How To Revive A Rusted Old Thrift Store Bird Feeder To Look Like New Again

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Thrift stores are full of hidden gems, and sometimes, like in the case of a rusty bird feeder, you might find a bit of a diamond in the rough. Even with an imperfect or aged exterior, a beautiful bird feeder is one of the outdoor patio finds you should never skip at thrift stores. A new metal bird feeder usually costs around $20, but at a thrift store, you might find an incredibly beautiful or even vintage feeder for a fraction of the price. While you might need to spend some time and money restoring it, you are also reducing environmental harm by buying secondhand, and you're saving a gorgeous bird feeder from ending up in a landfill. For this process, you'll want to clean the bird feeder, remove any rust, and paint or seal it before using it.

Of course, when picking up an old bird feeder, you should understand your restoration limits. Repairing old metal parts that are broken or corroded away can be time-consuming and complex if you are not an experienced DIYer, and you don't want to have any dangerous damaged areas that could harm the birds. However, a bit of rust can be handled by just about anyone, thanks to some simple methods.

To restore your feeder and get it ready to use, you'll need vinegar, water, an abrasive sponge or stiff brush, an abrasive cleaner, and bleach. People report The Pink Stuff and Naval Jelly working well for removing rust, but you may need a specialized rust remover in more extreme cases. Also, you'll want some paint or a clear, non-toxic sealant.

After bringing your bird feeder home, the first thing to do is take it apart and give it a good wash. The general recommendation for washing bird feeders is to clean them weekly with a solution of 1 part bleach to 9 parts water before rinsing thoroughly. However, you may want to use soap for your first wash or soak the feeder in a solution of vinegar and water. Be sure to scrub the bird feeder thoroughly to make sure every bit gets clean. The scrubbing might even remove some or all of the rust.

If there is still rust after the initial cleaning, it may be time to bring in some stronger cleaners. Use your stiff brush or abrasive sponge with a cleaner designed for rust to remove any leftover oxidation. Once the rust is gone, you can decide if you'd like to decorate the feeder by painting it. Certain birds prefer certain colors, so if you want to attract a particular type of bird, painting the feeder is a good way to do so.

Painting is also one of the best genius tricks to prevent metal from rusting, but even if you decide not to paint, you should apply a clear, non-toxic sealant on top to prevent further rusting. Make sure that the feeder is completely dry before priming, painting, and sealing based on the products' instructions. Also, make sure everything is completely dry before adding food and finding the best place to hang a bird feeder in your yard.