used a few coats of KILZ. Then a thorough drying. Our Sully is still thriving.
One of my go to “safe” finishes ➡️ https://www.lowes.com/pd/WATCO-16-fl-oz-Butcher-block-oil/5001495623
You want all the chemicals & thinners to thoroughly cure & dry.
Many wood treatment products are manufactured for contact with food products that humans are going to come in contact with. I use all kinds of natural products on wooden bowls that I turn. Mineral oil, bees wax, walnut oil, etc. When we built our Sullys first wooden enclosure I used a few coats of KILZ. Then a thorough drying. Our Sully is still thriving.
One of my go to “safe” finishes ➡️ https://www.lowes.com/pd/WATCO-16-fl-oz-Butcher-block-oil/5001495623
This is actually the finish I purchased (the watco butcher block) glad to know your tort has been healthy with this. I am also lining it with a pond liner just in case so he shouldn’t have any contact with the wood anyways. I’m planning on letting it dry out about a week at least before putting him in.
Similar threads
