Comments on: DIY Bird Bath with Waterproof Terra Cotta

By: Mary

Mary — Wed, 15 Apr 2026 03:41:11 +0000

Ai Google: “Rust-Oleum Triple Thick Glaze (specifically the aerosol version) is toxic to aquatic life… It is not meant for direct food contact or submersion in standing water, as the coating may not maintain its stability”. Maybe Rustoleum said it’s safe, I’d like to know if the product breaks down if submerged in water for a long time. While Ai can be wrong, I guess we might look at good grade products, maybe shellac or food-grade varnish for waterproofing a terra cotta dish for birds.

By: Lynn

Lynn — Wed, 03 Jul 2024 17:47:50 +0000

In reply to Denise Miles. Thanks Denise, I will check into that! Do you know the name of the paint?

By: Denise Miles

Denise Miles — Wed, 03 Jul 2024 16:14:58 +0000

There is paint out there that is bird friendly. I have the same metal plant holder that I now use as a birdfeeder I put in a terra-cotta, then put another colorful plate on top, then filled with water and put on the deck.

By: lynn

lynn — Sun, 18 Jun 2023 11:44:02 +0000

In reply to Sandy.

Good Morning Sandy,

I know you can use acrylic paints to paint terra cotta…I’ve done that. But, what I haven’t done is paint the terra cotta, then seal it to use as a bird bath. My gut tells me that it would be fine, but I can’t speak for certain.

Lynn

By: Sandy

Sandy — Sat, 17 Jun 2023 01:14:34 +0000

Can you spray paint the terra cotta saucer before using the waterproof glaze?

By: lynn

lynn — Thu, 18 May 2023 13:43:48 +0000

In reply to Lynne Smith. Hi Lynne, Rustoleum says 24 hours to cure. But I waited a week to fill it with water.

By: Lynne Smith

Lynne Smith — Wed, 17 May 2023 20:39:01 +0000

In reply to lynn. How long does it take to fully cure?

By: lynn

lynn — Fri, 22 Jul 2022 14:27:17 +0000

In reply to Wanda F. Hi, I called Rustoleum and was told that once cured the chemicals will off-gas. They didn't go so far as to say it was completely harmless, but did underscore that the chemicals would off-gas when fully cured.

By: Wanda F

Wanda F — Fri, 22 Jul 2022 14:21:06 +0000

Is the sealant safe for birds?

By: lynn

lynn — Fri, 04 Sep 2020 23:38:06 +0000

In reply to Patti Hagen.

Hi Patti,

Yes, I much more economical option! Happy making, my friend.

Hugs,

Lynn