# What product should I use to seal metal tub (bird bath)? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [July 22, 2022, 9:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-product-should-i-use-to-seal-metal-tub-bird-bath/968394 "2022-07-22T21:04:17Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![ThelmaLou](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thelmalou/32/390_2.png) [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Post date:** [July 22, 2022, 9:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-product-should-i-use-to-seal-metal-tub-bird-bath/968394/1 "2022-07-22T21:04:17Z")
I bought this cute little metal tub (it’s like a galvanized bucket) at Big Lots to use as a bird bath in my front yard. The proportions in the picture may be deceiving, but the little pan is only a foot in diameter and about four inches high. I filled it and minutes later, it was empty. I’m guessing I need to seal it around the inside of the bottom-- and probably the outside, too. [![](https://i.imgur.com/iD29iu4.jpg?1) ](https://i.imgur.com/iD29iu4.jpg?1) What product should I use? This? Or something else? > **[DAP Ultra Clear Flexible All Purpose Waterproof Sealant: Amazon.com: Industrial...](https://www.amazon.com/DAP-Products-Waterproof-Sealant/dp/B09QLM1827)** > > DAP Ultra Clear Flexible All Purpose Waterproof Sealant: Amazon.com: Industrial & Scientific The birds are loving it! [https://i.imgur.com/6maAvsV.mp4](https://i.imgur.com/6maAvsV.mp4) ---
**Author:** ![ThelmaLou](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thelmalou/32/390_2.png) [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Post date:** [July 22, 2022, 9:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-product-should-i-use-to-seal-metal-tub-bird-bath/968394/2 "2022-07-22T21:23:57Z")
Maybe this? > **[3M Marine Adhesive Sealant Fast Cure 5200 (06535) Permanent Bonding and Sealing...](https://www.amazon.com/3M-Marine-Adhesive-Sealant-06535/dp/B098Q1YWWD)** > > 3M Marine Adhesive Sealant Fast Cure 5200 (06535) Permanent Bonding and Sealing for Boats and RVs Above and Below the Waterline Waterproof Repair, White, 1 fl oz Tube: Automotive Adhesives And Sealants: Amazon.com: Industrial & Scientific ---
**Author:** ![jnglmassiv](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/f07891/32.png) [@jnglmassiv](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jnglmassiv)\ **Post date:** [July 22, 2022, 9:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-product-should-i-use-to-seal-metal-tub-bird-bath/968394/3 "2022-07-22T21:39:59Z")
If you want to retain the writing inside it and the overall appearance, I’d try to find something watertight to set it inside of so almost the entire pan is submerged. If you don’t care about what it looks like, get rid of the leaky thing and go right to the watertight container. ---
**Author:** ![wolfpup](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wolfpup/32/10618_2.png) [@wolfpup](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wolfpup)\ **Post date:** [July 22, 2022, 9:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-product-should-i-use-to-seal-metal-tub-bird-bath/968394/4 "2022-07-22T21:41:49Z")
Unless you want to get involved with a blowtorch and plumbing solder, some type of silicone-like adhesive sealant is likely your best bet. Have you determined where the tub is leaking? If it’s just in one or two places, it should be an easy fix. My WAG is that either of those sealants will work fine; the 3M Marine sealant is probably overkill but it advertises fast curing – some of those silicone sealants take friggin’ forever to cure. I wouldn’t bother with Amazon – you can pick that stuff up at any Home Depot. ETA: Another fast-fix option is 5-minute epoxy resin. Regardless of whether using sealant or epoxy, make sure the area to be repaired is clean and dry – preferably clean with an alcohol swab. ---
**Author:** ![ThelmaLou](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thelmalou/32/390_2.png) [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Post date:** [July 22, 2022, 9:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-product-should-i-use-to-seal-metal-tub-bird-bath/968394/5 "2022-07-22T21:46:00Z")
Yeah, I could do that. I actually went looking for a big, heavy, stoneware dish. But I found this tub at Big Lots on sale. I like that I can brace the hose through the handle. * * * * * * > [@wolfpup](#): > > I wouldn’t bother with Amazon – you can pick that stuff up at any Home Depot. I wasn’t going to buy from Amazon. Just used the link to illustrate the product. I was planning just to run a bead of the sealant all around the inside where the sides meet the bottom instead of looking for any one leaky place. And maybe all around the outside, too. I’ve got nuttin’ but time on my hands. I tend to put things like this in the yard and leave them there _forever_, so I’d like the fix to be permanent. ---
**Author:** ![wolfpup](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wolfpup/32/10618_2.png) [@wolfpup](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wolfpup)\ **Post date:** [July 22, 2022, 9:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-product-should-i-use-to-seal-metal-tub-bird-bath/968394/6 "2022-07-22T21:49:56Z")
The reason for checking for where it leaks is to determine what kind and how much sealant you need. If it’s just one or two small leaks, epoxy resin is quick and easy. If the entire bottom is poorly attached, you’ll probably have to go with silicone and run a bead all around as you said. ---
**Author:** ![ThelmaLou](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thelmalou/32/390_2.png) [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Post date:** [July 22, 2022, 9:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-product-should-i-use-to-seal-metal-tub-bird-bath/968394/7 "2022-07-22T21:52:11Z")
Oh ok. Good point. I’ll take a look when the birds are done for the day. They’re having so much fun I hate to interrupt. It’s a Happy Fizzies Party! I thought it was a reasonable assumption that the thing would hold water. \ ---
**Author:** ![jnglmassiv](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/f07891/32.png) [@jnglmassiv](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jnglmassiv)\ **Post date:** [July 22, 2022, 9:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-product-should-i-use-to-seal-metal-tub-bird-bath/968394/8 "2022-07-22T21:52:26Z")
> [@wolfpup](#): > > If it’s just one or two small leaks, epoxy resin is quick and easy. It emptied in minutes. ---
**Author:** ![ThelmaLou](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thelmalou/32/390_2.png) [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Post date:** [July 22, 2022, 9:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-product-should-i-use-to-seal-metal-tub-bird-bath/968394/9 "2022-07-22T21:53:03Z")
True. The water actually ran out. I’m not thinking too clearly this evening… ---
**Author:** ![wolfpup](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wolfpup/32/10618_2.png) [@wolfpup](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wolfpup)\ **Post date:** [July 22, 2022, 9:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-product-should-i-use-to-seal-metal-tub-bird-bath/968394/10 "2022-07-22T21:54:30Z")
> [@ThelmaLou](#): > > I thought it was a reasonable assumption that the thing would hold water. It seems to be the least you could expect from a bucket! 😉 ---
**Author:** ![ThelmaLou](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thelmalou/32/390_2.png) [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Post date:** [July 22, 2022, 9:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-product-should-i-use-to-seal-metal-tub-bird-bath/968394/11 "2022-07-22T21:55:10Z")
How many expectations _does_ one have to let go of in today’s world, eh? ---
**Author:** ![wolfpup](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wolfpup/32/10618_2.png) [@wolfpup](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wolfpup)\ **Post date:** [July 22, 2022, 9:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-product-should-i-use-to-seal-metal-tub-bird-bath/968394/12 "2022-07-22T21:55:47Z")
> [@jnglmassiv](#): > > It emptied in minutes. I’m thinking that could still be due to a couple of isolated spots easily patched with epoxy. ---
**Author:** ![silenus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/silenus/32/166_2.png) [@silenus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/silenus)\ **Post date:** [July 22, 2022, 9:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-product-should-i-use-to-seal-metal-tub-bird-bath/968394/13 "2022-07-22T21:59:02Z")
It’s a Big Lots _decorative_ piece. I’m amazed the bottom didn’t just fall off when it got wet. Go wild with the sealant. ---
**Author:** ![Ulfreida](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ulfreida/32/8014_2.png) [@Ulfreida](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ulfreida)\ **Post date:** [July 22, 2022, 9:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-product-should-i-use-to-seal-metal-tub-bird-bath/968394/14 "2022-07-22T21:59:03Z")
If you are concerned about not poisoning your wild birds, please use silicone sealant that is okay for aquariums and let it sit until there is no vinegar odor before filling it. Personally I’d just buy a nice ceramic birdbath. Birds have some desires when it comes to baths, including a slope from the edge to the middle so they can walk into the deep part, and a textured surface. ---
**Author:** ![DavidNRockies](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/davidnrockies/32/6279_2.png) [@DavidNRockies](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DavidNRockies)\ **Post date:** [July 22, 2022, 10:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-product-should-i-use-to-seal-metal-tub-bird-bath/968394/15 "2022-07-22T22:00:06Z")
I’m bothered by the proposition of using any kind of sealant that isn’t basically food safe. The birds … I’m thinking something like this: > **[Silicone RTV 4500 Food Contact Safe High Strength Silicone Sealant, Clear (2.8...](https://www.amazon.com/Silicone-Grade-Strength-Sealant-Clear/dp/B00NU6VN6G)** > > Silicone RTV 4500 Food Contact Safe High Strength Silicone Sealant, Clear (2.8 FL. Ounce): Amazon.com: Industrial & Scientific Manufacturer’s page: [https://conspecmaterials.com/shop/sealants/silicone-sealants/silco-sil-bond-4500-rtv-silicone/](https://conspecmaterials.com/shop/sealants/silicone-sealants/silco-sil-bond-4500-rtv-silicone/) Nice project ! ETA: Ninja’d by @Ulfreida 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![ThelmaLou](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thelmalou/32/390_2.png) [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Post date:** [July 22, 2022, 10:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-product-should-i-use-to-seal-metal-tub-bird-bath/968394/16 "2022-07-22T22:01:38Z")
I really appreciate those thoughtful replies! I just lifted up the pan and water ran out all along the bottom. As good as no seal at all. To wit: > [@silenus](#): > > It’s a Big Lots _decorative_ piece. I’m amazed the bottom didn’t just fall off when it got wet. ---
**Author:** ![jnglmassiv](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/f07891/32.png) [@jnglmassiv](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jnglmassiv)\ **Post date:** [July 22, 2022, 10:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-product-should-i-use-to-seal-metal-tub-bird-bath/968394/17 "2022-07-22T22:02:22Z")
Sure it could but a real fix is to put it into something actually meant to hold water. On review, the comment about bird safety below also apply. Edit: On further review, this this seems best suited to holding pinecones next to the fireplace. > I just lifted up the pan and water ran out all along the bottom. As good as no seal at all. ---
**Author:** ![wolfpup](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wolfpup/32/10618_2.png) [@wolfpup](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wolfpup)\ **Post date:** [July 22, 2022, 10:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-product-should-i-use-to-seal-metal-tub-bird-bath/968394/18 "2022-07-22T22:15:02Z")
Good comments about bird safety re the silicone seal. As it turns out, the same applies to epoxy resin. I would have assumed that it doesn’t leach anything out into water or food after it cures, but there is such a thing as special food-safe epoxy, but most of them are not, and are not recommended for such use. It was a nice thought and a cute little tub, but you’re probably better off getting something more suitable for a bird bath than trying to repair this. ---
**Author:** ![ThelmaLou](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thelmalou/32/390_2.png) [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Post date:** [July 22, 2022, 10:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-product-should-i-use-to-seal-metal-tub-bird-bath/968394/19 "2022-07-22T22:52:21Z")
You mean y’all are telling me to go SHOPPING again?!? 😱 Ok. ---
**Author:** ![wolfpup](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wolfpup/32/10618_2.png) [@wolfpup](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wolfpup)\ **Post date:** [July 22, 2022, 11:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-product-should-i-use-to-seal-metal-tub-bird-bath/968394/20 "2022-07-22T23:05:40Z")
Hey, if it’s any consolation, you inspired me to look at bird baths on the Home Depot website. Might be kind of cute to have one in my backyard for the little tykes. Not sure I’m up to the maintenance of keeping it filled and cleaning it out. Also, I’m still a bit resentful of the mama bird who set up housekeeping and a nursery in my dryer vent, causing me no end of problems and odors. Her ill-chosen domicile did not help to endear me to birds, but I think I’ve gotten over it. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-product-should-i-use-to-seal-metal-tub-bird-bath/968394.md?page=2)