Birdbath Makeover Tutorial
Every bird around Duke Manor Farm, is chirping happy these days…and for good reason. I can’t wait to show you my birdbath makeover tutorial. I know more then just me has an old chippy looking birdbath laying around…am I right?
Remember when I told you how my birds were not very happy with this here? Come on, would you be? Seriously, the old birdbath was looking a bit unsightly, and not very pretty.
So, I decided to give the ole birdbath a makeover, this was a first for me and if I find anymore birdbath’s, probably won’t be a last based on the beautiful results on how it turned out. See what I mean?
Today I want to share the steps for my bird bath makeover tutorial.
Supplies Needed for Bird Bath Makeover Tutorial:
- Nasty bird bath that needs some TLC
- Old plates or tiles for inset- for this project I used 6-8 small plates
- Hammer to break up tile or ceramic plates
- Non-Toxic spray paint for stone birdbath. I used some left over White Ultra Hard Enamel Appliance Epoxy from Rust-oleum since it is moisture resistant
- quick set concrete to secure tiles or ceramic
- Safety glasses to eliminate flying debris in your eyes
- Work gloves to help minimize sharp pieces piercing your skin
- Small bucket for your pieces
What you need to do:
First step is to clean and sand down your birdbath. Remove any dirt,water or loose paint
Spray the inside and outside edge of the birdbath with your spray paint. You do not need to cover the inside of the birdbath since your concrete will be covering it. Let dry
Next you will want to begin smashing your tile or plate pieces with a hammer. Safety glasses are suggested so you don’t get flying debris in your eyes.
Smashing from the back side reduces sharp pieces from flying and cutting body parts …trust me, I know about this tip. This is the proper way to smash the plate.
Gather your pieces with your gloves on and place them in a bucket
Prepare your concrete mixture according to directions. I used Quick Set for this project. Pour a small to medium layer on the bottom of your birdbath.
Smooth out the concrete on the bottom of your birdbath making sure to not cover up your sides. Your painted sides should be exposed.
Place your tile or broken plate pieces in the concrete with any sharp edges submerged in the concrete, as we don’t want to hurt the birds
Let dry. Paint the remainder of the birdbath base, being careful not to paint the inside of your birdbath.
Last thing, when everything is dry, fill the birdbath with water and watch your birds enjoy there amazing beautiful space!
And if you happen not to have any old chippy birdbaths lying around, here’s a few that you may like and that will have the birds singing in no time at all!
grateful
for the birds
affiliate links used in this post
Laura,
This is one amazing project! Seriously. I just adore the after and I'm pretty sure you have the most stylish and happiest and cleanest birds in all of Georgia!
🙂
Linda
I may have to pretty up my ugly bird bath, too. Only thing is the birds around here have my big pond to visit.
I cannot wait to redo my ugly bird bath, thanks for the tutorial!!! Hugs ` Mary
It's great Laura, I love the plates! Another job well done my friend.
Happy Friday.
xo~
T
Very lovely…it looks so much better 🙂 thanks for the tutorial. Have a great weekend!
This is so cool, Laura! And a great tutorial, as well.
Love it! Poor bloody finger. 🙁
Looks amazing, Laura! Sorry about the finger! Ouch!
I'm sure that the birds are spreading the word to their little friends about the new luxury bird spa in town! Well done! 🙂
xo-Lisa
great job looks like a new one n so beautiful
Lucky birdies!
~Bliss~
I like your improved birdbath. I cringed a bit when I saw the blood. Hope you didn't smash your finger too bad! The end result was worth the trouble because the new birdbath is gorgeous. Two girls at a craft store I used to sell at sold these kind of birdbaths like hotcakes in the summer, so what you did is a really popular look. I've done mosiacs, but never a larger project like this one. Thanks for sharing your talent with us.
This project ROCKS!! But then you're a rock star, Laura, so it's to be expected!
Bet your birds are happy campers now!
xo Heidi
Laura….Great tutorial..right down to what would happen if you do not follow instructions…bodily injury occurs…love your project and you certainly put a lot of "blood", sweat and tears into this project to ensure your birds are happy…I just got a "tweet"…they are happy bathers…Now, draw the line when they ask you for a bar of soap and a fluffy towel!!….
Have a great weekend!!
And now it's a mini ocean! Love it!
Those birds are styling and profiling in this beauty! I used to do mosaics – and had tons and tons of broken pottery and tiles piled high. Then I stopped and the pottery sat and languished until my hubs made me toss it!
Oh well, that just means I'll have to scour the thrift shops for some more pottery!!
Looks amazing – like a bird's day at the beach.
Kelly
you did a magnificent job!!!! now you have HAPPY BIRDS!!!! : ) thanks for sharing! hugs…
I really like this, Laura. I've always wanted to do some mosaic with something. This looks doable for me! thanks..
~betty
Wow Laura, I love your unique use of mosaics. The beautiful colours must glow wonderfully in the sunlight — lucky birds.
dawnedesign.net
Really love this project! I made a few mosaic pieces and it's not always easy getting the shapes the way you want. Have you tried a snippers?
The birds probably love their new hangout!
Thanks for coming by my blog 🙂
Love this idea and love how yours turned out!!
Visiting from Pin the Tail 🙂
Great tutorial. I've done a similar thing with marbles instead of crockery. I love this look and will do an imitation of yours.
I found you at Addicted 2 Decorating.
What a great idea! That turned out so pretty!
I've been thinking of painting some of my worn planters in the garden. After seeing this I think perhaps I'll try this on some of them. Should work just the same upright on a planter, right?
Plasma Coating Process , is capable of spraying all materials that are considered sprayable. In plasma spray devices, an arc is formed in between two electrodes in a plasma forming gas, which usually consists of either argon/hydrogen or argon/helium.
Would turning the dishes upside down and use painters tape and tape off the areas where you will break pieces. Then the tape will help keep any pieces from flying and would it help not have too sharp of edges on the pieces? And I know you were wearing your safety glasses 🙂 but breakables seem to fly at times.
i am sure that would have worked as well. It was one of those ‘dont think before you starting smashing a haer’ moments.