What paint would be suitable for a bird cage

[lisascannell]

Hello,
I am considering buying a new bird cage and spray painting it gold to fit with the decor inside. It will have a vintage, glam vibe Can anyone give me some advice as to what paint, if any would be non-toxic to my bird? thanks.

 

[Mike17]

Enamels give off fumes for quite some time after painting. Acrylics are much safer but most metallic gold paints are enamels, as far as I know. One possibility might be powder coating (I'm fairly certain many of the "hammer finish" type cages are powder coated) but in that case you'd need to have the existing finish removed (some form of bead or soda blasting perhaps) first and then the powder coating applied. It's not something you'd do at home, and the finishing cost would probably be more than the initial cost of the cage. The cheapest option would be a good sanding of the cage followed by several coats of metallic enamel, then left for a good while (several weeks, ideally) and then put into use- although birds' habits of chewing their cages might mean the sexy gold paint wil start looking daggy fairly soon, not to mention the wear and tear as they climb.

Frankly, I can't see the need to have a cage "match decor". A cage is your bird's home, not a fashion accessory.

 

[Mike17]

Long reply lost into the ether. Gold enamel, long curing period (fumes). Best finish- power coating or if money's no object, plating.

A cage is a bird's, home, not a fashion accessory.

 

[Merlee]

What's wrong with a powder coated white cage? It goes with everything and I find that this color helps me find the dirty areas of the cage.

 

[Pixie603]

I would definitely put safety over matching decor. Not knowing what is truly safe or not, that paint will be in her mouth and being ingested. I would be safe, and just buy a new cage. please consider the fact that a parrot is a living breathing thing, not a decoration.

 

[weco]

Hi Lisa, welcome to the forums......

I tend to agree with Mike17, though it's not easy to suggest a paint without knowing where you might be.....a brand available in the U.S. may not be available in Canada or the UK, OZ or NZ.....

Also, not knowing what size cage you're considering might affect the type of spray paint that would be appropriate.....most spray paints are termed enamel, epoxy and acrylic and each has properties suitable for different applications.....

With the exception of acrylics, often referred to as water based paint, enamels & epoxies contain solvents which can affect the paint already on the cage.....a test spraying is usually recommended, in an area not readily visible.....

Small cages, budgie & 'tiel sized, are normally coated with enamel type paints, larger cages with square and/or round tubing construction are normally power coated.....no cages are acrylic coated with water based paints, except maybe in an aftermarket setting.....

If you are in the U.S. people have found Krylon brand paints to be suitable for repainting of bird cages, though to insure proper curing, you might want to wait 2 weeks to 28 days, paints take up to 28 days to properly cure, even when they may feel dry in 2-8 hours after application.....

Prior to painting, you will want to carefully wipe the cage down with alcohol, to remove any oils and/or release agents, so your new paint will adhere properly.....

Good luck.....

 

[Merlee]

I repainted a cage gold once. I sandblasted, primed and painted it with a bird safe paint. I'll be honest with you, the paint job didn't last as long as I hoped. If you want a gold cage, I suggest you purchase one already in that color. The paint coming from a manufacturer is much better than a job we can get from a can. The paint I used chipped off over time.

 

[MikeyTN]

Another option is have your cage made to your specification. There are cage makers out there and will powder coat color to your specification. But it's $$$$$$$$$....I looked into them several years back and I was shocked at the prices of them.

 

[lisascannell]

Thanks everyone.