Iron bed
Restoring an iron bed whether it is a precious inherited piece from the family or a find at a yard sale is a project that is definitely worth doing. A lot of the time these beds have multiple coats of paint that is rusted and flaking and will require total removal to return the bed to pristine condition,to increase its life span to hand down to the next generation. This project will require time and some tedious work, but the finished iron bed is a work of art. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
Restore an Iron Bed
1. Use a wire brush to remove as much of flaking paint and rust as possible. Use the small wire brush on any carvings or filigree to get into the tighter areas. Sand large flat areas. Wear a mask to avoid inhaling any lead dust from the paint.
2. Apply paint stripper to small areas following the manufacturer's instructions and time recommendation. Scrape the paint stripper mixture with the putty knife and place on a sheet of plastic for proper disposal. Depending on the the number of paint layers, this procedure may have to be repeated several times. It is crucial to remove all old paint.
3. Rinse the iron bed frame with clear water to remove all paint stripper residue. Allow to dry.
4. Sand any rough areas as smooth as possible. Wipe off sanding dust or vacuum thoroughly. Make sure all dust is removed for a smooth finish. Apply a coat of rust inhibitor and allow to dry. The inhibitor will fill in smaller pits and indentations in the iron bed frame as well as stop new rust from forming.
5. Spray the iron bed with two coats of metal primer. Allow primer dry between coats. Allow the iron bed to thoroughly dry.
6. Spray the iron bed with two or three coats of paint recommended for metal. Allow the recommended drying time between coats. Keep in mind that drying times vary due to temperature and humidity.
7. Allow the iron bed paint to dry for a few days and apply a light coat of automotive wax to protect the finish.
Tags: paint stripper, Allow iron, between coats, coats paint, iron frame
