How to Paint a Cot or Crib

A new cot or crib isn't always affordable, but if you don't already have a cot or crib, or haven't been given one, you can look at secondhand options to revamp and restore a cot or crib.

 

 

 

 

 Today's quality paints don't contain any lead, so you don't have to worry about that if you want to paint or varnish a cot of crib. But before you restore an old cot or crib, there are a few steps to follow to ensure the project runs smoothly and the painted or varnish cot or crib is properly prepared for a lasting finish.

 

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If the cot of crib was previously painted or varnished, use Plascon RemovALL or paint stripper to remove layers of old paint or varnish. You can never be sure that the old paint or varnish is lead-free, so it's always better to remove this as a safety precaution.

 

 

 

For application you will need to take the cot or crib apart to be able to apply the products properly over the entire surface of wood. Use a plastic drop cloth on the floor to prevent mess and work outdoors if you can.

 

 

Once the previous paint or varnish has been removed, and any stains sorted, you can prepare the cot or crib for painting - or stain and varnish. A light sanding with 180-grit sandpaper will suffice for most areas, but for those sections where there are chips or dents you will need to sand down with 80- or 120-grit sandpaper to smooth before sanding with 180-grit.

Wipe clean with a slightly damp cloth to remove all traces of dust before painting. It will be easier to paint the cot or crib in unassembled sections, but this isn't always possible. Whichever method you use, apply a suitable wood primer before painting on the top coat.

Sanding Sealer is excellent for filling the grain of wood, making it easier to sanding smooth before painting on the top coat. It's quick drying, so you don't have to wait too long to complete the project. Applying a primer to wood ensures that subsequent top coats bond properly to the surface and won't chip or peel off later on.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

There are a variety of paint finishes you can use on a cot or crib:

Plascon Double Velvet offers a satin finish that is washable and can be tinted in your choice of colour. Plascon Velvaglo is an oil-based enamel paint with satin finish that offers high durability and scrubbable finish. Plascon Enamel Doors & Trim is also an oil-based enamel paint in a high gloss finish. If you prefer a more natural finish for your cot or crib you can use Plascon Woodcare Varnish, either clear or tinted, to finish off.

 

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Rust-Oleum 2X spray paints offer the option to spray a cot or crib in wonderful colours. Follow the steps above for cleaning, stripping and sanding the cot or crib and make sure to wipe away any dust before taking the cot or crib outdoors to spray.

Shake the can well and hold 30cm from the surface and only apply a light, even coat over the surface. Allow to dry before applying a second coat.

For more information on various painting techniques, visit our Paint Techniques section.