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Paint suitable for wooden compost bins

Liz.JordanLiz.Jordan Posts: 11
in Problem solving
Hello, my husband has just made us a three bay compost bin from old wooden heat-treated pallets. However, as they look a little unsightly, we would like to paint them.  What can I use that is suitable and not harmful please?

Posts

  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 30,090
    Any fence paint.   They are water based now so it's a question of choosing a colour you like and a brand you like.
    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
    Plato
  • PlantmindedPlantminded Posts: 3,580
    Cuprinol and Ronseal are popular brands for fencing with a wide range of colours.  They can have up to 5 years of protection if you follow the instructions!  Painting the outside will probably be enough but it's worth doing the inside too to protect the wood!
    Wirral. Sandy, free draining soil.


  • Liz.JordanLiz.Jordan Posts: 11
    Thanks Plantminded.  I was just a bit concerned that some of the ingredients of these standard wood paints might leach into the compost?
  • PlantmindedPlantminded Posts: 3,580
    As long as it's water based, as recommended, there should be no nasties to leach into the compost.  To be really sure, check the label and the manufacturer's website - they often publish a data sheet giving all the ingredients and likely hazards.
    Wirral. Sandy, free draining soil.


  • Liz.JordanLiz.Jordan Posts: 11
    Thanks Plantminded, very helpful 👍
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    I wouldn't worry. My raised beds are all painted with a proprietary timber paint [Cuprinol Ducksback]  and I have edibles in them, as well as ornamentals.
    I haven't died...yet.... ;)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • Liz.JordanLiz.Jordan Posts: 11
    Thanks Fairygirl 👍
  • PlantmindedPlantminded Posts: 3,580
    edited March 2022
    Ducksback is now a water based product, like most paints.  You'll be fine @Fairygirl!
    Wirral. Sandy, free draining soil.


  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    I've been using it for years, and despite the claims, it certainly doesn't last for 5 years before needing re done. They must have tested it in a much more benign area  ;)

    I have to repaint bits every year. The weather just scours it off. The verticals aren't so bad, it's the top edges of the beds. Plenty of veg/strawbs growing over the edges too, so it's clearly very harmless   ;)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • Liz.JordanLiz.Jordan Posts: 11
    Thanks Fairygirl, that’s very reassuring 😊
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