All about Birds
Is Flex Seal Safe For Bird Baths?
Oct
Is Flex Seal liquid safe for bird baths? And how should you use this liquid?
Watching the birds relax and preen themselves on the birdbath in your backyard is certainly a peaceful experience. Like anything, though, even the most expensive and high-quality birdbaths will need maintenance from time to time.
The problem with this is that you must be extra careful when repairing or sealing a birdbath so as not to harm the birds. Certain substances and products may be toxic to them, so you should do some research before using a product on the birdbath.
This, of course, begs the question of whether or not the useful and practical flex seal is safe for birds. Let’s answer that quickly now…
Is Flex Seal Safe For Bird Baths?
Yes, Flex Seal liquid is safe for bird baths and repairing your bird bath once it’s cured. Flex Seal Liquid will dry within 3 to 4 hours, and cured within 24 hours. When it’s cured, flex seal is safe for bird baths.
About Flex Seals
Flex Seal is essentially rubber in a can. It comes pressurized and sprays out as a thick liquid. When dried, it becomes a waterproof, flexible, rubber-like coating. They are used to stop leaks and repair cracks or chips in objects that frequently deal with water.
Other benefits include being rust-resistant, non-flammable, prevents corrosion and mildew, is chemical resistant, and is safe around many plants and animals.
There are many different versions and brands out there, but the basic product remains mostly the same across the board. It’s an easy fix in so many situations, but when wildlife is a factor, you must think twice.
If you repair a birdbath with Flex Seal, what does this mean for the birds? Could it be harmful to them in any way?
Is Flex Seal Liquid Safe For Birds?
In short, yes, Flex Seal is safe for use in your birdbath as long as it’s fully cured before you give birds access to it again. Flex Seal usually dries within three or four hours but isn’t fully cured for about 24.
While it can be used on a wet surface in an emergency, it’s recommended that you use it on a dry surface for the best results.
As such, it’s best to turn your birdbath off and allow it to dry completely before applying Flex Seal to the desired area. If your birdbath has become at all dirty, it’s best to give it a good clean beforehand, too.
Once the flex seal is fully cured, you can refill your birdbath and put it back out for the birds to use.
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Alternatives to Flex Seal
Even though Flex Seal has been deemed safe for birds once fully cured, there are some alternatives you can use if you wish.
A popular alternative route is to use a bead of silicone sealant. For this, all you must do is squeeze the bead along the length of the crack you’re trying to fix, forcing the silicone into the crack as best you can.
This option may be slightly more work, but it’s just as effective if silicone is all you’ve got on hand.
Frequently Asked Questions: Short Answers
What liquid is safe to seal my birdbath?
Flex Seal is a great way to repair cracks, but it can also be used to fully seal your birdbath in order to prevent breaks, cracks, and other anticipated damage.
No matter the quality of your birdbath, being outside and exposed to the elements 24/7 means it will incur some wear and tear over time.
This is why preventative sealing is a good way to go, and having some Flex Seal on hand in case of additional cracks is a good idea, too. The sooner you treat a crack after it happens, the easier it will be to fix, and you’ll get better results.
Is Rustoleum safe for birdbaths?
Yes, using Rustoleum is a safe way to spray paint your birdbath. In general, you can spray paint your birdbath with any spray paint product that isn’t oil or petroleum-based.
With regular wear and tear often comes the chipping of paint. If your birdbath is starting to look a little bedraggled and you want to give it a brand new coat of paint, Rustoleum is a good choice.
Before painting, make sure you clean the birdbath really well and allow it to dry completely. Once you’ve finished, make sure the paint has then dried completely before allowing birds to use it again.
Should you seal a concrete birdbath?
Sealing a concrete birdbath is definitely a good idea. It prevents breaks, cracks, and other damage from the get-go and it will last longer.
Depending on where you live and the weather it’s exposed to, you may consider re-sealing it once a year.
How do you waterproof a concrete birdbath?
Waterproofing your concrete birdbath isn’t complicated. Most products require a clean, dry surface so you’ll want to start by doing a thorough cleaning and letting it dry.
Then, you can spray or apply the waterproof sealant over the entire surface. Once the product is completely dry, you can refill the birdbath and give birds back their access.
