Transforming A Crib With Project Nursery Paint

Painting a crib is a fun way to customise your baby's nursery. It is important to ensure that the crib is safe for your baby, so you should use non-toxic, zero-VOC paint. Before painting, check that the crib material is suitable for painting and that the manufacturer recommends it. You should also test for lead in the paint, especially if the crib is over 10 years old. When painting, make sure the crib is clean, dry, and free of dirt or grime. Lightly sand the crib to create an anchor profile for the new paint to bond well, then wipe away any dust with a tack cloth. Apply at least two coats of paint, allowing ample drying time in a well-ventilated area. You can add a personal touch by painting your child's name, a nursery rhyme, or a design of your choice.

Choose a safe paint

When choosing a paint for your baby's crib, it is important to select a paint that is non-toxic, low-odor, and safe. Milk paint, for example, is made from natural and organic ingredients like lime, milk protein, and clay, and is a safe and popular option for cribs. It is water-based, has zero volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and is non-toxic. It also gives the crib a matte look and is easy to clean.

Another option is to use a plant-based paint that is free of VOCs. However, these paints tend to have duller pigments, so it may be difficult to achieve the desired look. When selecting a paint, it is also important to consider the durability and safety of the paint, not just the color.

Some other safe paint options include water-based acrylic paint, which is composed of acrylic resin, water, and pigments, and provides protection and a matte finish. Sherwin-Williams ProMar 200 is another "zero VOC" and no-odor paint option.

In addition to selecting a safe paint, it is important to ensure that the crib material is suitable for painting and will not flake or peel. Cribs made of wood are typically acceptable for painting, while plastic or other non-wood materials may not be suitable. Always check the crib manufacturer's recommendations to determine if painting is a good choice.

Finally, allow the paint to dry in a well-ventilated area for twice as long as the manufacturer recommends to ensure any odors dissipate before using the crib.

Prepare the crib

Preparing the crib is the most important step in ensuring a safe and long-lasting paint job. Here is a step-by-step guide to preparing a crib for painting:

Step 1: Check the Crib Material and Manufacturer Recommendations

Before painting, it is crucial to determine if your crib's material is suitable for painting. Cribs made of wood are typically acceptable for painting, while plastic or other non-wood materials may not be ideal. Check the crib manufacturer's recommendations to decide if painting is advisable.

Step 2: Disassemble the Crib (Optional)

Disassembling the crib is not necessary, but it can help create a more professional-looking finish. Removing individual parts, such as the crib's sides or legs, can make the painting process easier and provide better access to all surfaces.

Step 3: Clean and Prepare the Surface

Ensure the crib is clean, dry, and free of any loose dirt, grime, or residue. If the crib has an existing finish, you have two options: remove the finish entirely if it may contain toxic chemicals, or lightly sand it down if it is already baby-safe. Use a reliable wood cleaner to thoroughly clean the surface, and let it dry completely before proceeding.

Step 4: Sanding

Lightly sand all surfaces to create a rough profile for the new paint to adhere properly. Scuff sanding provides an anchor for the paint and helps achieve a smooth finish. Use a medium (180-grit) or fine (220-grit) sandpaper or sanding sponge. Wear a mask during this step to avoid inhaling dust particles.

Step 5: Remove Dust and Debris

After sanding, use a tack cloth to gently wipe down the entire crib, ensuring all dust and debris are removed. Cover every nook and cranny, as sanding dust may have settled in hard-to-reach areas. Once the crib is entirely dust-free, allow it to dry completely before moving on to the next step.

Step 6: Primer (Optional)

If your crib is not previously painted or you are drastically changing the colour, consider applying a coat of primer. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for drying time, taking into account room temperature and humidity levels. If the crib is already painted and you are making only a minor colour change, you can skip this step.

Now that your crib is prepared, you can move on to the painting process, choosing a baby-safe paint to ensure your little one's safety.

Clean the crib

To paint a crib with Project Nursery paint, it is important to start with a clean surface. Here is a step-by-step guide to cleaning the crib before painting:

Firstly, ensure that the crib is made of wood. Cribs made of wood are typically acceptable for painting, whereas plastic or other non-wood materials may not be suitable. Check the crib manufacturer's recommendations to determine if painting is suitable for your crib.

Next, clean the crib thoroughly. Use a damp cloth to wipe down the crib, ensuring it is free of any loose dirt or grime. Pay attention to any nooks and crannies where dirt may have settled. Allow the crib to dry completely before proceeding to the next step.

Once the crib is dry, it is time to prepare the surface for painting. Use a medium 180-grit or fine 220-grit sandpaper or sanding sponge to scuff sand the surface. This step helps create an anchor profile for the new paint to bond well. Sand the entire crib gently, being careful not to damage the wood. Remember to wear a mask to avoid breathing in any particles of paint or wood dust.

After sanding, use a tack cloth to wipe away any remaining dust. Ensure you cover every inch of the crib, including any crevices where dust may have settled. It is important to remove all the dust to ensure a smooth and clean surface for painting.

Now your crib is clean and ready for the next steps in the painting process! Remember to always use non-toxic, zero VOC, and odorless paint that is safe for babies.

Sand the crib

Sanding is an important step in preparing a crib for painting. It is required to scuff off the glossy finish and rough up the surface so that the new paint can adhere properly. If you have already primed the crib, then you can skip sanding. However, if you are planning to change the colour of the crib drastically, it is recommended to apply a coat of primer after sanding.

When sanding the crib, use a medium (180-grit) or fine (220-grit) sandpaper or a sanding sponge. You can also use a thin strip of long sandpaper and sand with a shoe shine method along each rail. Lightly sand or scuff the entire surface of the crib to ensure no part is left untouched. The old paint should be removed to expose the inner surface. Be careful not to leave any shiny paint in the divets, as this can affect the adhesion of the new paint.

After sanding, it is crucial to remove all the dust and debris. Use a tack cloth to gently wipe down the entire crib, paying extra attention to nooks, inner corners, and indentations where sanding dust may have settled. Make sure to cover every inch of the crib to ensure a smooth and clean surface for painting. Once the crib is dust-free, allow it to dry completely before moving on to priming or painting.

Remember to wear a mask when sanding to avoid breathing in any particles of paint or dust. This will help protect you from inhaling harmful substances and ensure a safe work environment.

Apply primer and paint

To ensure the paint adheres properly, it is recommended to lightly sand (scuff) all surfaces with a medium (180-grit) or fine (220-grit) sandpaper or sanding sponge. If your crib already has a finish, you should remove it if it may contain toxic chemicals. If it is already baby-safe, you can simply sand it down a bit. If you discover any flaws, use wood filler to fix them, then wipe away the excess and sand the surface once dry. After sanding, be sure to remove any remaining dust with a tack cloth, then allow the crib to dry completely before moving on to priming or painting.

If your crib is not already painted, or if you are drastically changing the existing colour, apply one coat of primer. If the crib is already painted a similar colour to the new one, you can skip this step. Drying time for primer will vary depending on the manufacturer, room temperature, and humidity level. When in doubt, exceed the recommended drying time.

Once the primer is dry, you can start applying the paint. Use a good-quality synthetic bristle brush to get the best results. Typically, a quart of high-quality paint will cover about 125 square feet, allowing for 60 square feet per coat. A quart of premium paint is usually enough to paint the average crib twice, with some left over for future touch-ups. Apply at least two coats of non-toxic paint, waiting 4-6 hours between coats.

When you've finished painting, it is not necessary to topcoat with a clear finish. A clear coat will not add any more benefits than another coat of paint. If you've used high-quality, non-toxic paint, the finish should be very durable. However, you may wish to seal the painted crib to prevent chips when your baby decides to chew on it. You can use a product such as Wood Wax or Hemp Oil, which will provide a natural way to preserve the look of the crib.

Frequently asked questions