Hi guys, I just finished painting a wooden birdhouse for a birdhouse art auction. I was thinking of covering it with some kind of sealant so that it can be used outside (rather than just being a decorative item). I can't seem to find any information online about it. Does anyone know what I could use to seal it to protect the paint from rain, snow, etc? Thanks, Heather Wooden birdhouse ( photo / image / picture from heathercashart's Garden )
A clear, non toxic, wood sealant is what I've used for birdhouses in the past Heather. It's waterproof so should last for years. You should be able to pick it up at any good DIY store.
Thanks Eileen! I ended up getting some kind of spray wood sealant like you recommended. We'll see how it works
That is really a cute house. You could also use a latex based exterior varnish that would probably do a good job in protecting it from the outdoor elements.
Heather, I would recommend a product made by Sherwin-Williams called Sher-Kleer. It is what many of the artists who make barn quilt panels use but it is expensive (over $100/gallon.) If you are using craft (acrylic) paint I would spray it first with a clear matte spray (Krylon clear UV resistant spray) - this would probably suffice if you cleaned the box each year and re-sprayed. Good Luck.
Hotshot sign paint certainly will hold up but....its not the cheapest paint. An acrylic with UV inhibitor additive is the best house paint probably.
Wanna see some birdhouses? My girl makes some from gourds from time to time. Stay tuned, these gourds were made 3 years ago and some are gone now. Please Hold. Yeah there were 15 or so. All the great artists and a Batman. Gone now. I may have some old pics I will check. I think the one on the porch was the Warhol
