Plasti-kote question

[Smysha]

I've ordered a wooden wheel and somebody (can't remember who!) recommended plasti-kote to me.

Wonderland Exercise Wheel: Great Small Pet Accessories at zooplus (http://www.zooplus.co.uk/shop/rodents/accessories/exercise_wheels/125485)

I bought the 20cm diameter version of this wheel and was wondering how much plasti-kote I would need for it. I found a small bottle of the brush-paint fast dry enamel but I'm not sure if it's enough. Can anyone help?

This is the one I'm looking at:

Plasti Kote Fast Dry Enamel Paint 59ml - HARBOUR BLUE on eBay (end time 26-May-10 18:43:28 BST) (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Plasti-Kote-Fast-Dry-Enamel-Paint-59ml-HARBOUR-BLUE-/180342635193?cmd=ViewItem&pt=UK_ToysGames_ModelKits_ModelKits_JN&hash=item29fd423ab9#ht_3550wt_940)

[BrainGirl]

It's a bit early, but I'll try doing some math for ya:) What's the diameter and depth of your wheel? Better yet, can you direct me to a picture so I can make sure I've got all the surfaces covered?

Wow, I guess it is early:p I just reread your post and you mentioned the diameter! Just let me know how wide it is then:D

[Smysha]

I haven't even gotten the wheel yet - it is still on its way. Unfortunately it doesn't give many dimensions on the page just the diameter of it which is 20cm. Now that I think about it 59ml seems too little. I'm assuming that I'm going to need more than one coat, right? I'll have a look elsewhere for it. I'm sorry I couldn't help you with the dimensions and any photos I can find online are like the one in the link I posted.

[Smysha]

The zooplus site also has pictures from people who bought the wheel:
Pet Supplies, Pet Food, Dog Food, Cat Food and Pet Accessories at Zooplus (http://www.zooplus.co.uk/customerpicturedisplay/shop/rodents/accessories/exercise_wheels/125485)
I'm not sure if it helps though.

[BrainGirl]

Ok, no problem! I looked at the wheel pictured and guess-timated some relative dimensions. I also found a Plastikote site that gave me the coverage for a 59mL bottle of Plastikote. The surface area of your wheel, assuming that it is 3cm deep and the base is 4cm X 20, including the back and underside of the base comes to less than 1500sq.cm. The plastikote site claims that a 59mL bottle can coat 0.8sq.m or 8000sq.cm. In other words, if my guessed dimensions are correct, you should be able to get at least a couple of coats on your wheel with the 59mL bottle:)

[Smysha]

Thanks so much BrainGirl. I've found a 100ml spray can for the same amount so I'll get that. Thanks again!

[BrainGirl]

You're welcome! And the spray can might be better because you can probably get a more even coating. The only parts I'd be worried about getting to would be the inside front of the wheel. But I'm sure you'll figure it out:) Make sure you use the paint in a very well ventilated area, preferably while wearing at least a dust mask, and be sure to protect the area around your wheel while you're spraying it. If you can wrangle 3things at once, I once spray painted some shoes (they became ruby slippers for a costume) by putting them in a garbage bag and holding up the rim while I stuck my hand inside and sprayed. Probably not the best way to go about it but in a pinch it might be a useful technique. Good luck!

[wofunny]

BrainGirl youve got some Brains! xD

[BrainGirl]

Lol! My handle actually refers to something other than smarts, but yeah, I loved math when I was in school:p

[eye of the divine]

Stupid question what is plasti-kote?

[internet_nobody]

Stupid question what is plasti-kote?

It is a kind of paint. Non-toxic, so ideal for coating wooden cage accessories.

[eye of the divine]

so if a hamster chews on it, it won't do any harm to them.

[Smysha]

Nope! It's kiddy safe too!

[eye of the divine]

cool might have to buy some when I make my own cage