DIY Bird Bath with Waterproof Terra Cotta (2024)

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Make your own DIY Bird Bath using items you may have already. Additionally, an easy way to waterproof terra cotta for a bird bath bowl replacement, as well as suggestions for your birdbath stand.

This is my kind of project!

I used material I had laying about and made something useful!

When my parents moved out of their home last year, they left behind a good bit of stuff. When we moved in last month, we weeded through and decided what we wanted to keep and what we needed to rehome.

This wrought iron base was one of the things left behind in the garage and was something I wanted to keep. I am not sure if it was originally a planter or a base for a birdbath, but in any event, I knew I wanted to find a way to use it.

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Fast forward a couple of weeks and I realized that a saucer for large pot would fit perfectly on the base. It was then that I decided that the future of this wrought iron piece was the base of DIY Bird Bath.

As kismet had it, I had way too many a few empty terra cotta pots and saucers and my crafting angel ensured that I had one that exactly fit inside the opening of this base!It’s entirely possible that this stand was a base for a birdbath before, but this saucer will be the perfect bird bath bowl replacement!

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AND, while Terry has often derided my stash of aerosol cans, I had a partial can of Rust-Oleum’s Triple Thick Glaze which contained just enough to spray the inside of the saucer. The Triple Thick Glaze put a clear coating on the saucer so that the naturally porous terra cotta would become waterproof and therefore hold water longer than would the unsealed terra cotta saucer, just what I needed for this DIY Birdbath

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As an aside, this Triple Thick Glaze is some handy stuff to have around. I have used it to coat a wooden box to make it a little more waterproof so that I could put some potted plants without worrying about rotting the wood. I used it to add a clear, shiny coat to a lamp that I painted. Sadly for Terry, the next time I am at the hardware store I will be picking up a new can of Triple Thick…I hate to imagine a time when I need it and don’t have it in my garage!! ?

Just a tip on spraying the glaze, don’t get too heavy a hand. You need several very light coats to avoid areas that become cloudy. And, if by chance you do get too heavy-handed…you can sand off the paint so that you can do the lighter coats as recommended on the can. Of course, I’m just guessing…this would never happen to me!?

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And BAM…just like that I have a birdbath! Well…I guess Idon’t have a birdbath as much as my feathered friends now have a birdbath. And, as if it just can’t get better…the best location for this birdbath ensures that it will get filled with water when the sprinklers go off! Truly, it was meant to be!

If you have a stand or base, but need a bird bath bowl replacement, then this waterproofed terra cotta bird bath bowl may be just what you need. And, if you didn’t just move into your mom’s home and therefore, might not have the perfect base laying about, here are some other suggestions for your birdbath stand for a DIY Birdbath:

Ideas for DIY Bird Bath Stand:

  • Invert a pot (or a couple of pots) and glue the saucer to the bottom of the pot
  • An old chair (metal is best, but if using wood you could seal the wood)…place the saucer on the seat
  • Iron Base
  • Hanging Base
  • An old tree stump
  • A lamp base
  • Three rods pounded into the ground
  • An old ladder
  • An old spindle, chair or table leg
  • A stack of bricks
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DIY Bird Bath with Waterproof Terra Cotta (2024)

FAQs

How to waterproof a terracotta bird bath? ›

In a well-ventilated area, apply three to four coats of shellac onto the bowl planter, planter pot, and saucer; let dry 20 to 30 minutes between each coat. (Note: This step will waterproof the surface so that it can hold water and not seep into the porous terra-cotta.)

Can you make terracotta waterproof? ›

Once your pot has been properly cleaned and all loose debris removed, now all you need to start waterproofing is a bucket of Liquid Rubber, gloves to keep your hands clean and a standard paint brush. You only need to waterproof the inside surface of your pot. Apply Liquid Rubber evenly with your paint brush.

What kind of paint do you use for a terracotta bird bath? ›

The safest paint for bird baths is acrylic/latex paint, except in the inside of the basin, where the water sits, for that you use bilge paint.

Is terracotta safe for birds? ›

To start, you'll need to clean your terra cotta pieces very well. Use warm and soapy water to scrub well then rinse well and let them air dry completely. It may not seem important, but it is and will help remove any debris making it safe for the birds to drink from them.

Is Flex Seal good for bird baths? ›

Yes, Flex Seal liquid is safe to repair your bird bath with, once it's been fully cured that is. Flex Seal will usually dry to the touch in about 3 to 4 hours and will be fully cured in 24 hours.

Can you waterproof terracotta tiles? ›

Terracotta tiles can be dip-sealed, sprayed, or treated with a lambswool applicator. Only one coat is necessary, and Spirit Pre Seal cures within 24 hours.

What is the best waterproof sealant for terracotta pots? ›

Designed for use on terracotta pots inside and out, Resene Aquapel & Terracotta Sealer is also suitable for use over a wide range of terracotta surfaces, including terracotta statues and ornaments. Simply apply to the surface to seal the terracotta and impart excellent waterbeading properties.

Is unglazed terracotta waterproof? ›

Most clay pots found in stores are unglazed and porous—meaning they are not waterproof. Unglazed or unsealed terra cotta will draw moisture away from the plant and soil, keeping the pot moist, which in turn may affect the external decoration by causing the paint to blister.

How to seal terra cotta? ›

Shake your can of sealant and then apply an even, light coat to the inside of your pot. Because terracotta is porous, the first coat will soak in. Reapply one to two more times until satisfied. Let dry.

What color birdbath do birds prefer? ›

Top Colors That Attract Birds
ColorAttractivenessBest For
BlueHighGeneral Attraction
GreenMediumBlending with Nature
Brown / Earth TonesMediumGround-feeding Birds
RedVariesHummingbirds
1 more row

What kind of paint is waterproof for a bird bath? ›

Types of Safe Paints for Bird Baths
Type of PaintFeatures
Acrylic PaintWater-based and often non-toxic; look for those labeled as suitable for outdoor use.
Epoxy PaintExtremely durable and waterproof; must be non-toxic once cured.
2 more rows

How to make a terra cotta bird bath? ›

DIY Terracotta Bird Bath
  1. 3 Terracotta pots of different sizes (I got mine from Bunnings)
  2. Attach the saucer to the top pot, using Helmar's Silicone Adhesive Sealant. ...
  3. Then do the same with the small saucer overhanging the large saucer. ...
  4. Now for the fun part, painting your pot.
Jan 24, 2019

Can terracotta be waterproof? ›

If you're looking to waterproof your terracotta garden pots and protect them against staining, water-based sealers (such as the Miteq Sealer 102) on the outside is the best product to use. These penetrating sealers sit just below the surface of pots and give them natural look and finish.

What are the disadvantages of terracotta clay? ›

However, several issues can make terra cotta clay tiles an unsuitable choice for your home or building. High maintenance terra cotta tiles can crack if stepped on or are hit by debris. They also lack moisture- and cold-temperature resistance and will require an underlayment replacement after 20 years.

Why should you avoid using terracotta pots for container gardens? ›

However, some plants prefer their soil to be moist all the time, so if you plant them in a terracotta pot, you may have trouble keeping up with watering.

How do you seal a leaking bird bath? ›

We've had success sealing cracks in birdbaths with clear waterproof silicone glue. It comes in a tube and is available at most hardware or home improvement stores. It's safe for home use.

How to paint and seal a concrete birdbath? ›

Apply a layer of latex primer to prevent moisture from getting into the concrete and help the paint stick. Once it's dry, paint. You may need two coats to cover it. Finally, spray your birdbath with a couple layers of weather-proofing acrylic clear coat.

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