I am re-doing a bird cage and having trouble finding a nursery safe/child safe spray paint that is non-toxic.

Answer 1

You need to find a paint that is both lead free and zinc free.

"Paint - Birds can injest flakes of paint. Today, most cage manufacturers use safe paints and powder coating, but do ask questions when buying a cage. If you have a cage with chipping paint, you should get the paint flakes tested for toxicity. If it is toxic, then either strip and repaint the cage or replace it. Be sure to use paints which are both lead and zinc free. Many anti-rust paints contain zinc, so check with someone knowledgable. If you don't want to bother, then replace the cage." http://www.birdsnways.com/wisdom/ww14eiii.htm

"If you want to repaint an older cage, here are a few tips.

First, the wire should be scrubbed with a wire brush to remove any loose zinc flakes, and then sanded smooth by hand.

In general, look for paints which:
- do not contain lead, zinc or chromate
- are "high adhesion", formulated to bond with the metal surface
- are hard-wearing
- are fast drying

Another suggestion is to look on the back of the paint can and see if it is safe for a human baby. There usually is a picture of a mom holding a child's hand somewhere on the can.

While painting, be sure to:
- move bird to a separate room
- work in a well-ventilated area
- apply paint in a thin coat
- if you're using a spray paint, be sure to hold a large piece of paper or cardboard behind the cage, moving it as you go, to act as a backdrop which catches the excess paint.

When the job is done.....WAIT. If possible, give your freshly painted cage a week or longer before using. Solvent-based paints take time after initial drying to release the solvent vapours. NEVER cover a bird in a freshly painted cage. "
http://www.eartheasy.com/article_birdsafepaints.htm

According to http://www.avianweb.com/refinishingcages.html nontoxic paint is available at Home Depot and other home improvement stores - and check out their article on removing rust and repainting the cage. Lots of good tips.

Answer 2

They don't sell lead-based paint anymore. Any paint is safe and non-toxic after it has dried.
The law requires that paints be labeled toxic if they are toxic; it doesn't require paint to be labeled non-toxic.

Answer 3

Dutch Boy paint is bird safe once it dries. I think they still carry it at K-mart.
If not, see if there is a Dutch Boy paint store in your area.

Answer 4

hi there why not try water based oil based has no lead but water base may be used