whats a safe paint to use for creating my own leopard gecko terrarium decorations?

[Bowser]

Hi guys, i want to make my own decorations but dont know what a safe paint/sealer is that wont be toxic or dangerous for a leopard gecko. Also, i want to do my own sculptures, and dont know the material to use. Please help!

Thanks!!

 

[Aimless]

I'd dig through the threads on here for different ways to do sculpture. there are various materials that can be used and people have put up step-by-step threads with photos.
as far as paint, I usually use non-toxic acrylic latex. I seal with water-based polyurethane, which you can brush on or get in a spray can. the important thing is to let it off-gas and dry very, very thoroughly because before it dries, the fumes can be toxic. once dried, it's water-resistant and non-toxic.

oh, and you can seal cracks with aquarium silicone, but again, you have to give plenty of time for drying.

 

[Bowser]

Ok, so I think I'm OK with using kids acrylic paint. Reading through the threads I saw that someone has used this and it is safe.

Could insulation/foam be used as a substrate?? Would it hold up to the heat of a UTH pad? I was thinking of using the pink foam insulation. Has anyone used this, or something similar as a custom substrate?

Thanks

 

[Jarmst4]

4' x 8' sheets of pink or blue foam insulation work great. Coat with 3 or 4 layers of tile grout, a coat of shields all, then paint with acrylic. I then use a non toxic clear coat over the paint.





I wouldn't put it above a heat pad, it can cause it to overheat.

 

[amyleewolf]

It's not exactly water proof... "water resistant" is what they call it... But I used the non-toxic Mod Podge as a sealant on my items since I was making it for my leo. The only water going in her tank is her water dish and her moist hide gets spritzed but neither of those are sealed in the mod podge, so it wasn't an issue.

 

[taz6969]

i just read this because i was looking for the same thing thanks for the info

 

[ewokmike]

looking at doing the same!

i got alot from this and digging around in the other forums, going to start a build after we get them setteled in. Can't wait