Birding experts offer advice on how to properly paint a concrete birdbath and a birdhouse to make sure they're safe for birds to use.
Safe Paint for a Concrete Birdbath
“What kind of paint can I use to refinish a birdbath? Mine is discolored and needs a face-lift,” asks Birds & Blooms reader Joan Montpetit of Brighton, Ontario.
Birding experts Kenn and Kimberly Kaufman say, “The answer depends on the birdbath’s material. Concrete is most common. Home improvement stores carry paints specifically for concrete or masonry, but ask for nontoxic paint. You can use simple spray paint, but steer clear of oil or petroleum-based paints.
Scrub the bath clean and let it thoroughly dry before you apply paint. Give it at least two coats and let it dry between each coat. Sprinkle a little bit of coarse sand into the paint before it dries to provide a nonslip surface for birds.”
Avoid Painting the Inside of a Birdhouse
“I’ve recently started painting the insides of the birdhouses I build to make them last longer, but the birds are uninterested in making a nest inside. Are the painted interiors the problem?” asks reader John Kenney of Rahway, New Jersey.
Kenn and Kimberly say, “It’s hard to say why birds seem reluctant to use boxes with painted interiors, but there’s no good reason to paint the inside. On hot summer days, paint on the interior of the box can release potentially harmful fumes. If your boxes are not made from a water-resistant wood and you’re concerned about the lifespan of the box, the North American Bluebird Society recommends painting the outside with good-quality exterior stain or latex paint. Use a neutral color in northern areas and a light color in hot climates to reduce overheating.
