Painting an iron bed frame today and turn an old dark and tired bed into a stunning centerpiece. This project makes a huge impact in any makeover.
Today I’m sharing a project that I haven’t had the guts to do, and yet it’s been on my mind for several months. I’ve just finished it and now I’m going to show you simple steps in painting an iron bed. I’ve been on the fence about updating my old iron bed for the longest time and was afraid to take the plunge into painting it. I loved the frame shape, but was so very tired of the black metal. Now that’s it’s behind me, I don’t know what I was afraid of. A little paint and a weekend is all it took to completely update and brighten my old metal bed frame!
I’ve had this bed frame for years. It’s worked well in many different places we’ve lived. The airiness of the thin iron doesn’t over-power our small bedroom. I love the lines and how the tall and thin posters bring the eyes up which is also one of my favorite make a small room feel bigger tricks.
After several years of the same look I was ready for something new. A year ago I started playing around with my guilders wax on some of the bed details… I wasn’t ready yet to bite the bullet and paint the entire bed.
I finally did it and it was easy. You’ll find my simple steps and tips in painting an Iron Bed below:
Supplies List
- Paint – I used Americana Decor Chalky Finish by DecoArt in Verde and Eternal
- Good quality paintbrush
- Glaze or Extender
- Topcoat
- Deglosser and cleaner like TSP (Trisodium Phosphate)
- Rubber gloves
- Small rag for the glaze application
Begin by taking the bed frame apart enough to paint sections. I wiped my entire frame down with a TSP mixture to clean it thoroughly so my fresh paint would stick well to the metal surface. You can find TSP in the paint department or a paint store. I love this stuff, it’s inexpensive and cleans dirt and grease from everything while prepping a surface for a new coat of paint.
I really liked the Chalky Finish Paint for this project. I simply brushed in on with a good quality paint brush. You can see in my photo how well this paint covers the metal. It’s tough too and sticks to the surface, especially after its cured. I gave the frame two coats of paint with the base coat color Verde and let it dry.
As much as I liked the color and the new look of my painted iron bed, it looked too flat. I added dimension to my metal bed frame by mixing a little white paint and some glaze together, and rubbing it onto the frame generously with a rag. Notice I didn’t blend it in, I left the streak marks of my application. It’s a very subtle effect. Someone would notice it unless they were close to the frame but it adds character which I liked.
I painted the inside scrolled sections of the bed frame white and used my silver paint for details like the little round balls. The white, soft green and silver is a beautiful color combination. I used a good matte top coat on the frame after it dried thoroughly.
I like the light frame color much better than the dark one, don’t you agree?
I’d never though about how to paint iron bed frame before this project. It was pretty straight forward. I have beautiful round finials that fit on top of the posts, but the ceiling fan is too close to them so I have to leave them off 🙁
These are the first pictures of our undecorated master bedroom. We made a bit larger and moved the window in the remodel last year. I haven’t done anything much with it.
Soup Can Sam would not leave for my photos. I’d shoo him away and straighten the cover, walk over to the other side of the room to take my photo, he’d be back. So I just gave up and let him photo bomb.
Try easily painting an iron bed over a weekend with time to spare for other fun things like laundry or home chores.. just kidding:) Painting my iron bed frame was a simple and super inexpensive way to update the look of my old bed frame. Now that I’ve seen my up-cycled metal bed frame in our room, with a touch of color, I’m happy that I took that leap of faith or leap from boredom with an old piece that was driving me crazy.
Do you have an old piece of furniture you’ve been on the fence about painting too?
As you might have guessed this is a sponsored post, I was provided product and/or compensated for sharing this information. All opinions, craftiness, and projects are 100% my own and never for sale. I’ll only share items I think have value for my readers!
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Raechel says
I really LOVE how your bed turned out. I have a wrought iron bed that I picked up on marketplace and I don’t like the finish. It’s white but has dark flecks in it that are actually grooves (indented). The frame looks expensive, it was a custom piece but I’m not sure what they were trying to accomplish with the finish. I want to repaint it but am confused as to what to do. Could I email you a pic and maybe get an idea? It would be a shame to get rid of this bed frame! Thank you!
Wendi says
Hi Raechel,
Sure you can send a picture! Tell me what you are doing with it and what style and color your trying for and I’ll share my thoughts! I can be reached at [email protected].
Amy says
I just used a chalky paint for my daughters iron bed but I feel I still need a top coat but still want the “chalky ” look. Suggestions on a top coat?
Wendi says
Hi Amy, Are you thinking of adding a top coat so the chalky paint doesn’t attract dirt and is easily wipeable or because you think it’s supposed to have one? I’d check the type of chalk paint you used. Some mineral type chalk paints need to be sealed or can wipe off easily with water others self seal. I’d either use a clear wax like Anne Sloan or Fiddes or roll on a coat of water based sealer in a matt. Hobby stores have them or try General Finishes Matt sealer. I hope this helps! How sweet of you to paint your daughters bed, I’m sure she appreciates it!
Michelle says
I have a wrought iron bed that was custom painted for me years ago. I want to paint it white. Would I have to remove the old paint first? Or could I sand it down slightly? There are areas in the casters that are very intricate so not sure I’d be able to sand those. Advice? Thanks!
Wendi says
Hi Michelle, You can definitely rough up the surface a little and repaint it! Don’t worry about removing old paint unless it’s flaking or peeling. Check which type of paint you are painting over, latex or oil to use the same type of paint again. Have fun with your project!
Shar says
How’s it holding up? Any chips? I’m looking to paint mine and am trying to collate all the internet advice into what works best!
Wendi says
Hi Shar! Once the paint cures it should be fine. There are also lines of spray paint in metallics and chalky finishes available now which weren’t then. They would have a lot of holding power. Another important item in long lasting paint projects is proper prepping of the bed frame first. Be sure to use a good degreaser like TSP and thoroughly clean it before painting. Good luck on your project, it should be fun!
Holly says
Please tell me where I can buy the starfish quilt you have in the photo
Wendi says
Hi Holly, I’ve been asked that question before! Unfortunately, I found it at TJ Maxx a few years ago. I’ve done searches on Amazon and found the pattern again, although it’s been a while. Good luck searching and thanks for your visit!
Marie@The Interior Frugalista says
Your metal bed frame fits perfectly with your coastal decor – very pretty! I like your bedding too, especially the tassel trim skirt.
Wendi says
Thank you! Painting the bed frame is the first step towards decorating our space. I have so many ideas and not enough time! I love the bullion fringe bedskirt too… it’s a keeper:) Thanks so much for stopping by with a sweet comment!