Safe Wood Sealant

[lillyviv]

Hi Everyone,
I was hoping you might be able to give me some advice for a few questions…
I got a lovely piece of ghostwood that I thought would make a perfect conduit for a water feature. I thought it might extend the life of the wood if I put some sealant down where the water would be flowing, so

1. Can anyone recommend a non-toxic, matte wood sealant/finish/varnish (by name) for this?

Also, I noticed that the ghostwood has a reddish tone in some of its grain. I am very worried that it might have formerly been cedar or something resin-ey like that. I thought the vender was a reputable source, but this is my first time using ghostwood, so I wasn’t sure if that was its natural characteristic or not. I don’t notice a particular “cedar-ey” smell from the wood, but I’m still worried. I’m trying to do everything I can to ensure the safety of this viv’s future inhabitants!

2. Do you think the wood will be safe for dart frogs?
3. If not, do you think it would be safe if I used wood sealant over the whole darn thing?
Thanks so much for any/all advice, you guys have been such a great help!

[beckdg]

tightbond III ultimate wood glue would definitely do the trick. grimm used it in his canada day weekend build if you'd like to see an example.

if there is no noticeable smell it's most likely safe.

[lillyviv]

Ooo, that’s a great idea, thanks beckdg!
I bet if I watered it down just a tiny bit, then applied it lightly with a paintbrush, it would be thin enough to not be too noticeable, but still provide a bit of a barrier.
I had thought first about butcher block oil, and then I found a thread about swing epoxy paint, but there were problems with both of those options (for this build). But your idea sounds perfect, I think that’s what I’m going to do, thanks a lot!

[beckdg]

no problemo

[Grimm]

The Titebond will seal the wood, and ensure that it does not leak. However once the thin layer gets wet it does become noticeable. If you are planning it to be part of your water feature, I would suggest doing what I did and cover the wet sections with java moss to hide its "milky" appearance.

For my piece of wood, I also had to build up a few of the edges to ensure the water didnt leak into my substrate area. For building them up, I mixed the titebond with peat moss. Once these sections get wet it doesnt show the glue at all, its just dark brown. I would almost suggest covering the sections that will be constantly wet in a similar mixture, and then all the other surfaces in glue alone.

Hope this helps!

[lillyviv]

Hhmm… That is really good info to know, thanks so much Grimm. It’s a fantastic idea to use the peat moss with the glue too, especially to build up the sides. Lots to think about… I’m hoping to coax the flow on this wood into a “gentle trickle,” but we’ll see! I think my new motto should be (said as one would say “Excelsior!”) “Expect Complication!”
It’s so much fun though, I've wanted to this for years! I’m really glad I found this forum, thanks for the help!

[Grimm]

No problem. Later tonight if I have the time I'll take a close-up pic of my wood so you can see the built up sides, aswell as the milky looking sections. Im a perfectionist, and I dont have a problem with the milky bits since they are covered. No big deal for me at the moment lol.