What Kind Of Paint Can I Use On My Birdbath That Wont Peel Off Over And Over Again? I Have Tried Oil Based…?
I need to repaint my birdbath and I am tierd of having the paint crack and peel after I put water in it, how many times will I have to paint it to get the paint to stay? Oh please help… 
Try Drylok. It is a concrete based paint and can be tinted to many different colors. It is designed to be underwater and can survive the elements. Any hardware store should have this or a similiar product.
After the bird bath completely dries, get a epoxy paint where you have to mix two parts to make the paint. Dries like stone. Wait a MINIMUM of 48 hours for it to cure before you put water in to it.
Buy a paint designed for concrete. You can get that at any home building supply.
If it’s a porous surface, try Paving Paint! Scrub it clean, of course, and, depending on the brand of paint you use you may have to use a sealer first.
Spray paint is usually the most cost effective, and provides a good base coat. You can use acrylic paints that can be found in craft stores for accents or highlighting. Use clear spray paint to seal the paint.
Hint…make sure the birdbath is very dry before painting. First wash it down, then let it dry. If it’s raw concrete, there will be lime leaching and some manufacturers already paint the piece with a mixture of paint and cement to cover any pin holes or patch marks.
You don’t need to primer the piece…concrete is the easiest medium to paint on. Let the paint dry very well between coats, then apply at least 4 coats of clear spray paint as the sealer, particularly in the bowl.
Most spray paints today are non-toxic. They’re not going to leach anything bad. Frankly, in my opinion, I’ve seen birds bathing in puddles on the street that have a shimmer of motor oil in them. I’ve never seen any adverse reactions to the spray paint I use.
Most commercial manufacturers use these same types of materials to paint their pieces. Patio paint is expensive and you will need a lot. Krylon or other premium spray paints are recommended. Don’t use ANYTHING that is petroleum or oil based! (Like Thompsons Water Seal).
Or….you could use swimming pool paint. It’s definitely waterproof!