Birdhouse: How can I renovate it from drab to fab?

Noralee
by Noralee
I just can't part with my birdhouse. However, I would love to give it a little renovation. Any ideas that could be created in an afternoon?
Currently drab and weather beaten birdhouse.
  13 answers
  • Janet Pizaro Janet Pizaro on Apr 19, 2016
    Lightly sand down and spray paint it with a bright color.Once the paint is dry you can maybe stencil a pretty flower.
    • See 3 previous
    • Janet Pizaro Janet Pizaro on Apr 19, 2016
      @Nora lee Any Time
  • You could easily decoupage fabric or colorful napkins over any of the surfaces... seal with varnish.
  • Ric4963160 Ric4963160 on Apr 19, 2016
    ENJOY THE PATENA
  • Becky Sunderman Becky Sunderman on Apr 19, 2016
    Replace the plastic inserts with new, clear ones. Top the roof with old slate roofing tiles,, or replace with a tin; sand and seal exposed wooden parts. Hang suet feeder, fruit holder, or metal wind chime from the bottom - or add extensions from the ends of the roof (recycle an old broom or mop handle, cut to fit, notch it so the feeder/holder/chime won't slide off).
  • Leslie Leslie on Apr 20, 2016
    Hi Noralee careful when you take it down wasps may have taken up residence inside. Birds will not nest with wasps or if the inside is dirty :) They also like neutral colors, which do not attract predators. Your birdhouse looks more like a feeder??? Just FYIs for your consideration :)
    • Noralee Noralee on Apr 20, 2016
      Thank You Leslie. Fortunately, I had it in storage and brought it out for this photo shoot. Thanks!
  • Johnchip Johnchip on Apr 20, 2016
    I like to stain them so they have 'worn color'. (bright colors may scare off the tenants) May want to use a couple colors if it is the one and only. I have a cluster of them so each has its own color. Just water down any old paint you have and slather it on. Keep it rustic and outdoorsy. You don't need grandma's stenciled chalet hanging in your back yard.
  • Mandy Smith Mandy Smith on Apr 20, 2016
    That looks like a bird feeder instead of a bird house?
  • Tiffani Taylor Tiffani Taylor on Apr 20, 2016
    Sand it down, give it a natural stain and some poly to keep the weather from destroying it too much. Maybe even add some tiles to the top to protect it further.
  • Pgl Pgl on Apr 20, 2016
    Use water based stain. Check on weather or not it is safe for birds to use a poly. I know many paints are not safe for birds either.
  • KatAych KatAych on Apr 20, 2016
    I would paint it with bright, happy colors -- turquoise, yellow, red, etc. Maybe even paint it to look like a little house, or cover it with colorful shapes/designs!
  • Cindi Cindi on Apr 20, 2016
    I agree with KatAych, bird houses/feeders are your chance to paint all the colors you don't dare use on your home. Bright colors, maybe even some mosaic tiles and discs, would make it something to look twice at.
    • Noralee Noralee on Apr 20, 2016
      Thank You Cindi! You are spot on about making it fun and daring. Let me see what I have to work with. Thanks!
  • Ann Ann on Apr 20, 2016
    how about neon paints. would be very colorful
  • Johnavallance82 Johnavallance82 on Aug 15, 2021

    As an alternative to paint you could use wood stains, or maybe waxes.