If your iron bed frame is looking a little tired, dirty or rusty, it might be time to revitalise it with a new coat of paint. Even if the frame still looks fresh, you may have decided to change the decor in your bedroom and want to ensure that your bed frame harmonises with the new aesthetics. One of the advantages of metal beds is that you can repaint them to breathe a new lease of life into them. Whatever the reasons that you wish to give your bed a new coat of paint, this helpful guide will help you to learn how to repaint an iron bed and rejuvenate your bedroom in the process.
How to repaint an iron bed?
When you are considering repainting your iron bed, there are various options. You can either use a brush or spray paint the frame. There are pros and cons to both methods. Brushes offer improved accuracy because you can ensure that you cover every inch of the frame, but it can be extremely more time-consuming. On the other hand, spray paints may give you more even coverage, but you will need to take extra care to cover up any other furniture to ensure that you do not end up with paint everywhere! Before you start the painting process, ensure that you open some windows to give you a well-ventilated space in which to carry out the painting if you are doing it inside. Paint fumes can contain chemicals that can make you feel lightheaded or make it difficult to breathe, so this is essential. If possible, move the frame outside instead, as this will make the process significantly easier.
Select your paint
Two different types of paint are suitable for painting an iron bed frame: water-based acrylic paints and oil-based paints. Before you purchase the paint, check that your brand is suitable for use on metal. There is an array of available colours, so choose carefully. You may want to subtly complement your bedroom decor or have your frame in a bright contrasting colour. Alternatively, you might prefer to opt for a traditional metallic colour such as black or slate grey. Of course, this will be based on personal preference, and it may help to try a few samples first before you paint the frame entirely.
Product: Wroxham Platform Bed in Ivory
Time to spray paint!
The easiest and quickest method of repainting an iron bed is to spray it. However, you will need to prepare the frame to ensure that it is adequately primed before you begin. Ultimately, this will give you a smooth and polished look that will make your bed look brand new.
- If you are painting outside, set up the frame on some dust sheets ensuring that it is not too windy and there is no rain.
- Use a wire brush to remove any rust from the surfaces of the bed frame, covering all the areas to achieve an even surface.
- Take some sandpaper and sand down the entire frame. This will allow you to have a primed surface on which to paint.
- Pour some mild detergent into a bucket of water and wash the frame to remove any dirt, grime or flecks of rust that are still clinging to the metal.
- Apply a coat of primer to the whole frame and allow it to dry. This will ensure that the paint does not run when you apply it to the bed.
- Shake your spray can of paint well to make sure that the colour will be even. Spray the whole frame, checking to see that you have even coverage and that you haven't missed any spots.
- One of the most important steps in how to repaint an iron bed is to allow the first coat of paint to fully dry before you apply another coat over the top and let it dry out.
- Spray with a coat of varnish. Allow the bed to dry completely before moving it.
Painting with a brush
If you prefer to paint with a brush, then the preparation method is the same as if you were going to spray paint the frame. Follow steps one to five in the same order but instead of using a spray can, select a large-headed paintbrush and apply the first coat before letting it dry. To get into the tighter spots, use a smaller brush and ensure the whole frame is covered. Allow the paint to dry, and then apply the second coat. When the second coat is dry, spray with varnish to give it a protective finish, and your newly painted bed is complete.
What are the alternatives to repainting the bed frame?
If DIY really is not your thing, you can always buy a new bed. If your old iron bed has come to the end of its lifespan and even a new coat of paint cannot revitalise it, buy a brand new wrought iron bed. One of the great benefits of this is that you can tailor the bed to the exact specifications you desire, including the frame size, the type of bed base and the colour. At Endurance Beds, we have size options available from single to super king, so you can rest assured that you can find a bed that will slot perfectly into the available space in your bedroom. What's more, you can choose between a base with solid wooden slats or premium mesh. With more than 1000 different colour options, no matter what the decorations are like in your bedroom, you will be able to select your ideal colour, giving your bedroom the boost that it needs. When your bedroom feels like a relaxing and restful space where you can unwind, you may find that you enjoy better quality sleep and wake up feeling refreshed every morning. If you are looking for a range of high-quality beds, please visit us at Endurance Beds to buy or make further enquiries.
