Enclosure stain, sealer

[JustMeNmySnakes]

I wanted to know since I'm making this next enclosure out of cabinet grade ply. Can I leave the inside bare or is it recommended to seal the surface. If it must be sealed, what's safe to use on the inside to keep the heat lamps from creating harmful fumes?
Bare or seal?

I am also planning an enclosure out of construction grade ply and 4 X 4's...
A rustic look which I believe is fitting for a snakes home. The glass is going to be dual pane with lg gauge chicken wire sandwiched in between.
:cool:Something different.

[pet_snake_78]

I asked around a lot and the most commonly accepted answers were polycryllic, polyurethane, and expoxy paints/finishes. This guy (http://www.mccarthyboas.com/EZ_Prints.html) has some cage building plans available and discusses the specific brands he uses.

I used polycryllic on my rack but it's new so I have no idea how well it will hold up. I would say you'll need at least 3 coats and probably, though if you use that. For a cage, I would go with something else because I felt like it took a lot of the stuff to even begin to form a seal over the plywood. I think I'd try polyurethane next time. See the link in the paragraph above for a recommended variety which seems to be a widely tested product.

The epoxy seems expensive but is durable enough to turn plywood into a fish tank, so it will certainly waterproof it enough even for high humidity species. I found a good article discussing brands here (http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/showthread.php?356641-How-to-waterproof-a-plywood-aquarium). If it's working for fish it's certainly safe enough for a reptile and possibly even amphibians.

Good luck and I hope someone with actual experience can chime in, but hopefully that will help you get started.