How to Paint a Crib
The crib typically serves as the centerpiece in a baby's room. While antique cribs often look good, they frequently need painting. New cribs might not need to be repainted based on wear, but may need to change color to accommodate a new baby or a baby of a different sex. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Sandpaper
- Cleaning cloth
- Primer
- Paint roller and pan
- Paint
- Paint brushes, optional
- Stencil or pattern, optional
- Masking tape
- Drop cloth
- Crib
Instructions
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1
Prepare the wood to be painted. If you have an unfinished crib that has never been painted, sand the wood, clean it with a cloth and apply a primer to seal the wood. For cribs that have been painted, you need to strip the paint, sand the wood, clean with a cloth and apply a primer. Wood finish can stain through paint, so you may need to use a primer designed to block bleeding.
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Decide what color you want to paint the crib. You can use classic colors like blue for a boy or pink for a girl. Neutral colors are white, yellow and green. Most baby colors are pastel. If you want to use a pattern or stencil, pick colors that complement each other.
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3
Buy your supplies. Antique cribs may have paint containing lead, so you need to make sure you clean the wood well. You want to use a paint that won't chip or flake and that can safely by ingested by a baby. Read the manufacturer's warnings to ensure that the paint is safe to use on a crib.
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Paint the crib. A roll brush works better than a paint brush to get a smooth look. Spray paints can easily reach areas like the inside of slats, but may run. Allow the paint to dry before applying a second color of paint. You can use masking tape to block off areas that are different colors from the paint you are using.
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Tips & Warnings
Use a drop cloth to protect your floor from paint drips and spills.
Allow the crib to dry and the fumes to disperse before putting a baby in the crib.
