1950’s Atomic Concrete Flamingo Restoration

Posted on April 17, 2015 by Hepcats Haven

Mel and I were out visiting our friends Donny and Romy. While we were visiting, Donny presented a set of vintage concrete flamingos he was looking to get rid of. I have always been a fan of these kitschy lawn ornaments.

As you can see, they are well used.

The necks of both Flamingos had numerous cracks and even chunks of concrete missing.

The paint is beyond faded and just not very impressive.

I knew the first thing I had to do was address the neck cracks and missing pieces of concrete from the neck. I used high performance DAP wall spackling paste that is specifically for cracks.

I had to cover the whole neck with this spackling to repair all the issues.

After the sun cooked them I sanded them, and the necks of these fabulous flamingos are like new!

Now for the fun part, painting them.

Now that the main body has been painted it is time for the detail work.

I looked at so many pictures of flamingos to get an idea of what I should do for the wing portion. Believe it or not, I was unable to find any referencesfor the original paint scheme. From what I was able to tell, it was pretty standard for folks to repaint them over the years as they faded. Because of this, I decided to use my own judgement and customize it. I knew with these flamingos, detail was not the order of the day, simplicity was the rule.

I was able to ascertain what the heads were supposed to look like.

While the flamingos were inside drying I took the rebar I purchased from Home Depot and painted them a coral color. I find sticking them in the ground with newspaper at the base makes it easy to paint them and to get even coverage.

Here is how they turned out!

It took two days to knock this out.

Here they are in their natural habitat surround by greenery. Unfortunately, I won’t be displaying these in our front yard because they might get snatched by someone. I plan to make a form and pour concrete around the feet so they can be displayed inside our tiki room.

20 Comments

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20 responses »

Zann Gates | April 17, 2015 at 3:17 pm

I love the flamingos, Shane and Mel! Sad commentary that they might get snatched from the front yard. I had potted plants stolen from the front of our house last year (same street) 😦

Anyway, GREAT job – it’s like you’re veterinarians! 🙂

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- Hepcat Restorations | April 17, 2015 at 3:29 pm
  
  Thanks Zann!!!! Yeah, we wish we could display them in the front. Sorry to hear about your potted plants. Veterinarians..ha ha!!!
  
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danielle h | April 17, 2015 at 3:25 pm

Hello Mel, Let me introduce myself. My name is Danielle. I purchased this lamp several years ago and have not been able to find a shade for it. Do you have any idea where I might find one. Cheers Danielle

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- Hepcat Restorations | April 18, 2015 at 10:19 pm
  
  Hi Danielle,
  Can you send a picture of the lamp to shane@hepcatresto.com?
  
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dharia | April 17, 2015 at 3:59 pm

omg i love them!! are you suuuure they won’t be in your shop??! 😉

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- Hepcat Restorations | April 17, 2015 at 4:46 pm
  
  Ha ha! We promise to let you know first of we ever sell them.
  
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Teresa Zita | April 17, 2015 at 4:39 pm

I’m speechless! 😄

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Anonymous | April 17, 2015 at 9:05 pm

Those are beautiful!!!! Love!!Flamingos!!!!!🌴🌴🌴🌴🌴

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Diana Bryer | April 18, 2015 at 10:07 pm

Beautiful restoration job. They look great! Diana

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Mark | July 14, 2015 at 11:46 pm

Amazing work .. done

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Nicole | September 18, 2015 at 5:00 am

I have a pair that I am going to be restoring myself, you did a fantastic job!

But I’m wondering what kind of paint did you use? House paint? Acrylic?

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- Hepcat Restorations | September 18, 2015 at 2:50 pm
  
  Thanks! I used latex semi-gloss paint. I like Valspar sold at Lowe’s.
  
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Janet L. Bower | December 25, 2015 at 2:23 pm

I’ve saved your flamingo story until I had time to restore my pair of flamingos. I hope they come out as nice as yours. Great story!

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- Hepcat Restorations | December 27, 2015 at 3:25 pm
  
  Thanks Janet!
  
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makingbail | August 21, 2016 at 9:35 am

Can you tell me how you attached the rebar to the birds? I have this exact set that I’m currently working on.

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- Hepcat Restorations | September 9, 2016 at 12:43 am
  
  There are holes on the bottom of the birds that the rebar fits into.
  
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  - makingbail | September 9, 2016 at 6:18 am
    
    I know there are holes, I have the set. Did you use a concrete stabilizer? concrete mix? HOW did you attach the rebar? Surely, the concrete birds aren’t just sitting on removable legs.
    
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  - Hepcat Restorations | September 17, 2016 at 7:48 pm
    
    YES they are
    
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Amy F Walker | June 5, 2018 at 10:39 am

What a nice job! I have a pair of these beauties that I found from separate sellers on ebay. One was severely damaged in shipping. You’ve inspired me to get busy with their rehab.

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- Hepcats Haven | June 5, 2018 at 10:41 am
  
  Great! Concrete patch is really useful when repairing these statues. Good luck!
  
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