How To Paint a Concrete Birdbath Properly

You can easily and successfully paint a concrete birdbath. In order to do it properly, there are some steps that you need to take in order to apply the paint and accomplish the look that you desire. Painting a concrete birdbath takes the same steps and process that you use in any painting task. There are not many differences between painting a concrete birdbath and painting a wall, aside from the type of paint that you use and the preparation that you need to do before painting.

This article and the information set forth will provide you with some information in order to tackle this task and accomplish it correctly.

Step 1: Choose an Oil-Based Masonry Primer and Paint

Before you begin the process of painting your birdbath, you need to choose a paint that works best with the concrete. You will also need to select an oil-based masonry primer as well as masonry paint. These supplies can be purchased at a paint supply store or home improvement center. A spray can work as easily as applying the paint to the concrete with a brush. You may also use a paint sprayer to apply the primer and paint to the concrete birdbath.

Step 2: Clean and Prepare the Concrete Birdbath

After choosing the paint, place a large drop cloth around the base of the concrete birdbath. This will prevent paint from spilling on the ground while working on the paint job. Clean the birdbath with soapy water to remove dirt and debris and prepare the surface for primer and paint. Rinse the soap so that no residue remains. A trisodium phosphate solution can be added to the soapy water if the birdbath is older in order to remove all of the grime and dirt that has built up.

Step 3: Apply a Concrete Sealer

Use a concrete sealer to coat the birdbath. The sealant is an important step and needs to be done before the primer and paint. You can apply the concrete sealer to a birdbath that you made yourself or to a store bought birdbath.

Step 4: Apply an Oil-Based Masonry Primer

An oil-based masonry primer should be applied using a bristle brush, spray can or spray nozzle. Any of these methods works to apply the primer. Use whatever tool you have available to accomplish this part of the painting task. Once you complete the application of the oil-based primer, apply an oil-based masonry paint. It may require 2 coats of paint in order to complete the job. Wait for any first coat that you apply to dry completely before putting the second coat on the concrete.

Step 5: Move the Birdbath

Wait for the concrete birdbath to dry before moving it where you want to place it in the yard. Remove the drop cloth, clean all paint brushes or other tools that were used and seal the paint and primer cans. The concrete birdbath should now be complete and be ready to use and enjoyed by your winged friends.