The authoritative public forum
  for Metal Finishing since 1989
  

  -----

Painting a Black Iron Bed

I would like to paint a black iron bed a lighter color. Do you have any suggestions?

Kelly McCord
- Jacksonville Alabama
2002

Hi, Kelly. How about white?

Seriously, this doesn't necessarily sound tricky; every paint job isn't a hard one. If the previous paint is not peeling and chipping, and it's not really glossy, just wash it down and use a can of paint made for painting metal, available from the hardware store.

If it is currently a glossy enamel, you may want to lightly sand it to give the surface some "tooth". Good luck.

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
2002

---

I am recently remodeling my room, in the style of antique/Victorian and I have an iron head board that has a plain white finish. Is there a way I can give the board a more antique look? Is there maybe crackle paint for metal or some chemical I can apply?

The headboard is ALREADY white. I want to make it look old. Is there a crackle paint made for metal or a chemical I can use?

Alyson Burton
hobbyist - Van Nuys, California
2007

---

Hi, Alyson. Rustoleum and Krylon (and probably their competitors) now have all kinds of fancy paint designed to look classic -- American Accents is one of the those lines ⇨

I think you'll be much better off using such a paint than trying to figure out what chemical will react with your unknown type of white paint to produce an attractive look. Best of luck.

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
2007

---

I HAVE AN OLD WHITE HEADBOARD THAT I WANT TO PAINT BLACK, IS THERE ANY PREP BESIDES CLEANING, OR CAN I JUST SPRAY PAINT IT.

MELBA BLANCK
HOBBYIST - SEASIDE, CALIFORNIA
October 20, 2009

---

Hi, Melba. The enamel on this headboard appears to be extremely smooth and glossy, which means it will be difficult for subsequent paint layers to get much "tooth" for good adhesion. I would suggest starting by lightly sanding everything. If that seems too laborious due to the intricacy of the headboard, you can try a "liquid sandpaper" or "gloss-off" product ⇨

Good luck.

Regards,

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
October 26, 2009

---

I have a similar enamel head/foot board as the one in the photo from Melba. I want to paint it a dark color as well as the brass. What do you suggest for the brass?

Thank you.

Mary Kay Eppinger
- Phoenix, Arizona
March 8, 2011

---

Hi, Mary Kay.

Brass is notorious for poor adhesion. You must start with a self-etching primer, then you can do a top coat of whatever you like. Good luck.

Regards,

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
March 8, 2011