Home Garden

Painting an Iron Bed Frame

Vintage looks are increasingly popular as people try to use what they have rather than buy new. From reupholstering a couch to staining a table, breathing new life into older pieces allows you to continue to enjoy old favorites with a fresh look. One of the easiest projects you can tackle is refinishing an iron bed frame: All you need is a fresh coat of paint.

Things You'll Need

  • Dish soap
  • Cloth
  • Wire brush
  • Coarse-grade sandpaper
  • Paintbrush
  • Rust-preventative primer
  • Water-based paint
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Instructions

    • 1

      Disassemble the frame, and clean it using basic household cleaning supplies, such as dish soap and a dry, clean cloth.

    • 2

      Remove large chunks of rust or paint with a wire brush. Sand your bed frame to remove any additional rust.

    • 3

      Apply a coat of primer with the paintbrush to the entire frame, and allow it to dry.

    • 4

      Clean your paintbrush.

    • 5

      Apply a coat of water-based paint -- muted palettes work best for a more authentic look -- to the entire frame, and allow it to dry. Depending on the color you choose, additional coats may be necessary. Allow each new coat to dry before applying the next.