Is Acrylic Paint Safe For Reptiles?
Acrylic paint is one of the favorite picks of artists due to its less complex nature and lower toxic level. Although it’s generally known as nontoxic, some harmful chemicals remaining in the product are diffused in the air. Consequently, this can affect the animals. Irony but you can still use it in a terrarium without putting your pets at risk. How? Is Acrylic Paint Safe For Reptiles?
The safety of acrylic paint for reptiles mostly depends on the amount of VOC in the product, whether the environment is properly ventilated, and techniques followed during application. As long as it’s water-based product with low-no VOC, the space has sufficient airflow, and the pets are protected from fumes that may linger during initial days, acrylic paint is safe for reptiles.
So, a lot of factors need to be considered before, during, and after the application of paint. Here, you’ll get to know how much acrylic is safe or toxic for reptiles.
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Is Acrylic Paint Toxic To Reptiles?
Acrylic paints that are oil-based and have high VOC levels can be toxic to reptiles. However, there are safer varieties that are low in dangerous chemicals. They mostly come with low or zero VOC labels that make them terrarium safe acrylic paint.
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What Acrylic Paint Is Reptile Safe?
Water-based natural acrylic paint is considered reptile safe since it’s made of natural alternatives to toxic ingredients. As per the experts, they have a low impact on living organisms and the environment due to natural materials and least harmful chemicals.
Typically, acrylic paints comprise a binder, pigment, and acrylic vehicle. Just the difference is that the natural one comes with risk-free counterparts. As a result, they are safer Acrylic paint for terrariums.
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How Natural Acrylic Paint Is Made?
Natural Acrylic Paint is made of raw or naturally occurring materials. Here’s a list of the natural ingredients used as substitutes.
1. Binders: Beeswax, plant oils (sunflower or linseed oil), or milk protein.
2. Pigments: Earth pigments derived from iron oxides, minerals, plants, herbs, barks, charcoal, clays, berries, and nuts.
3. Vehicle: Mostly water but some may contain orange-peel oil.
As they are quite nontoxic, acrylic paints consisting of such biomaterials can be used in a reptile’s terrarium. Plus, they have low to no Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) like petroleum-based byproducts that are toxic.
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Is Low Or No VOC Acrylic Paint Safe For Reptiles?
Low or Zero VOC acrylic paint is safe for reptiles as long as the right product is used and proper steps are taken to apply it. So, provided that you’re careful, it shouldn’t do harm even if it has negligible amount of VOC.
In fact, despite the No VOC label, many products may still contain some VOCs as they boost painting performance. Hence, there’s a Green Seal standard that the product must meet to be called low or no VOC. This means, unless the content goes beyond the threshold, it’s safe.
- Low VOC should have less than 50 grams per liter.
- Zero VOC should have less than 5 grams per liter.
Although the quantity may vary from region to region, the lower it is, the lower the chance of threat. That way, the acrylic paint won’t put any reptile be it a gecko, bearded dragon, or iguana at risk.
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How To Use Acrylic Paint Safely For Reptile Tanks?
The first step will always be picking the right product that says low or no VOC to use acrylic paint safely for reptile enclosures. Now, follow these:
Step 1: Pick Nontoxic Painting Products For Reptiles:
Besides a Vivarium safe paint, other products have to be nontoxic as well.
- Get a reptile safe paint primer which means it should be ecofriendly and water-based.
While some paints may not require a primer, some depend on the surface. For instance, a glass terrarium needs to be primed with it so that acrylic sticks properly.
- Choose reptile safe paint sealant such as silicone sealer.
They are quite nontoxic and make the acrylic last longer while protecting it from elements, UV rays, and fading. You can use sealer as a primer as it helps stick the paint to the surface too.
- Opt for retile safe varnish that is eco-friendly and VOC-free in case of woods and other decorations.
Not only will it enhance the appearance and protection of objects but also be safe for the animals.
Step 2: Move The Reptiles To Somewhere Safe
No matter how nontoxic the acrylic paint is, it may emit a few harmful fumes while drying due to having tiny amount of VOCs. Plus, it’s tough to even paint the surface with the pets still inside since they may get in the way.
Hence, move them to a place where they stay safe. It can be another room, a big storage bin, or a tank depending on the reptiles’ size. Include some knickknacks, woods, plants, substrates, and hideaways so the new place feels cozy to them.
Step 3: Keep The Room Well-Ventilated Or Take The Terrarium Outside
Usually, you may want to do it indoors when the enclosure is big and bulky. For instance, the ones for iguanas. In that case, open all the doors and windows of the room where you’ll paint the reptile tank.
Consider turning on fans and exhaust fans, and/or using a clean HVAC-filtered air purifier to improve airflow. While eliminating toxic fumes, it’ll keep the environment smell-free and safe.
If the tank is small and made for reptiles like leopard geckos, then you can take it out and paint it with acrylics.
Before you start painting, protect the surrounding area with materials like paper or plastic so it doesn’t get messy.
Step 4: Allow The Acrylic Paint On Reptile Tank To Be Cured
The drying and curing time of reptile safe acrylic paint vary based on the product ingredients, number of layers, and size of the enclosure.
- Drying Time (approx.): 10 minutes to 72 hours
- Curing Time (approx.): 1 to 6 weeks.
To test whether acrylics have completely cured, use a stick or knife and press onto the painted coating. If there’s a dent, then it’s not cured. In case there’s none, then it’s cured.
I wouldn’t suggest trying it with your fingers as the paint may get on them if it’s not dried. Although it’s not harmful, the paints may irritate your skin especially if you have allergies. In case they get on the fingers, wash your hands immediately with soap.
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Use of Acrylic Paints in Reptile’s Habitat
Acrylic paints can be used on the surface of the terrarium and different decorations in reptiles’ habitats.
- Surface of the reptile tank as background to mimic their natural surroundings.
- Woods
- Rocks
- Surface of hideaways.
- Other decorations and toys.
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Acrylic Paint Colors For Terrarium
Pick the acrylic paint colors the reptiles like and are attracted to.
For example, Sudan-plated lizards mostly like red whereas snakes may prefer green or blue and chuckwallas can appreciate yellow. Many herbivorous reptiles are quite attracted to green.
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What Makes Acrylic Paint Risky For Reptiles?
Some toxic chemical substances including VOCs are used in acrylic paints that make them risky for reptiles. Studies say, they have a high risk of health effects and may lead to death. So, don’t choose one that’s high in VOC or any other toxins.
Here are some contents found in acrylic paints that aren’t safe for reptiles.
- Trichloroethylene
- Vinyl chloride
- Cadmium
- Cobalt
- Chromium
- Manganese
- Titanium Dioxide
- Lead
- Formaldehyde
- Benzene
- Styrene
- Glycol Ether
- Toluene
- Xylene
- Acetone
- Acrylic Acid
- Ammonia
- Butyl Acrylate
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Risks of Not Using Reptile Safe Paints
One of the worst hazards will be lung inflammation if you don’t use acrylic paints safe for reptiles. Here’s a list of other problems.
- Lung infection
- Irritation to eyes and skin.
- Respiratory issues and difficulty breathing
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Tremors
- Dizziness and drunken gait
- Weakness
- Increased heart rate
- Blindness
- Lack of appetite
Note that many reptiles like snakes have only one lung. So, they can be more vulnerable to toxic chemicals.
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How Long Do Acrylic Paint Fumes Last?
The fumes from acrylic paint may last from 72 hours to 6 months depending on the paint type, toxicity level, layers of coat, and ventilation system.
Let’s say, you used low VOC, water-based acrylic paint and kept the area well-ventilated. In that case, it’s safer to wait up to a week, then move the reptiles back to the tank. Although fumes of products with low to zero VOCs take lesser time to fully go away, I suggest you wait for 3 to 7 days and stay on the safe side. You can also consider housing the pet after the paint is cured.
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Is Wet Acrylic Paint Toxic?
Yes, wet paint even if it’s acrylic can emit toxic VOC and it continues to produce while the coat dries. So, it’s not recommended to get the reptiles in their terrarium when the acrylic paint is wet.
Is Acrylic Paint Toxic After It Dries?
Acrylic paint, after drying, may continue to release harmful chemicals such as propylene glycol, however, the intensity and toxic level are lower than that in the wet state. On top of that, the fumes may linger in the air regardless of whether the acrylic paint is dry or wet. Hence, allow the fumes to be wiped out before letting reptiles wander inside.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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1. What Kind Of Paint Is Safe For Reptiles?
Water-based paints that are made of natural materials and least harmful chemicals are safe for reptiles. Although they may emit toxins, the intensity is minimal making them reptile safe paint.
Acrylic is common and has a natural variety. Others including milk, chalk, and latex paint can be good acrylic alternatives for reptile enclosures. Just check the toxic label and specification beforehand.
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2. What Paint Is Safe For Bearded Dragons?
Paints such as natural acrylic and milk are safe for bearded dragons since they contain raw ingredients and a negligible amount of toxins.
However, don’t use paint on the skin or nails of bearded dragons. It can cause infection or other health problems. In case you still want to do some makeovers, consider using children’s nail polish just on their nails. They are pretty safer.
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3. How Do You Make Natural Acrylic Paint?
It requires earth pigments and natural acrylic medium to make natural acrylic paint. Since this is a DIY, you have the control to make the paint safer for reptiles.
Scoop the medium onto a palette knife and place it on a palette. Do the same with the pigment. The amount depends on your preference. You can make the color lighter by using less pigment or darker by using more of it. Now, blend both ingredients until the powder is evenly dispersed.
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Final Words
Before getting acrylic paint for reptiles, make sure to check the labels including “Certified nontoxic” and “ACMI or AP seal”. This is a certification that indicates the product has been tested and labeled as per federal and state art material labeling laws. Plus, read the list of ingredients and know about them.
That said, no acrylic paint can be called 100% reptile safe. It’s because the product may still contain some toxic materials that get mixed with the air despite the low or no VOC label. In such situation, wait for at least 7 days or more till the fumes are gone. The duration still varies based on the product and airflow system.
Also, note that the paint isn’t designed to last forever and that it can fall apart. So, I suggest you repaint the surface once every 2 to 3 years so it maintains the coverage.
