How to Refinish Baby Furniture

Make Sure Funiture is Safe

• 1

  If you will be refinishing painted furniture that was manufactured before 1978, test the paint to see if it contains lead. A lead test kit is available at home improvement stores.
  Use a respirator and work outdoors when refinishing if paint is found to contain lead. This is not a job to be done by an expectant mother.

• 2

  Measure to see if the crib or playpen slats are 2 3/8 inches apart or closer to prevent the baby's head from slipping through. There should be no broken or missing slats.

• 3

  Be sure all pieces are sturdy and will support the weight of a toddler. Check that furniture will not easily tip over. Repair pieces to ensure safety if necessary.

Prepare Furniture

• 4

  Protect work area with a drop cloth. Wear gloves, dust mask and eye protection.

• 5

  Begin with a clean surface. Wash away surface dirt with a rag and all purpose cleaner. Use a wax remover product if wax build-up is present. Mineral spirits and denatured alcohol can also be used to clean furniture for refinishing.

• 6

  Remove all hardware with a screwdriver or appropriate tool. Disassemble those pieces that can be taken apart such as a crib.

• 7

  Loosen any peeling paint or finish with sandpaper or wire brush. If desired, use a stripping agent to completely remove paint or finish. Follow manufacturer's instructions on stripper and work in well-ventilated area.

• 8

  Repair any broken parts and fill holes and gauges in wood with wood filler. Sand lightly and wipe down with damp cloth.

Finish Furniture

• 9

  Prime and paint furniture with non-toxic paint. Use only household lead-free paint. You may want to purchase low VOC paint which has fewer noxious fumes than regular paint. Apply at least two coats. Let paint dry thoroughly.

• 10

  As an alternative to Step 1, stain wood in the color of your choice. Gel stain is a good choice for those new to finishing wood. Apply stain with a rag or brush and wipe off excess fluid. If you want the finish darker, repeat the process. Follow manufacturer's instructions.

• 11

  Protect the finish, if desired, by applying two coats of polyurethane or acrylic sealer. Let dry between coats.