Can you safely re-color feeder parts?

[birdscomefirst]

Hi,
When I lived in WA State, I never had to deal with this:-)  Here in FL, it seems that the sun bleaches the color out of the plastic components used to make the feeders.  What was a bright red feeder with yellow flowers is now a pale ecru, faded, nearly colorless hummingbird feeder.   Is there a safe material that can be used to at least recolor the flowers.  I've read that red nail polish is OK but I'm a little reluctant to use that.  Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Thanks!

[Joe M]

Oct 29, 2013 17:22:37 GMT -5 birdscomefirst said:

Hi,
When I lived in WA State, I never had to deal with this:-)  Here in FL, it seems that the sun bleaches the color out of the plastic components used to make the feeders.  What was a bright red feeder with yellow flowers is now a pale ecru, faded, nearly colorless hummingbird feeder.   Is there a safe material that can be used to at least recolor the flowers.  I've read that red nail polish is OK but I'm a little reluctant to use that.  Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Thanks!

I have touched up feeders ( the flower area around the ports) with acrylic paint with no problem. The model paint sold by 'Testors', in small bottles.

It adhears well, drys very well and the color holds up well. I don't paint inside the throat port since the hummers bill would be wearing it off when the bill is inseerted.

I have never tried fingernail polish and would be reluctant since it has ingredients that are not found in typical paints.

Joe M.
Lakeland

[birdscomefirst]

The model paint is a GREAT Idea! Thanks!

[Sonia G.]

I went to a discussion on hummingbirds and the woman who spoke is an expert on the subject of hummers. She told us it was perfectly OK to use red nail polish to re-color the flowers on feeders. She said that since wasps are attracted to yellow (they're a problem where I live)that we should make them red by using polish. I did as she suggested and have not had any problems. Hope this helps.