Is it okay to paint in my run?

[GApeachmama]

I want to finish the trim inside my run and paint it. It a low VOC water based paint. Would it be better to paint the boards and let them air out then install them or ok to paint while up in run without airing it out? Same for the coop. Painting roosts and poop shelf. For roosts finishing in water based lacquer for easy cleaning. I’m painting them outside the coop but how long do I need to let them air out? Or is it okay to install like the next day or two?

 

[thecatumbrella]

If you're using a water-based latex paint, the odor will dissipate quite a bit overnight. What color are you painting the trim? I ask because darker colors STINK compared to lighter ones. I'd paint outside if possible, then give things the sniff test before installing. I've painted many, many rooms in my life, and the fumes can be nauseating - even with low VOC!

 

[GApeachmama]

I’m painting it white. So painting the trim boards outside the run is best? I’ll follow through on the plan to give the roosts a day or so to air out.

 

[DobieLover]

I strongly advise against painting the roosts. It will make them slippery and dangerous for the chickens to try to perch on.

In the over 7 years I've been keeping chickens I have never cleaned a roost. Or the poop boards for that matter. They just get scooped and that's all. Additional litter for the poop boards gets added as needed and if somebody poops on a roost or the edge of the board it just gets scraped off. And that's it.

Are you using exterior grade paint everywhere outside? If you don't it's going to peel off and the chickens will more than likely peck at it and could eat it. Is the wood you're painting completely dry?