How to Paint a Cement Bird Bath
Painting a bird bath can add life and vibrancy to any outdoor setting. Cement must be completely dry prior to beginning the painting process. If the cement is not dry, pressure will build up and the paint will eventually crack or peel. If you purchased your bird bath from a plant nursery, landscaping company, or home improvement store, the cement should be completely dry at the time of purchase. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Cement putty (optional)
- Sand paper, medium grade (optional)
- Soap, any kind
- Water source
- Scrub brush, stiff
- Pressure washer (optional)
- Cement sealant
- Paintbrush
- Cement paint
Instructions
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Examine the bird bath for defects in the cement like small holes or cracks. These must be filled before you continue. Adding a sealant alone will not be enough to fill in these defects. Use a cement putty or brick mortar to fill in these blemishes. Wait until they dry and use sandpaper to smooth them out before continuing.
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Wash the entire bird bath with a scrub brush and a blend of soap and water. Your goal is to remove dirt, grime, oils and bird excrement. Rinse with clean water and allow it to dry. You may notice after it has dried that there is remaining dirt or other excrement that remain. Consider using a pressure washer to get it clean if necessary.
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Put on your safety goggles. Apply an even coating of cement sealant to the entire bird bath with a paintbrush. You should have purchased the kind purposely made to protect cement from moisture. Allow the sealant to completely dry before you continue. The sealant will stick to the cement and soak into its pores forming a barrier between the cement and the paint. It gives the paint something to adhere to and also protects the cement from the elements.
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Apply an even coating of cement paint to the entire bird bath. Wait for it to completely dry before adding an optional second coating.
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Tips & Warnings
Read the labels for cement sealant and paints carefully. Some sealants come premixed with paint and act as an all-in-one compound. The sealant should be compatible with the paint. The cement sealant container should list compatible types of cement paint.
Be careful when handling a wire brush, as the bristles are very sharp. Even the smallest amount of pressure applied when bristles are touching open skin will result in puncturing.
Paint only in well-ventilated areas. Never inhale fumes from cement sealant or paint directly. Do not use a pressure washer if you don't have the necessary skills.
References
- Photo Credit Hemera Technologies/Photos.com/Getty Images
