When choosing paint for a bird feeder, it’s important to consider safety for the birds first and foremost. The main concerns when painting a bird feeder are using a non-toxic paint that won’t pose health risks if ingested by birds and choosing a paint that will adhere well and withstand the elements. Many common paints and finishes contain chemicals that could be harmful to birds in large quantities. The safest options are food-safe enamels, milk paints, or other bird-safe paint alternatives specifically designed for decorating bird houses and feeders.
Dangers of Lead Paint
One of the biggest dangers to avoid is lead paint. While lead-based interior and exterior house paints were banned in the United States in 1978, lead paint could still be an issue in older homes and on surfaces painted before the ban. Lead poisoning can cause serious neurological damage and death in birds and other wildlife. So when repainting an older feeder, completely remove any existing paint first to get down to the bare surface, especially if the previous paint is chipped or peeling which allows birds to more easily ingest paint scrapings. Test kits are available to check for lead-based paint. And always properly dispose of paint chips and scrapings from prep work to prevent environmental contamination.
Other Toxic Paint Hazards
Aside from lead, other common paint ingredients like solvents, pigments, driers and preservatives could potentially pose a toxicity risk to smaller bird species if accidentally ingested during feeding. For example, zinc and chromium used in some paint pigments and driers can be harmful. Cadmium pigments are highly toxic but rarely used today. Older paints may contain mercury as a fungicide and preservative. And solvents like turpentine, formaldehyde, benzene and ethylene glycol can be dangerous. So it’s best to avoid old paint with unknown ingredients and stick with paints designed for children’s toys, furniture and food surfaces.
Choosing a Non-Toxic Bird-Safe Paint
When selecting paint for a bird feeder, look for products specifically labelled as non-toxic, child/pet safe, or bird/wildlife safe:
- Food-safe enamel paint – High gloss enamels intended for use on eating surfaces like dinnerware and pots and pans are a good choice since they are non-toxic when dry. Brands like Krylon Fusion and Valspar Cabinet Enamel spray paints are dishwasher safe when cured.
- Milk paint – Traditional milk paint is a low VOC, non-toxic water-based paint made from milk proteins, lime and earth/mineral pigments. Safecoat and Old-Fashioned Milk Paint brands are bird safe options.
- Eco-friendly acrylic craft paints – These are typically marked non-toxic when dry. Look for brands like Plaid Crafts or FolkArt acrylic paint from Plaid Enterprises.
- Natural food dyes – Dyes made from fruits, vegetables and spices can color wood safely. Boil dark berries, beets, turmeric or tea to extract natural dyes.
- Food coloring – While not natural, liquid food colors are non-toxic. Dilute with water to the right consistency for painting.
Avoid craft paints not specifically labelled non-toxic when dry, oil-based paints, exterior latex paints and any paints containing fungicides or pesticides. When in doubt, check the product safety warnings and ingredients for toxicity. Any paint not intended for children’s items or food surfaces may contain hazardous ingredients that birds could ingest.
Bird Feeder Painting Tips
Follow these tips for safely painting bird feeders:
- Clean surfaces first – Remove any old chipped paint and sand smooth. Clean with soap and water prior to painting.
- Read directions – Carefully follow all preparation, application and drying instructions. Allow adequate dry time before hanging and filling with seed.
- Apply even coats – Use smooth brush strokes and apply paint evenly to avoid drips. Thin paints appropriately.
- Seal with polyurethane – A food-safe sealant can add durability and further protect birds from ingesting any paint.
- Air out – Allow painted feeders to air out for several days outdoors before use if painted indoors.
- No lead solder – Use zinc or steel wire to hang feeders rather than lead solder which could be a chew risk.
Proper surface prep and application help paint adhere securely to prevent chips, flakes or peeling that could expose birds to paint bits. Checking for lead, reading labels, allowing dry time and using appropriate bird-safe paint are key to protecting backyard birds.
Types of Bird Feeder Paint
There are a few main paint options suitable and safe for DIY bird feeder projects:
Enamel Paint
Enamel paints create a glossy, durable finish that resists weather and offered good adhesion on metal, glass, wood, ceramic and other surfaces. High-quality enamel spray paints designed for kitchenware, like Krylon Fusion for Plastic, Metal & Ceramics, are safe choices for bird feeders once fully cured. Rust-Oleum Specialty Appliance Epoxy spray paint is another durable and chip-resistant enamel option.
Acrylic Craft Paint
Popular brands like Plaid Crafts, FolkArt or Apple Barrel Acrylic Paints are non-toxic when dry and available in tons of colors for decorating bird feeders. They adhere well to wood, terracotta, wicker, glass, metal and styrofoam feeders. Blend in a little tempera powder for an extra durable finish.
Milk Paint
Traditional milk paint has a long history of use on children’s furniture and toys. Brands like Old-Fashioned Milk Paint or Safecoat are completely non-toxic when dry. Milk paint gives a matte look on raw wood, needs multiple thin coats and light sanding between coats. It doesn’t adhere as well to plastics or metal as enamels.
Chalk Paint
Chalk paint formulated for upcycling furniture, like brands Annie Sloan and Fusion Mineral Paint, are safe options for bird houses and feeders once cured. They stick well to almost any surface from wood to metal to ceramic or glass with minimal prep work needed. Chalk paint often results in a distressed, chippy finish.
Spray Paints
While any of the above paints can be brush applied, spray application allows an even coating. Look for spray enamel, acrylic and chalk paints specifically labelled as non-toxic when dry. Outdoor formulas also add weatherproof UV and water resistance. Krylon, Rust-Oleum and Montana are top spray paint brands.
Natural Food Dyes
For a non-toxic, all-natural dye, boil grape juice, berries, beets, or spices like turmeric, paprika or saffron to extract vivid liquid dyes. Tea bags can also dye wood. Dilute as needed for lighter shades. Let wood soak in the dye bath or use a sponge brush to apply. Seal with a non-toxic wood finish like beeswax, hemp oil or a food-safe sealant.
Choosing Bird Feeder Paint Colors
Color choice for a painted bird feeder is mostly an aesthetic decision. But, certain paint colors may help attract more birds by blending into the environment or accentuating the seed:
- Neutral earth tones like tan, brown, olive and grey resemble natural wood and help feeders visually recede into the landscape.
- Green hues blend into foliage to provide more camouflage from predators.
- Reds and oranges contrast with many bird seed colors to help them stand out against the feeder.
- Black or darker colors absorb more heat from sunlight to keep seeds dry in wet weather.
- Metallic sheens can deter squirrels.
Bright, fun paint choices are fine too. Just focus on colors you’ll enjoy seeing. The main goal is simply choosing a safe, non-toxic paint that will hold up on the feeder surface outdoors.
Making Your Own Bird Feeder Paint
For a more natural, homemade paint option, there are several simple recipes to make your own non-toxic bird feeder paint using ingredients like flour, cornstarch, or yogurt:
Flour Paint
- Mix 1 cup flour, 1 3⁄4 cups water, 1 tablespoon salt and food coloring or powdered tempera paint.
- Whisk over low heat until thickened to a creamy texture.
- Stir in an additional 1⁄4 cup flour for thicker paint consistency.
- Brush in even coats onto bird feeder and let dry completely before hanging.
Cornstarch Paint
- In a small pot, blend 1⁄2 cup cornstarch and 1 cup cold water until smooth.
- Cook over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, until thick and translucent.
- Remove from heat and stir in food coloring or tempera powder.
- Apply to bird feeder with a sponge brush or regular paint brush.
Yogurt Paint
- Mix equal parts plain unsweetened yogurt and cornstarch in a bowl until smooth.
- Add liquid or powdered tempera for color and stir to blend.
- Paint onto feeders using a clean brush and allow to dry fully before hanging.
For added durability, seal painted bird feeders with a non-toxic wood sealant or food-safe polyurethane coating. Store any leftover natural paints in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Conclusion
When choosing a paint for DIY bird feeders, safety should be the top priority. Avoid paints containing any toxic ingredients that could leach into bird food sources if ingested. For the safest options, look for paints specifically formulated to be food-safe, child/pet friendly and non-toxic when fully cured and dry. Proper prep work and application helps paint adhere securely. And allowing adequate drying time prevents birds from exposure while paint is still wet. With so many fun colors to choose from, you can decorative paint bird feeders safely using bird-friendly paint options. Focus on durability and safety, and both you and the birds can enjoy the feeders.
