Plastikote

[cowgirlskipper]

So, I hope this is in the right place, feel free to move it if seen fit mods, sorry for extra work, I just didn't know where to put this.

So, I've seen on here that plastikote is safe, nontoxic stuff that comes in a wide array of colors and use to waterproof wooden hamster stuff, wheels, houses, etc. So, I'm making a homemade guinea pig cage out of an exhisting wooden box. I posted a thread on the guineapigcages.com forum, and asked for ideas about what to use for sealing the box. I suggested a few coats of plastikote, and came back with a surprising response, since I already knew its safe and a good choice. Below is an exact quote of the person that answered:

"Plastikote is just a brand of paint that can stick to hard plastic surfaces. I don't think that would be safe for guinea pigs because of the fumes it would let off, and what if they happened to eat some of it?"

Sooo... now I'm a little confused. Obviously its okay to use, or else we wouldn't use it within the confines of our hammies households.

I guess I'm just asking for a litte reassurance that this stuff is safe to use for my piggies, and what exactly is it?

Am I confusing this with a different product?

[CPalmer]

The fumes dissipate quickly. I used the kind you paint on rather than spray as it's less stinky. It's important to give it the full time to dry and harden completely as it can stay sticky.

It is non toxic, I have covered my whole habitat and all her wooden toys etc with it. I find I have to re wash and re paint Freyas wet spots regularly as her pee works it's way through the paint.

The safety data sheet on plasticote says there are no chemicals or physical hazards. It is safe to use on childrens toys and enviroment and therefore I'd say perfectly safe for pets.

I have had no problems with it at all.

This is the data sheet: Document

[cypher]

I agree about it being safe but find the fumes do seem to hang around for quite a while after it dries so just to be safe I usually leave things a couple of days, or at least until I can't smell anything before putting them in the cage.

[cowgirlskipper]

Ok, glad I was correct in my thinking thanks for the replies. So it does create a plastic coating? Someone also suggested paint on rubber-im not to sure about that, I would feel more comfortable with plastikote.

[CPalmer]

it's more like a varnish I think. I've only used the clear one, and certainly not so thick as to be something I could peel off if I felt like it. I can see where I have painted it on.

[cypher]

I use the type you paint on rather than spray & it doesn't peel off at all, your ham won't be pulling off sheets of plastic!