How to Apply Wooden Appliques to a Metal Bed Frame

Take the metal bed frame apart by unscrewing the bolts and removing the headboard and the footboard from the frame.

Clean the bed frame with a wire brush and a soft cloth. Use the wire brush to scrape away any debris, and the cloth to clean up any dust or dirt.

Sand the entire bed lightly with sandpaper. This will make it easier for the paint to stick.

Paint the bed with a paint brush and oil based or melamine paint. You can also use spray paint. Use two coats of paint for best results. While the bed frame is drying, paint the wooden appliques using latex paint. If you want the applique to blend in with the metal frame for a subtle change, use a matching or complementary color. If you want to have the applique stand out, use a contrasting color. Allow the bed frame and appliques to dry for three to four hours before affixing them to the frame.

Mark where you'd like to put each applique on the bed frame with a pencil. Use a ruler or tape measure if necessary for equal placing of the appliques.

Apply a thin layer of silicone adhesive to the back of the applique, and press it to the spot marked on the bed frame to which you'd like to secure it. Silicone adhesive is a good choice because it will adhere to both wood and metal. Normal wood glue will not hold properly to metal. Keep pressing the applique to the bed frame for up to a minute so it has time to adhere. Allow the wooden appliques to dry overnight before reassembling the bed frame.