Coloring Wood
Coloring Wood for Bird Toys

Coloring wood for bird toys can add interest for your bird, being that birds do see in color it does make a difference if your bird is attracted to it. Coloring wood is safe as long as it is with food grade colorants. If your coloring solution is mixed up with enough colorant then about 5 or less soaking time is good. It can vary depending on the density of the wood. Be sure to wear latex or rubber gloves as the color absorbs into the skin easily and can take a while to wear off even after numerous hand washing. If you want to color larger amounts of wood, it is best to get either 2 or 5 gallon buckets. Do the coloring process outdoors if at all possible, if not then set up an protected area indoors and lay down plastic on the surface as food coloring will stain some items, I have always had it wash out of my clothing with no problem. Lay paper towels or newspaper down to absorb some of the dripping color once it is out of the bucket to dry. You will need a bucket/container for each color that you mix up and also a large spoon for each color or use something else that will strain the coloring when lifting out of the solution. I have colored wood for years outdoors so I had made up a couple of drying tables. I made a wooden frame from 2x4's, screwed them together and secured them on wooden saw horses. I used a small 1/4" wire mesh that is attached to the wooden frame, this mesh is a good size because even the smallest items I color does not fall through the mesh. This works great as you can see in the above photo image. Drying time is important and if it is outside on a nice warm or hot day it will not take too long but be sure your wood is dried well before putting it away. I let my newly colored woods to be exposed to the air for a day and I place the wood into cardboard flats until well dried. |
This first image is of one of my very small scale of wood coloring indoors. It is on some paper plates. This method is good for small amounts you would want to color. I rarely ever color using this method being that I color on a larger scale but every now and then I am in need of coloring a little wood. | |
![]() | My larger wood coloring using 5 gallon buckets, I was draining the colorant into another bucket then I dump the drained wood onto the drying table. I had made a wire mesh screen to put over the bucket before I dump it as it makes a great strainer! |
![]() | Here is another image of some wooden parts drying on a table. I used 2 gallon buckets. I generally color using 7 colors. |
![]() | Showing 3 of the 5 gallon buckets with the wood submersed under the water. I had made up these special items to keep the wood under the water by using pizza pans with the holes and pvc pipe and end cap for the handle and stainless steel washer and screw to secure it to the pan. |
![]() | Looking at the wood. Often, the wood can look lighter in color when wet as opposed to when it is dry. If you think your wood is turning out too light in color then add more colorant into the water. |
![]() | Here are some wooden drawer pulls ... they are nicely colored! |
![]() | Natural Wood Color before coloring. Natural wood is good for making toys and some people prefer not to give their birds colored wood. |
![]() | You should always drill holes in your wood before coloring. It makes for a nicer finish! |
![]() Americolor | I use "Americolor" brand, there are a couple of sized bottles you can purchase. This is a food color grade so it is safe to use. I buy the Soft Gel Paste. Another product called "VitaCritter" it is also food grade coloring but they recommend using rubbing alcohol instead of water when coloring wood. |
Mixing the Colors:
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