How do you paint wire?

[limeslide]

I've been reading various DIY-aviary builds on various forums and many people recommend painting the wire black to reduce glare therefore making the birds more visible from the outside. This seems reasonable as the black colour absorbs the light instead of reflecting it, but here is my question:

How do you paint wire?

What I mean is, what is the best painting method, how can I paint it without wasting as much paint from the paint going through the holes? Do you paint it while erect or while its laying on the ground? Or does the paint just adhere to the wire naturally?

Sorry for the stupid question.

[Gouldian4]

Hi mate.

You use a normal house hold roller as you would when painting walls in a house. Just make sure that you don't have too much excess paint on it

[yunier2002]

I'd use a regular black spray paint, that's how I painted one of my flight cages.

[gsjohnson]

Why don't you use PVC coated wire. It comes in black or green. I used the Green and it looks fantastic and it stays that way. It's the only way to go. Paint will not last and begin to flake off looking worse than if you hadn't painted it all. Don't cheap out if you want a non-toxic and long lasting black coating.
http://www.academyfence.com/product-556 ... auge-black

This is the green...it blends in with the mural in the background. The panels are 36" x 84"

[limeslide]

@ gsjohnson: I did not know there was wire sold pre-coated, thanks for the heads up! I looked around and there is a Lowe's that carries the coated cloth, thanks!

Thanks for your input, guys!

[Sally]

Some of the mesh that is sold is simply plastic mesh, not PVC-coated wire. The plastic mesh is fine for an indoor aviary, but it will not work for an outdoor aviary, as predators can tear it apart very easily.

[poohbear]

Matt black paint on one of those small one inch wide paint rollers...no problems..been doing it for years using paint supplied for wrought iron gates.

[limeslide]

@ sally & poohbear: I looked into the cloth a bit more and it turned out to be completely plastic, thanks for advising me beforehand, and for the tip on the paint.