How to Refinish Baby Furniture

Using family pieces or hand-me-down baby furniture can help new parents save money when setting up the nursery for their little one. However, these items can sometimes require a bit of sprucing up. Refinishing furniture is not difficult (though it is time consuming) and can result in furniture that can be used for years to come.

Things You'll Need

• Lead test kit
• Ruler
• Cleaner
• Rags
• Screwdriver
• Drop cloth
• Dust mask
• Eye goggles
• Sandpaper
• Stripper
• Scraper or Putty knife
• Non-toxic or Low VOC paint
• Stain
• Polyurethane or Acrylic sealer
• Paint brush

Instructions

Make Sure Funiture is Safe

1. If you will be refinishing painted furniture that was manufactured before 1978, test the paint to see if it contains lead. A lead test kit is available at home improvement stores.
   Use a respirator and work outdoors when refinishing if paint is found to contain lead. This is not a job to be done by an expectant mother.

2. Measure to see if the crib or playpen slats are 2 3/8 inches apart or closer to prevent the baby's head from slipping through. There should be no broken or missing slats.

3. Be sure all pieces are sturdy and will support the weight of a toddler. Check that furniture will not easily tip over. Repair pieces to ensure safety if necessary.

Prepare Furniture

1. Protect work area with a drop cloth. Wear gloves, dust mask and eye protection.

2. Begin with a clean surface. Wash away surface dirt with a rag and all purpose cleaner. Use a wax remover product if wax build-up is present. Mineral spirits and denatured alcohol can also be used to clean furniture for refinishing.

3. Remove all hardware with a screwdriver or appropriate tool. Disassemble those pieces that can be taken apart such as a crib.

4. Loosen any peeling paint or finish with sandpaper or wire brush. If desired, use a stripping agent to completely remove paint or finish. Follow manufacturer's instructions on stripper and work in well-ventilated area.

5. Repair any broken parts and fill holes and gauges in wood with wood filler. Sand lightly and wipe down with damp cloth.

Finish Furniture

1. Prime and paint furniture with non-toxic paint. Use only household lead-free paint. You may want to purchase low VOC paint which has fewer noxious fumes than regular paint. Apply at least two coats. Let paint dry thoroughly.

2. As an alternative to Step 1, stain wood in the color of your choice. Gel stain is a good choice for those new to finishing wood. Apply stain with a rag or brush and wipe off excess fluid. If you want the finish darker, repeat the process. Follow manufacturer's instructions.

3. Protect the finish, if desired, by applying two coats of polyurethane or acrylic sealer. Let dry between coats.

Tips & Warnings

• Refinishing, especially stripping, is best left to someone other than the expectant mother. She can safely paint with latex paint outdoors or in a well-ventilated area.

Resources

• Check to see if your crib meets safety standards.