What's the best type of non toxic paint for wood?

T
by T
  1. Hi i am building an aviary for my cockatiels but i need to sand it and paint it but i want to know what is the best none toxic paint to use for the aviary can anybody help please its the first time im building something out of wood im a newbie at this.
  4 answers
  • William William on Jan 16, 2017

    Pet birds can be hard on cages, often chewing, scratching or wearing the paint. They can ingest flakes of paint which can be harmful to their health. Pet birds can also be sensitive to fumes from new paint.


    If you want to repaint an older cage, here are a few tips.


    First, the wire should be scrubbed with a wire brush to remove any loose zinc flakes, and then sanded smooth by hand.


    In general, look for paints which:

    - do not contain lead, zinc or chromate

    - are "high adhesion", formulated to bond with the metal surface

    - are hard-wearing

    - are fast drying


    Another suggestion is to look on the back of the paint can and see if it is safe for a human baby. There usually is a picture of a mom holding a child's hand somewhere on the can.


    While painting, be sure to:

    - move bird to a separate room

    - work in a well-ventilated area

    - apply paint in a thin coat

    - if you're using a spray paint, be sure to hold a large piece of paper or cardboard behind the cage, moving it as you go, to act as a backdrop which catches the excess paint.


    When the job is done.....WAIT. If possible, give your freshly painted cage a week or longer before using. Solvent-based paints take time after initial drying to release the solvent vapours. NEVER cover a bird in a freshly painted cage.


  • Johnchip Johnchip on Jan 16, 2017

    Would not use any paint on natural wood for a bird cage, particularly with chewers like cockateils.

    • T T on Jan 17, 2017

      Ok Thanks alot i will not paint the inside but outside

  • Hillela G. Hillela G. on Jan 17, 2017

    You can also go the "Unicorn Spit" route for colored gel stain.

  • Good advice on the first comment. Check with Ben Moore or Sher Wms for the safest paint. The staff at a specialty paint store will know more than someone at a big box store. Definitely use water based and No VOCs.