How to Make a Waterproof Glaze for Painted Bird Feeders
When finishing off bird feeders, the sealant used must be safe (non-toxic) for the birds that will be feeding there. You can make a non-toxic waterproof glaze for your painted bird feeder using simply water and glue; the important thing is to ensure that the glue is appropriate for birds.
Steps
- 1Choose the glue. Choose a glue that is safe for birds, such as white glue (for example, Elmer's glue[1]). Glues used for birdseed molds are considered safe too, such as L.D. Davis animal glue.[2] These glues are gelatin-based and will make it clear that they are safe for use with animals, such as birds.
- Many glue types are not safe, so choose carefully and if in doubt, contact the manufacturer directly.
- Outdoor resiliency depends on the glue's suitability for use outdoors. If it's an indoor-only glue, you will need to reapply the solution at the end of each season, or maybe even more frequently.
- 2Pour the glue in the bowl. Add the water and mix together.
- 3Paint the glue and water solution on the bird feeder. Cover it completely, wherever the rain is likely to go.
- Keep the application completely smooth and without lumps or bumps. Wherever the glue solution congeals to create a bump, this serves as a temptation for a bird to pick at it, so either don't make these bumps or remove them and paint over it smoothly again.
- 4Let it dry for sufficient time before hanging outside. Read the manufacturer's instructions for drying times.
- Never leave wet glue around birds. It should always be completely dried, as a lot of "toxicity" in glues goes once it dries.
- 5Done. You should now have a waterproof bird feeder.
Tips
- Make small amounts at a time.
- Your vet may be able to recommend a suitable glue for the purpose outlined in this article.
- Glue can be avoided for joining elements of a birdhouse, such as by using twine, sisal, nails and screws.
Warnings
- Non-toxic on labeling refers to humans. Do not assume that just because the glue states this that it is safe for birds; check first. Child-safe and food-safe glue is more likely to be okay but this is still not certain, so ask before using.
- While edible glue is a great idea, it usually won't withstand being subjected to outdoor elements for any length of time.
- Do not paint the bird feeder around birds. Glue is at its most noxious when emitting fumes while wet.[3]
- Hot glue has been used by some bird enthusiasts owning parrots with no reported ill effect, after it has dried hard.[3] This doesn't mean all kinds of hot glue are safe though.
Things You'll Need
- A bowl
- Water
- A spoon
- Glue
Article Info
Categories: Feeding Birds
