The tradition of making beds from brass and iron began in Britain in the 1840s and brass beds continue to be a popular choice for people who prefer a vintage or romantic decor in the bedroom. Owing to their durability, there are many older beds that survive. While the gracefully curved or linear patterns of the brass hold their original charm after many decades, the finish of the metal does not. For this reason, many ambitious do-it-yourselfers are looking for a way to refurbish brass beds so that they may be enjoyed for many more decades to come. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Consider taking your brass bed to an auto body shop or commercial refinisher for painting. If professional help is out of your budget, or you simply enjoy a do-it-yourself challenge, be prepared to live with a few imperfections in your finished project as it is very difficult to apply an even coat of paint on such a large object.
2. Remove bedding and mattresses and move the brass bed frame to a well-ventilated, clean, draft-free work space.
3. Prepare the brass bed for painting by washing the bed thoroughly with a gentle detergent and water, being certain to remove all dirt. Use a fine-grit sandpaper made for metal to gently scuff the entire surface of the bed and clean well with a tack cloth.
4. Apply a spray-on primer paint intended for metal. Follow the manufacturer's instructions and cover every part of the brass with an even coat of primer. Allow the primer to dry.
5. Spray on the color coat of paint. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for your product. To ensure the paint will not be damaged when the bed is moved, allow up to three days for thorough drying.
6. Consider using a spray-on clear coat over the color to add durability to the paint job. If you add a clear coat, let the bed dry up to three more days for a hard finish.
Tags: beds that, brass beds, clear coat, coat paint, even coat
