Giving your poles some color
Lots of people have asked, “Can I paint my poles?”
The answer is yes, bamboo poles can be painted, and it’s quite easy.
The skin of the poles is protective, but has oils that help it resist
the environment. For best results: Scrub the poles with paint thinner. Scrubbing will wash off and remove the oils of the skin and help your paint stick, wipe them down, and let them dry before you get started on your artwork. Use any paint thinner, then use any PU-type spray or lacquer.
Acrylic based paints, oil paints and spray paints are all good with bamboo. You’ll have less luck with water-based paints.
Other ways to color poles include boiling in a color bath and firing them.
I’ve posted some pictures of painted poles below, and will add more photos as I collect them.
