Folk Art Paints

[kikibird]

I am making two overcage lighting enclosures for the FS fluorescent lighting fixtures. Making them out of some wood and such. I want to paint the wood and do some stenciling. Obviously, it is not toys for the lovies, but it is in their immediate area.

Been trying to research the folk art paints. They are non-toxic but I'm just not sure if they are safe to be in the vicinity of the birds. And since I can't guarantee that the babies will not fly to it while out of their cage or even be able to nibble on any part of the legs while in their cage, I want to be certain it won't harm them.

I know I can use the Vitacritter, but it's much much more expensive and I'd want to get several colors. Actually, I'm not sure how the vitacritter would hold up on this fixture that i will handle daily and have to spray and wipe down occaisionally.

Any suggestions? Thanks,
kiki

[JohnUK]

Have you thought about avoiding painting and as an alternative carve/engrave designs into the wood?

[kikibird]

I may just think about something like that. Thanks for the suggestion!

We finished the enclosures yesterday. They are a bit bulky but I like the functionality they provide me. I can disassemble and hang on the wall or sit over the cage and slide them. I think I'm just going to leave the natural wood for now. Maybe some spark of madness will hit and I can come up with something that I'll be comfortable with.

Here's what it looks like.
http://i586.photobucket.com/albums/s...7-05114525.jpg (http://i586.photobucket.com/albums/ss307/kikigirl_00/2012-07-05114525.jpg)
http://i586.photobucket.com/albums/s...7-05114511.jpg (http://i586.photobucket.com/albums/ss307/kikigirl_00/2012-07-05114511.jpg)
http://i586.photobucket.com/albums/s...7-05114436.jpg (http://i586.photobucket.com/albums/s...7-05114436.jpg)

P.S. Praying for a speedy recovery for Vida and quick return home for her :)

[JohnUK]

kikibird: Thank you for thinking of Vida. Your lighting design has given me some ideas about lighting for my two before the UK winter comes.

I had another thought about your overlight project wood. My mini butane soldering iron has an attachment that burns the surface of wood - something like that would let you get fully safe designs onto your wood. I've never tried that though - only use my mini iron for models and occasional electronics work.

[kikibird]

My brother has a wood burning kit, so I could use that. Actually, I did a little wood burning in my early 20's. I really enjoyed it. I would also love to learn to do some carving and wittling, but don't have the proper tools. I may check around to see if I can find some. I find wood working very relaxing (to a degree :) ) Don't know if you can tell from pics, but I did round the front and side corners with a special sander and wood file. It's a powerful sander. Not like just the small handheld electric sanders. So my arms are still a little sore! But it was fun. I just don't know how much I can do with the legs of the enclosure without compromising the support and functionality of sliding it across the cage as I'd want to do.

Anyway, I'm still learning so much about the FS lighting. It's taken several months and I'm still learning about some of the params. See my other post on this same issue, if you have a chance, and interject with any additional knowledge you may have on the subject. (Specs and params of the lighting, etc.) http://www.lovebirdsplus.com/community/showthread.php?21563-Safety-of-Folk-Art-Paints&p=192673#post192673