OUGD603 - Brief 7 - Build a home for Wildlife - Development - Paint Considerations

Paint Considerations 

- On the RSPB website it was suggested that bird boxes can be painted on the outside of the box if water based paints were used

- Further research found that painting the outside of the box can help preserve the wood making it last longer

- unpainted hardwood bird houses are more suited to weather conditions 

- softwood such as pine and plywood can be made more weatherproof with paint

- birds will nest in painted bird boxes, however bright colours can attract predators 

- some paints are harmful to birds 

- dark coloured paints absorb heat 

- colours should be picked to help camouflage the bird box and reflect sunlight 

- bird boxes should be put in shady areas

- water based paints should be used 

- lead based paints and creosote are toxic to birds

- ecofriendly paints and stains are available 

- natural colours are preferable however if amongst flowers brighter colours could be used 

- inside the box should not be painted 

- around the hole to the box should not be painted as birds can peck at the paint 

- varnish, lacquer or shellac (clear) shouldn't be used as they crack in the sunlight 

- when painted it should be aired for a few days to get rid of fumes 

- repaint the box if the paint begins to crack 

Cuprinol 

- After visiting a DIY store Cuprinol was found to be a brand with a range of water based outdoor paints which were suitable for fences, sheds and furniture, making the appropriate to use on a wooden bird box. 

- the range of colours available from Cuprinol is quite wide, with the colours based on tones from nature making them effective at complementing natural elements within the garden. 

- This range of paints would be very appropriate to use for painting the bird boxes as many of the shades within the range are similar to the muted natural tones picked out from the bark images. All of the colours could be matched from the designs to the range.

- As a guide it also suggests using three paints from their Natures Neutrals range with one of their Natures Brights to create a pop of colour and contrast within the colour scheme.

- Similarly within the coloured patterns that have been created at least one colour has been brightened within the colour palette to create contrast and an element of vibrancy. The Natures Brights range could be used for these brighter colours.  

https://www.rspb.org.uk/fun-and-learning/for-families/family-wild-challenge/activities/build-a-birdbox/https://www.britishbirdlovers.co.uk/bird-boxes/painting-a-bird-box