How to Apply Paint to a Turtle Shell

If you keep many turtles as pets and you find it hard to tell them apart or if you have your turtle in a derby competition, you may need to find a way to distinguish it from the rest. A way you can tell your turtle apart is by painting its turtle shell with markings or small dots to distinguish it from the rest.

Things You'll Need

  • Non-toxic paint
  • Paint brush
  • Marker pen
  • Rag/terry towel
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Instructions

    • 1

      Clean the turtle shell to remove any loose dust, dirt and grime for the paint to catch well. Rub the surface of the shell with a clean rag and water. Wipe with a clean terry towel to dry.

    • 2

      Inspect the turtle shell to determine the location on the shell for your paint marks. You can center the paint markings on the shell or place the markings on the front or rear of the shell.

    • 3

      Paint the pattern you want on the shell. Dip your paint brush in non-toxic paint and use smooth strokes to paint the turtle shell surface you identified. You may use nail polish in place of paint to make the turtle shell paint marks. Nail polish is usually nontoxic as it can also be applied on a baby's nails.

    • 4

      Allow the paint to dry before exposing the turtle to the elements.