How To Paint Your Bed Frame

Okay, so you must have all the necessary items before painting. Before we get into the specifics of painting a metal bed versus a wooden bed, you'll need some generic tools to hand, no matter what.

At a glance: what you’ll need to paint a bed frame

1. Drop cloth
2. Primer
3. Paintbrushes
4. Roller (optional)
5. Paint
6. Protective clothing
7. A well-ventilated space

1. Protect your floor

Ensure you have something to put on the floor underneath your bed frame. This could be old bed sheets, some old towels, or tarpaulin. By putting this down, you'll protect your floor from getting any paint on it, which is especially important if you have carpet! We'd recommend you don't paint on the carpet, but we know that might not be possible, so this should hopefully reduce the risk of accidents.

2. Wear old clothes and protective gear

There's no specific requirement for any specialised gear when painting a bed frame, but you don't want to ruin perfect clothes! Choose old clothes you don't mind getting dirty and stained, or buy some protective overalls. If you use spray paint, you'll want to get a dust mask and gloves to help add extra protection.

3. Dismantle your bed frame

You probably don't want to go through all the hassle of dismantling your bed just to put it back together again. If you can, you should, as it means you can paint all the awkward little nooks and crannies you might not reach if your bed is fully built. There's nothing worse than thinking you’ve done a great job and putting everything away only to see a spot you missed and can't even reach!

4. Get quality paintbrushes in various sizes

Obviously, you'll need some paintbrushes. You can use a roller if you want, but it's best to use a paintbrush as it will let you get into awkward areas - especially if you choose not to dismantle your bed frame!

You'll probably want to buy a few different sizes to give you the most freedom and versatility, and it's essential to make sure you buy the right brush for your bed frame. A metal bed will want a paintbrush that doesn't shed any bristles, as it will be much more apparent if some bristles get stuck.

5. Work in a well-ventilated place

Whether you paint your bed frame in the bedroom - though we don't recommend running the risk - or take your bed frame outside, it's essential to ensure the area is ventilated. Open as many windows and doors as possible to help combat the strong scent of paint.

6. Apply a primer to your bed frame

Both wooden and metal beds will look much better if you paint or spray a layer of primer onto the bed frame before you begin painting. Priming your bed helps prep the frame and will seal any stains or impurities to ensure the paint adheres well. This means you'll get a smooth finish when you paint!

7. Choose the right paint

Consider an oil-based or alkyd paint for a painted bed frame, as these are more hard-wearing. Chalk paint is also a popular choice. You wouldn't need a primer with these types, but it will take longer to dry!

Acrylic or water-based paints are great choices if you want something quick to dry and exceptionally easy to use. A downside is that it can often need multiple coats, and you'll also need to use a primer.

If you want to create a painted metal bed frame, ensure you can use the paint you want on the metal. You don't want to spend all the time and money painting your bed only to discover the paint won't stick to your bed frame!

So, you've got the basics down…but what about the specific requirements? It might sound like a simple and easy task to paint a bed frame, but you don't want to put all that time and effort into finding you hate the result. So, you'll need to research to ensure your bed looks tip-top!

How to paint a metal bed frame

Below, we provide a step-by-step guide to painting a metal bed frame. Follow the steps carefully to get the best results for your metal frame.

1. If your bed frame is rusty, use a wire brush or a rust-removing spray to remove all of the rust to ensure the fresh paint will stick.
2. Lightly sand your metal bed frame with 150-grit sandpaper to add roughness to help the paint stick better.
3. Clean your bed frame thoroughly using a cloth and hot soapy water to remove as much dust, dirt and residue from the previous steps as possible.
4. Dry your bed frame with a towel.
5. If your chosen paint requires it, apply a sprayable primer suitable for use on a metal bed frame. Apply it evenly over the whole bed frame using short sweeping methods.
6. Allow the primer to dry before painting.
7. Apply a thin coat of paint, remembering to cover nuts and bolts too.
• If you’re using spray paint, follow the can instructions but keep about 30cm away from the frame. Keep moving and apply the paint evenly.
• If you’re using traditional paint and applying with a paintbrush, apply from left to right in smooth strokes, taking care not to press too hard.
8. Wait for the paint to dry before applying additional coats of paint. We recommend a minimum of two coats, but three will give the smoothest finish.
9. Apply a final coat of sealer to protect your paintwork from dust or damage in the future.
10. Once fully dry, reassemble your bed, tightening nuts and bolts.

How to paint a wooden bed frame

Have a wooden bed frame? No problem! The steps below will help you easily revamp your entire bed frame.

1. Lightly sandpaper your whole bed frame. Fill in any holes or dents with wood filler and sand for a smooth finish.
2. Wipe off any annoying dust, and then use a cloth with some hot soapy water to give it a really good scrub. Remove as much dirt and residue as possible, and pay attention to all the areas you might not usually think of!
3. Once you've cleaned it off, dry it with a towel.
4. If you're using paint that requires a primer, apply the primer now. Make sure your primer is specifically designed to be used on wood for a wooden bed. Apply the primer evenly, ensuring no spots are missed.
5. Wait for the primer to dry.
6. Apply the paint, making sure to paint all the nuts and bolts too!
• If you use spray paint, follow the instructions on the can, but the general rule will be to spray approximately 30cm away from the frame and keep moving.
• If you want to use a paintbrush instead, then it's essential to apply it smoothly in strokes that move evenly from left to right. Press only a little; otherwise, you might accidentally put too much paint onto one area.
7. Allow to dry fully before applying another coat. We recommend between 2-3 coats.
8. Paint on a final coat of sealer to ensure your painted bed frame is sealed against dirt and dust in the future.

After it's all dried off, all you need to do is assemble your newly painted metal or wooden bed frame, and you're ready to go!