How To Paint A Bed Frame

Sleep is essential to our everyday lives, and so are our beds. Are you happy with the style of your old bed frame but can see that it needs some TLC? Maybe it's looking a bit worse for wear and the paint on your metal bed frame is chipped and peeling, or the finish on your wooden bed frame is cracked and past its best.

Painting your old bed frame instead of buying a new one could save you a lot of cash. The results can be amazing, and all it takes is a little bit of effort!

If this is something new to you and you're wondering how do I paint a bed? never fear - we're going to show you the best way to go about it, giving you all the information you need on how to paint a bed frame properly. So, whether you've chosen a wooden bed frame or a metal one, keep reading to see how it's done.

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Steps to Paint a Metal Bed Frame:

A metal bed frame can be a beautiful and durable piece of furniture, but over time, it may start to show signs of wear and tear. If you want to give your bed frame a new lease of life, painting it is a great option. We'll go through the steps you need to follow to paint a metal bed frame and give it a fresh, updated look.

Step 1: Preparation

The first step is to prepare the bed frame for painting. Ideally, it's best to move the bed to a clear area with plenty of space around you, and with adequate ventilation. Not all paints emit fumes, but many do - particularly oil-based paint.

If it's a dry, sunny day, you could paint your bed frame outside, but ideally not in direct sunlight. It will dry much more quickly, there's no problem with ventilation, and there's less danger of getting paint on furniture and floors!

Dismantle The Frame

This will make it easier to get even coverage across the surface and help you reach all areas of the frame. Make sure you keep all nuts, bolts and other fittings in a safe place. It's a good idea to put them in a clear plastic bag or small container so they're all together.

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Protection

If you choose to keep the bed frame in your bedroom or elsewhere indoors, put down newspaper or dust sheets on the floor and maybe even on nearby furniture to protect it from splashes or overspray (you'll thank yourself for this later!). Open all the windows to let the air flow through the room while you paint. It's also a good idea to wear disposable rubber gloves and safety glasses, and maybe even a respirator or dust mask, especially if you are using spray paint.

Get Cleaning

You should start by cleaning the frame thoroughly to remove any dirt, dust, or grease. Use a mild detergent and warm water, and a wire brush if necessary to remove any rust or peeling paint. Once the bed frame is clean, dry it thoroughly using a towel or a hairdryer.

Step 2: Sanding

The next step is to sand the bed frame. This step is important because it creates a rough surface that helps the new paint stick. Use a fine-grit sandpaper to lightly sand the entire bed frame, paying particular attention to any rough spots or rusted areas.

After sanding, wipe the frame down with a cloth (a tack cloth is best, as it will remove all traces of dust).

Repair Any Holes Or Dents

If your old frame has any badly rusted patches or holes and dents, you will need to repair these before going any further. It's important to have a completely smooth surface to apply a new coat of paint.

Dents and small holes can be easily filled with an epoxy-resin composite. The key is to ensure that the surface has been thoroughly sanded and cleaned with a degreaser beforehand.

For larger holes, apply the epoxy composite around the edges of the hole and press a square of thin wire mesh on firmly, ensuring that it covers the hole fully. Allow the resin to dry completely and lightly sand over the top to get a smooth finish ready for the primer.

Metal bed frames can sometimes suffer from fatigue around the joints over time, and any cracks can usually be fixed with epoxy resin rather than welding, which can be costly (unless you happen to have your own welding gear). Check the joints carefully before painting your bed frame as any repairs you might have to do afterwards will risk spoiling your hard work!

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Step 3: Priming

After sanding, apply a metal primer to the bed frame. Priming helps the paint to adhere better to the metal and provides an even base coat. Choose a primer specifically designed for bare metal surfaces and apply it with a brush or a spray can.

Note: If your metal bed frame isn't in bad condition you might be able to skip this step! For example, you might just want to change the colour, and the actual paint job isn't scratched or chipped. If this is the case, you could get away with cleaning it before applying paint.

Step 4: Start Painting

Once the primer has dried, it's time to apply the first coat. Choose a high-quality paint designed for metal surfaces and apply it in a thin light coat making sure to cover the whole bed frame.

The second coat can be a little thicker, but don't use too much paint or it will start to run.

It's better to apply several thin coats than one thick coat to avoid drips and ensure even coverage. Let each coat dry completely before applying the next one.

Step 5: Finishing

Once the final coat of paint has dried, you can apply a clear coat or a protective finish to protect the paint and give the bed frame a glossy or matte finish. Apply the clear coat with a brush or spray can, and let it dry completely before using the bed frame.

Painting a metal bed frame can be a fun and rewarding project that can give your bedroom a new look. By following these steps, you can transform an old or worn-out bed frame into a beautiful and stylish piece of furniture. So, roll up your sleeves, get some paint, and let your creativity flow!

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Now, for those with wooden beds, we're going to go through similar steps, although there are some differences to take note of...

How To Paint A Wooden Bed Frame

This can be an easy and affordable way to update the look of your bedroom, particularly if you only want to refresh the appearance of our French beds. Whether you want to give your old bed frame a fresh coat of paint or customise a new one, painting a bed frame is a great DIY project. Here are some simple steps you can follow to achieve a smooth finish that will last for years.

Step 1: Choose The Right Paint

Choosing the right paint is important to ensure a smooth and durable finish. For wooden bed frames, it is best to use a paint that is specially formulated for wood. Look for paint that is labelled as “enamel” or “semi-gloss” as these types of paint are durable and easy to clean.

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Step 2: Prepare The Bed Frame

Before you paint your bed frame, you need to prepare it properly. First, remove any hardware such as knobs or handles and keep them in a safe place.

Dismantle the entire bed frame to make the job easier, and place each part on a drop cloth (old bed sheets are ideal if you have any!). It's best to work in an open area with good ventilation, but if not, then make sure the windows are open and wear a dust mask or a ventilator.

Light Sanding

Next, sand the bed frame with fine-grit sandpaper to smooth out any rough spots or imperfections. Use a damp cloth to remove dust or debris left from sanding. If your bed frame has any cracks or holes, use wood filler to fill them in and let them dry according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

If the hardware (including visible nuts and bolts) is also looking worse for wear, you could paint these as well.

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Step 3: Prime The Bed Frame

Priming the bed frame will help the paint adhere better and ensure a smoother finish, particularly if you're painting bare wood. Apply a coat of primer to the bed frame using a brush or roller. Allow the primer to dry completely before moving on to the next step.

As with the metal bed frame, this step can be skipped if you are simply changing the colour (or refreshing the same colour) or renovating a previously painted bed frame if the old paint is in very good condition. Also, you may not need to prime wood if you are using a high-quality interior paint.

It's never good to cover over scratched or loose paint as it could produce an uneven and unsatisfying finish, and may well start to peel or crack fairly quickly.

Step 4: Paint The Bed Frame

Now it’s time to paint the bed frame. Apply the paint using a brush or roller, using long, even strokes. Be sure to work in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling fumes. Apply a thin coat of paint and let it dry completely before applying a second coat. A third coat of paint may be needed depending on the colour and type of paint used.

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Step 5: Finishing Touches

Once the final coat of paint is dry, you can reattach any hardware that was removed earlier. If you want to add some extra protection to the paint, you can apply a clear coat of polyurethane to the bed frame. This will help protect the paint from scratches and chips, and make it easier to clean.

In conclusion, painting a wooden bed frame is a simple DIY project that can be done over a weekend. With the right tools and materials, you can give your bed frame a fresh new look without breaking the bank. Just follow these simple steps and you’ll have a beautiful bed frame that will last for years to come.

How To Paint A Bed Frame: Tips, Tricks & Additional Info

The above step-by-step guide will show you how to paint your bed frame, but here are a few extra bits of information that will be useful.

What's The Best Paint For Bed Frames?

According to Sketch Spray when painting metal, spray paint is a good option, as is a spray primer. You can use cans of paint or a paint sprayer - but take a few minutes to have a few practice strokes. This will help you to achieve an even coat of paint each time.

Spray painting is also good for freshening up the nuts, bolts and fittings - much easier than using a paintbrush!

Oil-based paint is ideal for wood as it hardens to create a tough surface that's resistant to knocks and scuff marks.

Also, oil or water-based acrylic paint is perfect for a metal bed, but you must always check the tin to see if it is suitable for use on metal. If it doesn't state clearly that it is, then don't use it!

Remember, though, oil-based paint will take longer to dry and acrylic paint may need multiple coats to get the desired finish.

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What Brushes Should I Use?

It's best to select a few different sizes as you'll need to get into all those nooks and crannies. A very small brush will help you paint between struts or thin bars, while a wide brush allows quicker painting on larger areas.

What If I Can't Dismantle My Bed?

It's unlikely, but not impossible, that your bed won't come apart. The first thing to try is to spray WD-40 on the screws and bolts or a WD-40 alternative, then try again a while later. Gather the tools you need while the oil is taking effect, such as allen keys, wrenches, pliers, a wooden or rubber mallet, screwdrivers and a socket set. The number of parts will vary depending on the type and style of the bed.

For example, if you have a wooden slatted frame, this will come in many more parts than a solid frame bed. However, there's no need to remove every single slat! If you can, remove the headboard and legs, leaving the base intact with all the slats in place. After all, there's no need to paint these as they are hidden by the mattress.

If it really isn't possible to dismantle the frame, then the job may take longer as you'll need to let the paint dry on each side before turning it.

Handy Tips

To save time (and paint!) you might choose to only apply one coat to the underside or hidden parts of the frame. If you use good-quality interior paint, you may get away with only applying two coats to the rest of the frame that will be visible, although a third coat will provide a better finish and more protection.

If you're using paint from a tin, don't overload the brush. While it might be tempting to use excess paint to get the job done quickly, it won't make for a good finish and it will take longer to dry. It's also wise to use the paint sparingly to prevent drips.

Now you have everything you need to paint your bed frame, so grab your brush and get started!

Looking to refresh the appearance of a fabric headboard? Find out how to clean a fabric headboard here!

How To Paint A Bed Frame was first published to HD365

from Homes Direct 365 | Blog - Feed https://www.homesdirect365.co.uk/blog/2023/03/how-to-paint-a-bed-frame/