Safe sealers for custom made environments?

[hunter4528]

So im way ahead of needing my adult sized enclosures for my Ts but im starting to get my materials in and the only problem im having is for creating a custom back wall after making it from foam and carving it and then painting it with acrylic paints what do i use to seal it i just bought acrylic spray paint thinking that will work give a nice flat finish nothing shiny but then realized that the spray paint is not non toxic and i dont even want to risk it. I see sealers but i want a flat finish not gloss. i was also planning on making my own water dishes since the stores are either too big or just out right expensive. If i use a grout it will need to be sealed as well and im just not having luck on google searches

 

[moricollins]

You can use podge or silicone or gorilla glue, or many other types of sealant, but they're all likely to leave it shiny looking

 

[The Snark]

There are dozens, probably hundreds of variations of silicone glues. Some are intended to be painted or colorized. Only a small handful are commonly available to the hobbiest. Do some searches for commercial types.

 

[viper69]

So im way ahead of needing my adult sized enclosures for my Ts but im starting to get my materials in and the only problem im having is for creating a custom back wall after making it from foam and carving it and then painting it with acrylic paints what do i use to seal it i just bought acrylic spray paint thinking that will work give a nice flat finish nothing shiny but then realized that the spray paint is not non toxic and i dont even want to risk it. I see sealers but i want a flat finish not gloss. i was also planning on making my own water dishes since the stores are either too big or just out right expensive. If i use a grout it will need to be sealed as well and im just not having luck on google searches

Head over to Dendroboard, that forum deals in this stuff A LOT more than here. They will point you in the right direction.

 

[bulbophyllum]

Most epoxies are safe once fully cured. Find a clear one, coat to seal, and don't over do it to build a sheen.

 

[Dandrobates]

The best thing to do is to buy drylock foundation paint and tint it to the color you want with some acrylic paint. It’s waterproof and it will hold up forever with no need to seal it. You could use epoxies but I can say from personal experience that they aren’t needed per se and are very expensive in a large quantity.

 

[Rhino1]

Hey, I'm halfway through a fake rock build for the missuses axolotl tank and have done a few prior as well.
If it's not to be immersed permanently in water you can use a latex based sealer, these are water based and sold by garden centres for sealing ornamental plant pots.
I also use a marine epoxy for permanently immersed situations, acrylic clear Matt sprays are fine and are non toxic once dry and several rinses are needed once it's done, all 3 above options Ive used with reptiles, inverts and amphibians with no toxicity issues.
Definitely check out dendroboards, the wealth of information on this subject is overwhelming.
The pic below shows the tank I'm working on today and is coated with full gloss marine epoxy and I've used a light sprinkle of fine sand to reduce the shine.