When it comes to painting a bird feeder, using the right type of paint is important for durability and safety. The paint needs to be able to withstand exposure to the elements while also being non-toxic for the birds. There are a few good options to consider when choosing paint for a bird feeder project.
Acrylic Craft Paint
Acrylic craft paint is a great choice for painting bird feeders. This type of paint adheres well to wood, metal, and plastic feeders. Acrylic paint dries to a durable, water-resistant finish that holds up over time. It comes in a wide variety of colors, so you can easily find a shade to match your feeder design.
When using acrylic paint on bird feeders, it’s best to start with a base layer of white acrylic paint as a primer coat. This helps the color paint adhere better and makes the colors look brighter. Apply two to three thin coats of acrylic paint for full coverage and a smooth finish. Make sure to let the paint fully dry between coats.
Some key advantages of acrylic craft paint for bird feeders:
- Dries to a durable, weather resistant finish
- Non-toxic when fully dried
- Adheres well to many surfaces
- Comes in variety of color options
- Multiple coats can be built up for full coverage
Spray Paint
Spray paint is another practical option for painting bird feeders. The spray application provides an even, smooth coat of paint. Like acrylic craft paints, spray paints come in a wide range of color choices.
Enamel spray paints offer durable protection and vivid colors. Make sure to select a spray paint designed for outdoor use, as these are formulated to resist fading and chipping when exposed to weather. Matte spray paint finishes can help the feeder blend into your garden landscape.
When spray painting a bird feeder, hang or position the feeder to allow you to coat all sides. Apply light coats of paint, holding the can 6 to 8 inches away. Allow each coat to dry before adding another. Adding too much paint too quickly can cause dripping or running.
Benefits of using spray paint on bird feeders:
- Even, smooth finish
- Quick, efficient application
- Made for outdoor conditions
- Available in matte, gloss, and other finishes
- Can allow layered color effects
Exterior Latex Paint
Exterior latex house paint also works quite well for painting bird feeders. Look for exterior latex paint with formulations designed to withstand outside environments. These paints flex and resist cracking, peeling, and chipping when exposed to weather over time.
For the base coat, choose an exterior latex primer. Then follow up with one or two finish coats in your desired paint color. The primer will help prepare the wood, plastic, or metal surface while providing protection. Latex paint also holds up better than oil-based paints in outdoor conditions over many years.
Keep these benefits of exterior latex paint in mind:
- Formulated for outdoor durability
- Resists cracking and peeling
- Base primer available
- Low-odor and fast drying
- Easy soap and water cleanup
Milk Paint
Milk paint is a non-toxic, eco-friendly paint made from milk protein, lime, and earth pigments. It has been used for centuries on all types of surfaces, including wood and metal. For bird feeders, milk paint creates a chalky, matte finish that has subtle irregularities like a limewash.
Milk paint comes as a powder that you mix with water. No primer is required for application on raw wood. It goes on smoothly and dries fairly quickly. The colors are soft and muted rather than bold. Two coats usually provides full coverage. Once dried, milk paint has good durability outside.
Some advantages of milk paint for bird feeder projects include:
- Non-toxic, with simple natural ingredients
- Subtle, matte finish
- No chemical fumes or odors
- Suitable for raw wood and other surfaces
- Dries to a durable finish
“One-Coat” Exterior Paints
“One-coat” paints are specially formulated to provide full coverage with just a single coat. The thicker consistency and high pigmentation allow the paint to hide the underlying surface very effectively. When painting a bird feeder, this saves time and labor compared to applying multiple regular paint coats.
These one-coat paints are available in exterior latex formulations as well as finishes like satin, semi-gloss, and gloss. Look for versions specifically made for outdoor use. Make sure to follow the label directions closely when applying one-coat paints. The right amount of paint and proper technique are needed to achieve the one-coat coverage.
Here are some useful features of one-coat exterior paints:
- Covers in just one coat to save time
- Thick paint film builds to fully hide surfaces
- Formulated to resist outdoor conditions
- Available in satin, semi-gloss, and gloss sheens
- Provides durable color in a range of hues
Milk Paint vs. Acrylic vs. Latex Paint
Milk paint, acrylic craft paint, and exterior latex paint each have their own advantages for painting bird feeders. Here’s a quick comparison of the differences between these three options:
| Paint Type | Milk Paint | Acrylic Craft Paint | Exterior Latex Paint |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ingredients | Milk protein, lime, clay, pigments | Acrylic resins, pigments, water | Acrylic or vinyl resins, pigments, water |
| Application | Mix powder with water; 2 coats | Use brush or roller; 2-3 thin coats | Brush, roller, or spray; 2 coats |
| Finish | Matte, chalky | Satin, semi-gloss, or gloss | Usually satin or semi-gloss |
| Durability | Moderate | Very durable | Most durable option |
| Colors Available | Soft, muted shades | Hundreds of bright, vivid colors | All colors, including bright and bold |
So in summary:
- Milk paint has a natural matte look but moderate durability
- Acrylic craft paint offers endless color choices and very good durability
- Exterior latex has the most durability and any color can be mixed
Tips for Painting Bird Feeders
Follow these tips when painting bird feeders to get the best results:
- Lightly sand unfinished wood feeders to prepare the surface
- Wipe plastic or metal feeders with a degreaser and rinse prior to painting
- Apply a primer coat first on bare wood or metal
- Use thin, even coats of paint and allow proper drying between coats
- Consider a paint designed for outdoor use that will resist weathering
- Paint all sides and edges of the feeder for full coverage
- Avoid painting over hardware, moving parts, perches, or feeder openings
- Allow the paint several days to fully cure before exposing to weather or filling with seed
Taking these steps will help the paint adhere to the bird feeder properly and provide long-lasting protection against the elements. The right prep work and application technique makes a big difference.
Safety Tips for Painting Bird Feeders
When painting a bird feeder, there are also some safety issues to keep in mind:
- Work in a well-ventilated area and use proper breathing protection
- Wear gloves and eye protection when spray painting
- Keep spray paint cans away from any ignition sources
- Choose paints labeled non-toxic when dry
- Allow paint to fully cure before placing outside
- Don’t burn or incinerate painted wood
- Dispose of empty paint cans properly according to local regulations
Taking safety precautions will protect your health and the environment while painting bird feeders. It’s also important not to paint over areas where birds will peck for food, since ingesting paint chips could potentially be harmful to birds.
Conclusion
When selecting paint for a DIY bird feeder, there are several good options like acrylic craft paint, spray paint, exterior latex, or milk paint. The type of materials the feeder is constructed from and whether you want a glossy or matte finish can help determine the best paint to use. Following application tips and safety precautions helps ensure your painted bird feeder will hold up for many seasons while being safe for you and the birds!
