How to Safely Repaint a Bassinet
There is a wonderful sense of family history when a bassinet is passed down from generation-to-generation. The process, however, can be hard on such a delicate piece of furniture. The impact of heat and cold caused by being stored in attics and garages can take a toll on any vintage piece. A little sandpaper and the right kind of paint can bring the beauty back to a family heirloom and make a perfect bassinet for the new baby.
Things You'll Need
- Drop cloth
- Protective clothing, eye gear
- Respirator
- Screwdriver
- Marker
- Masking tape
- Plastic bag
- Warm water
- Vegetable soap
- Clean rags
- Medium-grade sandpaper
- Small scraper
- Wire brush
- Water-based furniture stripper
- Bristle-type paint brush, 2 inch and 3 inch size
- Wood putty
- Putty knife
- Fine-grade sandpaper
- Tack rags
- Nontoxic paint primer
- Foam brushes, a variety of sizes
- Nontoxic paint
- Acrylic-based sealer
Instructions
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1
Prepare the work area by placing a drop cloth in a well-lit, well ventilated area or, preferably, outdoors. Wear protective clothing and eye gear. Wear a respirator if lead paint is to be stripped from the bassinet.
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2
Remove all hardware from the bassinet and label with a marker and masking tape. Place hardware in a plastic bag.
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3
Wash the bassinet with warm water, a clean rag and a vegetable-based soap. Do not soak the wood. Dry with a clean rag and allow the piece to dry thoroughly before continuing.
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4
Remove any loose pieces of paint with a piece of medium-grade sandpaper, a small scraper or a wire brush.
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5
Remove the finish of the bassinet with a water-based stripper. Follow the manufacturer's directions and strip the finish or paint from the bassinet in a well-ventilated area. Allow to dry completely before proceeding
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6
Fill any small holes or cracks with wood putty and a putty knife. Allow to dry completely. Sand wood putty with a medium grade sandpaper until smooth and even with the existing wood.
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7
Sand the entire bassinet with medium grade sandpaper to remove any rough spots or wood grain that has been raised from the finish-stripping process.
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8
Finish sanding with fine-grade sandpaper. Sand with the grain of the wood. Wipe the entire piece with a tack rag to remove any sandpaper residue.
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9
Prime the bassinet using a nontoxic, low fume primer. Allow to dry.
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10
Paint the bassinet with a nontoxic, low fume paint. Allow to dry. Apply a second coat and allow to dry completely.
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11
Apply a coat of acrylic sealer to protect the finish, if desired, and allow to dry. Apply a second coat and allow to dry.
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12
Reassemble the bassinet using the hardware that was removed. Check that all the screws are tight and that the legs of the bassinet are firmly attached to the basket.
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Tips & Warnings
Use an old toothbrush to get into tight areas when cleaning or stripping the finish from a basket-weave type bassinet.
If available, an air compressor can remove dust and dirt that is trapped in the crevices of the bassinet.
Pregnant women should not work on this project because of the chemicals.
If the bassinet was manufactured or repainted before 1978, purchase a lead paint test at a hardware store. If lead is present, use a respirator mask while stripping the piece and work outdoors.
It is always a good idea to strip furniture outside if possible or in a well-ventilated room.
Always keep water and a clean rag near to wipe up any stripper that might get on your skin.
Prevent the most common accidents related to bassinet use by choosing a bassinet that has a sturdy bottom and a wide base to prevent it from tipping over. If it has legs that fold up and under the bassinet, be sure to check that the locking mechanism on the legs is in good working condition.
Make sure that the mattress fits snugly inside the bassinet so that there is no chance that the baby's head will become trapped between the mattress and the bassinet wall.
The mattress should be firm and flat; do not be tempted to use an ordinary pillow instead of an actual bassinet mattress.
Decorations like ribbons and bows should be kept short and out-of-the-way to prevent entanglement.
