6 Easy Steps for Painting a Nursery Crib

  • 2-3 hours
  • Beginner
  • 35-75
What You'll Need
Paint
Paintbrush
Sandpaper
Damp cloth
Screwdriver
Wood putty
Stencils
Acrylic paints
What You'll Need
Paint
Paintbrush
Sandpaper
Damp cloth
Screwdriver
Wood putty
Stencils
Acrylic paints

A nursery crib is undoubtedly the main furniture item in any nursery. Consequently, it has to be attractive and a focal point. However, it is important not to overdo it, since at the end of the day simplicity should reign in a room which is going to be used by little children. After all comfort, safety and practicality should be put first. So, if you have an old baby crib stored away in your attic, you can always try to give it a face-lift by painting it, rather than buying a brand new crib. After all, as long as it is safe, the crib is only a temporary piece of furniture, until the baby becomes a toddler. Let us go through the main steps involved to painting a crib.

Step 1: Disassembling

Start off by disassembling the crib. All you need is a screwdriver to do so in most cases. It is recommended that you sort the items in such a way that you will not find difficulty to assemble it later. Labelling similar parts may also help a lot.

Step 2: Sanding

Next, start sanding the wooden parts of the crib. While doing so you may also note any damaged areas such as cracked or split parts. When ready wipe with a damp cloth to remove the dust that is generated.

Step 3: Patching Up

If necessary, use some similarly colored wood putty to patch up damaged areas. Allow to dry before proceeding.

Step 4: Painting

Now you can start painting the crib. Choose a color which complements the color scheme of the nursery. Ideally a light color should be used. If you already know if the child will be a boy or a girl, you have the opportunity to choose blue or pink respectively. If, you prefer to go neutral, you can opt for white, yellow, green or similar light tones. Make sure to use a safe type of paint, ideally lead-free enamel paint. Once the first coating is ready, allow it to dry well, and apply a second coating for added neatness.

Step 5: Decorative Painting

Once the crib has been painted you may also wish to decorate it, if you have enough time and patience. You can make freehand designs in another tone if you have a knack at artwork. Besides, the ends of the crib may be a bit wider than the rest of the parts, allowing you to have a bit more space to accommodate a larger drawing. There are various stencils you can use, featuring baby items and related themes. Use a small paintbrush and appropriate colors depending on the character. Acrylic colors are usually best for this type of work. Some decorative painting will surely make the crib look much more appealing, especially if you match with the theme or main character featured in the rest of the nursery.

Step 6: Assembling

Allow more than one day for the paint job to have dried well enough. Then, assemble the crib again, as gently as possible, so as to avoid ruining and marking the paint work you just completed. Add the mattress, bed linen and a mobile, and you are done. Now you have a cute crib waiting for your sweet baby to cuddle up and sleep away in it.