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[iheartchins]

Hi, I have a chinchilla cage that was previously used for my other chins that sadly passed months ago. I'm planning on moving 2 different chins into it. I've cleaned it with vinegar and then with bleach, and I think all of the scrubbing caused it to rust. My father used steel wool to get the rust off and then spray painted it without me knowing. The paint was lead free and there are no fumes left. I'm not sure if the paint was labeled non-toxic on the can though.. Will this be okay ir should I have him remove that paint and buy something else to paint it with? (I'm gonna look at the spray can bottle tomorrow to read it.) And the cage is a metal cage CN. Thanks!

[GrayRodent]

I recommend reading the bottle. If you would like let me know the product name and I can look it up as well. It must also be compatible with metal or you will have problems with it flaking.

[iheartchins]

Okay thanks. I'm pretty sure it's fine with metal, but I'll be seeing the bottle tomorrow and I'll let you know too.

[iheartchins]

Holy crappp. So the paint is Dupli-Color Engjne Enamel with Ceramic. I highly doubt this is safe, but the chins never seem to chew on the cage bars. Would the paint be safe when dry or not? I'll probably get my father to remove the paint with his paint lacquer stuff and repaint it. 

[GrayRodent]

It certainly wouldn't have been my first choice of paint but if it's only a small spot and your pets don't get obsessed with chewing it you may be better off than using paint thinners to try to fix it, which now, having two days to cure, probably won't work anyway. Your only options are sanding or sandblasting. Just make sure the paint doesn't look like it will readily flake off. If it is flaky it will probably attract your chinchilla right to it and the chances of a concentrated exposure will increase.
If you do decide to strip it make sure to use soap, such as dish soap or degreaser, to remove any petroleum residue left behind by any thinners or cleaners, and then use a generous amount of water to rinse that off.

If anyone else has any suggestions your comments would be appreciated.

[iheartchins]

Ughh. So should I leave it? Is the paint super toxic? It won't be too hard to remove it and repaint if necessary. I just want the cage to be safe.

[iheartchins]

And I doubt this paint will flake since it's made for metal objects and such. And thanks for your help!

[GrayRodent]

It is your call what you want to do. I doubt you'll find others with experience because it is not standard practice to use anything other than non-toxic paint on animal cages, at least, to my knowledge.

[iheartchins]

I guess I'll remove the paint then and buy non-toxic paint, even though this paint is only in a few spots. I'd rather it be safe, just in case.