You can paint a cast-iron bed or one with wrought-iron elements with enamel paint or spray paint that is formulated for metal. Cleaning the iron is an important consideration, especially if the iron is old and rusty. Removing old, peeling paint is another factor to consider before you can create a smooth, even finish. Follow these step-by-step instructions to clean and paint a bed made from iron. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Scrape off any rust, peeling paint or other debris from your cast- or wrought-iron bed with a wire brush. Place the bed outside or on a covered work surface to protect your floors from the mess. Wear a mask to protect against inhaling the iron particles or paint dust.
2. Wash your iron bed with a 50-50 mixture of bleach and hot water. Wearing rubber gloves, wet a coarse cloth and wipe down the bed. Dry the bed with a towel or let it sit in the sun to air dry.
3. Prime the iron with a quality primer designed for metal, like Rustoleum. If there are nooks and crannies where a brush would be difficult to get into, spraying prime onto the bed may be easier and faster. The primer will seal the iron and allow for a smoother surface when you add paint. Let the primer dry.
4. Follow the directions on your metal primer can regarding whether you need to sand the surface before applying paint. If your iron bed is old with rough spots, sanding the primer is a good idea to help ensure a smoother finish. Sand the bed with medium-grade sandpaper, then follow up with light-grade sandpaper to remove any scratches left by the rougher paper. Remove the sandpaper debris with a tacky cloth and add another coat of primer. Let the primer dry. For older cast-iron beds, repeat the sanding and priming step to achieve the smoothest surface possible. Any imperfection visible on your primed bed will be emphasized on your painted bed, especially if you use high-gloss paint.
5. Apply a coat of enamel paint or spray a layer of metal paint onto the surface of your iron bed. Smooth strokes with a brush or an even, back-and-forth motion with the spray paint will leave a silky finish. Let the first coat dry according to the manufacturer's instructions and then apply a second coat.
Tags: iron with, your iron, enamel paint, enamel paint spray, paint spray, peeling paint