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What paint for raised vegetable garden bed?

This is a strange request but I am trying to find a low/no VOC external paint. The paint is to be used on raised outdoor vegetable garden beds. Obviously these beds produce food and I want to make sure the paint is not leeching into the soil over time and exposing the produce to unsafe chemicals. Does anyone know which paint would be best please? Thanks Tracey

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Comments

EricL

Hello @TraceyO

Thanks for sharing that very interesting question. Please allow us to contact our supplier regarding your query. As soon as we get more information, we'll get back to you.

Thank you for your patience.

Eric

MitchellMc

Hi @TraceyO,

Once Dulux Weathershield cures, as with many water-based paints, they stop off-gassing VOC's. It's typically only in the wet painting stage that they emit these chemicals. If you are particularly worried, you can always line the inside of the garden beds with Builder's plastic so the soil doesn't come in contact with the timber.

Mitchell

TraceyO

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/44062#Comment_44062

Hi Mitchell,
Thank you for your response. The only issue with lining the insides is that I would have to pierce holes for drainage so it defeats the purpose of using it. I am happy to use the Dulux but will maybe just use it on the outside of the planter boxes. I notice that Taubmans Solar Shield says "safe for drinking water collection" - is the Dulux Weathershield safe for drinking water collection too?

MitchellMc

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/84141#Comment_84141

Hi @TraceyO,

I'd go with the Taubmans since it's safe for drinking water, and Dulux does not specify that it is.

Typically, it's a good idea to line the inside of a garden bed with plastic to help prevent rot, and yes, you would add drainage holes to the bottom. What type of timber are you using?

Mitchell

mich1972

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/107075#Comment_107075

I’m no expert on paint but I do agree with Mitch, regarding lining the raised beds if needed , would be interested to know what timber is being used. To be honest and this is just my opinion. I wouldn’t paint them at all, just keep them natural. Good luck with your project 😀🌿

TraceyO

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/107075#Comment_107075

Great thank you I will line them. Do you have a link to the proper lining to purchase from Bunnings? I am using Tanolith-E treated pine sleepers from Bunnings in Tasmania. The timber is TimberLink timber and according to both Bunnings and Timberlink it is safe for vegetable planters.

TraceyO

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/120752#Comment_120752

Hi Mitch,
I am using treated pine sleepers from Bunnings. They are Tanolith-E treated so safe for use in vegetable garden beds. I think I will leave them unpainted rather than risk a paint seeping issue over years. Very basic design (meaning all the cuts were done at Bunnings) and using outdoor castors so they can be shifted around.

TraceyO

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/129226#Comment_129226

Garden Bed2.jpg Garden bed.jpg

MitchellMc

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/129226#Comment_129226

That's great @TraceyO, I just wanted to ensure you weren't using CCA-treated timber.

Since they are H4-treated, there is no need to line the inside, but you can do so with Builder's plastic.

Mitchell

mich1972

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/134601#Comment_134601

@TraceyO SENSATIONAL !!!!!!! I can’t wait to see what you are going to grow. Super excited about this. And don’t forget you can grow trailing herbs and vegetables like oregano, thyme, cucumbers, zucchini ect, flowers that attract bees and beneficial insects, they will soften the timber and look more natural. No need to paint them. Very inspiring to Gardeners in the Workshop Community 🌿🌿🐝🐝

TraceyO

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/134602#Comment_134602

Oh thats great to know I do not need to line them. A bit less plastic in the world!

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