What to Paint the Coop with?

[Chickadee95]

Hi! We finally got our coop delivered and assembled. It's made out of thin pieces of pine. There are some splits in the wood (Grrr) and some places where the asphalt roof meets wood that we think could leak. My dad wants to seal all of the wood with some kind of paint to keep it together longer. Do you have any ideas on what kind of paint to use? Clear sealant is preferable.
It just needs to be nontoxic and not have any fumes. Also it's just for the outside of the coop and run. Thanks!
Also, here's a pic of the just-finished coop! With me, my mom, and our neighbor, a miniature donkey named Romeo!

 

[CelticOaksFarm]

We use oil based paint on all buildings here

 

[Barred Rock Caf]

I used an oil-based barn stain (alkyd) so as to minimize maintenance, since I hate painting. I applied it using a HVLP (high-volume/low pressure sprayer since I used T-111 type plywood for my walls. All white pine trim is a high quality latex exterior paint, applied by brush.

Your coop looks very nice.

 

[Chickadee95]

thanks!

 

[chfite]

Paint is far more durable outdoors than any clear coat. Semi-opaque deck stain is a good choice, too. An outdoor coating needs to be opaque or nearly so to block the damaging effects of the sun. I know that varnish like materials are used on boats, but the finish has to be stripped when it fails. Not going to be able to just apply another coat.

There is a good reason that houses are not clear coated.

For the coop, I would use exterior latex primer and two finish coats. The pain will last the longest applied in that manner. Straightforward to apply, a primer coat and two finish coats could be finished in a single day. Ready for the chickens the next. Alkyd paints are a good second choice, but are a hassle to clean after.

All modern paints are inert after curing. My chickens have not pulled any paint off of any surfaces. The paint on the roosts has worn off, but that is to be expected with all the foot traffic.

Chris

 

[Chickadee95]

Thank you ^^