Pet friendly paint or stain

[Ozziespur]

I'm building a 2.4m x 1.0 metre hutch for SWMBO's class guinea pigs (my wife's a teacher).

Any ideas on what i can use to finish that will withstand the exterior elements whilst also not endangering the life of a gnawing ginea pig ? Happy to paint or stain.

many thanks in advance.

Scott

[antiphile]

Howdy Scott

I'm no expert in this field but, since no one else has thrown a hat into the ring, I'm willing to put in my 2 cents. I'd personally consider a water-based decking paint like Wattyl Weatherguard Decking Paint. The MSDS suggests it's rather benign, but being outside you may have to accept re-doing it every 12 to 18 months or so. And I'd try to find a way of making sure the timber is slightly elevated off the ground to prevent water-logging/rotting/fungus etc.

The MSDS can be read at:
http://www.wattyl.com.au/export/download/product_msds/21-6993.pdf?pdf=0

If it sounds like it might fit your intentions, I've always found the staff at my local Wattyl Trade Centre give honest, open and helpful advice, and never hesitate to let me know if I'm off with the fairies.

Cheers
Phil

[bsrlee]

How many years of weather exposure does it have to endure? I'd suggest using a generic Australian hardwood from a timber yard, make it clear that it is to be untreated (you can get 'treated' hardwood now in some places). If you want to try out all your woodworking machinery you can get rough sawn, or get kiln dried which as less splinters. Most places don't stock hardwood less than 2x4 (45x90), so you will still need to rip it to get smaller pieces. If you can find them, hardwood fence palings are another source of thin stock (or wait until someone is replacing their old hardwood fence)

If you want a finish I'd suggest liquid paraffin, sold in small bottles at chemists as an old fashioned laxative (or in big drums for industrial purposes). The worst it will do is give the guinea pigs a cleaned out gut.

If you get a chance have a look at a few books on guinea pig keeping, from memory they are pretty fragile & must be kept out of draughts (glass or acrylic panels on the front and sides) and will also need an enclosed sleeping box.

[Ozziespur]

Thanks for the advice guys. I have a Wattyl Trade Centre not far from us so will head down & ask them their thoughts on the matter.

I already have a heap of non-structural pine so didn't really want to have to fork out for hardwood if it can be helped. I'll see where option 'A' takes me & then reasses if neccessary.

Thanks again. :2tsup:

[ian]

I already have a heap of non-structural pine so didn't really want to have to fork out for hardwood if it can be helped. is the pine treated?

[Ozziespur]

is the pine treated?

Negative.