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What should I use to seal paint on my birdhouses?

16 years ago

Lurker here. It's a rainy Saturday, so I decided to take the plunge and finally try to do something with all the junk I have collected over the last few years with projects "in mind". I have spent the morning painting bird houses I plan to put on posts and put in the garden. My DH informed me...oh they look cute now....but wait until they weather. I know they make sealants out there.....what is the best. I live in South Al.....i.e.....Hot, Humid.

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Comments (5)

craftylady-2006
16 years ago
Welcome to the forum cockybamagirl, sure nice of you to join us. We love pics so please post them when you're done with your birdhouses and other projects.

"Folk Art" makes an indoor/outdoor sealant which will be great. "Americana" (paints) also makes good sealants. Find it in the decorative paint section at Michael's or Joann's Craft Stores. You can probably find it a little cheaper at Walmart also. The sealants come in either spray on or paint on types. Either will do, just make sure it's for outdoor use. You might have to put on two or three coats with either type to get good coverage. Spray it on lightly as the can says so it won't drip and run.

Sal
lindasewandsew
16 years ago
Welcome to the forum. If you put a roof on a birdhouse with a large overhang, then prime (I like Zinsser bullseye primer) and paint it with exterior products (house paints), the paint will stay on. No sealer needed. I do 'age' the houses with paint, but it doesn't look like real age. The big box hardware stores and most places that carry paint have 'oops' sections where you can buy quality mis-mixed paints very cheaply, about $1 per quart and $5 per gallon. Sometimes they have nice bright colors, but might have any color on any day.
If you have a Habitat Restore near you, their paint is very cheap, and sometimes free. Here's a link to my birdhouses. Linda

Here is a link that might be useful: birdhouses
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I spoke to one of the workers today and told him it was industry standard to use this plastic. I don't know anything about curbs or mud, or any of those other words. I asked him about this book, and of course, he looked at me like I was crazy. My husband spoke to the contractor who said this is totally unnecessary, and that he has been doing this for years this way, even in his own house. -- I told him .- this puts me in a weird predicament because I don't want the job to be done wrong, and I'm not convinced that this is right. We are at a stand-still. I want to take a hammer to those tiles-- I am waiting to hear from the store-owner who sold me the tiles and ask her advice about what I can do now..... I am also going to ask her about the glass shower tiles with cold and hot water. This is why I hired a Contractor -- I don't want to make all these calls and teach myself how to install a bathroom, or a floor, or a fireplace! Creative - I cannot thank you enough. I looked through the book you are referring to. The contractor thinks I'm reading into everything because this isn't the first thing I've complained about.... This is the text he sent me this morning "The vinyl on floor and up walls about a foot and up seat area and on wall behind you do not need on walls unless steam shower nobody puts on wall you are reading to much No concern my own shower is done like this"
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craftylady-2006
16 years ago
That's a good idea Linda, I didn't think of using actual house paint on the birdhouses. Another thing I just thought of is "enamel paint" made by "Folk Art" as it is made to withstand the outdoor elements. "Patio Paint" is another decorative paint that withstands the elements. It is specifically designed for outdoor use. Find Patio Paint at the craft stores also. At our Michael's, it is by the terra cotta pots.

Linda, I looked at your birdhouses. Holy smokes, I can not believe the bees completely took over one of the birdhouses.

Sal
jeannespines
16 years ago
I also use exterior house paint on the old barnwood bdhs. and doors that we make. It holds up for quite a few years...I don't mind the weathered look but don't want rotten boards.

Am also using craftylady's sealants (small bottles) from Hobby Lobby on my whimsy cement rocks...looks like that would work good on bdhse. also...but cheaper using outdoor paint.

Lindasewandsew...I absolutely LOVE all your bdhse...great creativity! Jeanne S.
cookiemon5
16 years ago
I use cheap clear exterior spray paint from Wallyworld. If I feel like brushing on a finish instead of spraying, I dilute Weldbond. Both work good for me.

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