How to Paint Mica Bed Furniture

Remove any hardware from the furniture and set in on drop cloths in a well-ventilated area. Work outside if you have room and the weather is warm with no chance of rain.

Sand all the surfaces with 100-grit sandpaper. This removes any peeling or flaking paint and gives the surface some tooth for the primer and paint to adhere. You can use a sanding block or electric sander on the large, flat pieces but will need to sand by hand in the smaller crevices.

Wash the furniture with trisodium phosphate to remove the sanding dust and any other residue. Rinse with plain water and dry carefully. Wear gloves as you clean. A bucket and sponge suffice for this task.

Apply a primer to the furniture. Use a bristle paintbrush for hard-to-reach areas and a sponge roller for large, flat surfaces. Use water-based primer designed specifically for its adhesion qualities. These will state that they will stick to slick, glossy or troublesome surfaces. Allow the primer to cure according to the package instructions.

Sand the primer lightly with 220-grit sandpaper to smooth the surface. Wipe with a tack cloth to remove dust.

Apply a second coat of primer, let it cure, sand it lightly and wipe with a tack cloth. This extra step ensures the primer has thoroughly adhered to the mica paint.

Paint the surface with water-based paint as you did with the primer, using a paintbrush in the tight areas and sponge roller for flat surfaces. Allow it to cure. Use 100-percent acrylic latex for a high-end paint with rich color and flexibility.

Apply a second coat of paint and let it cure.