My grandma gave me a brand new bedroom set for my daughter. However it's blue. How can I change the color?

Question

Its a wood set. I was wondering if it could be either painted or spray painted. I want the most easiest, decent, way to change the color. And tips?

Answer 1

Changing the color of a bedroom set is one of the easiest and most cost-efficient ways to completely redo the look and image. You'll be amazed at the results! And before I forget, the second easiest and most cost-efficient way to redo the set is to change the hardware, if there is any. It's amazing what contemporary pull knobs in brushed stainless will do for even colonial looking furniture...once it's painted, of course. So back to that.

The first thing you need to do is prepare the furniture so that when you do put your paint on, it won't eventually peel or flake off. So clean the furniture well. Use TSP which you can find at your local hardware store. I suggest you use the liquid kind as opposed to the powder, which not only will you have to measure, mix and rinse, but it's toxic. The liquid is biodegradable, it's easier to mix and you don't have to rinse it.

Once all dirt, grease and grime are removed and the wood has dried, you'll need to prepare it according to it's surface. Lightly sand the wood with a fine grain paper, just enough to make it easier for the following products to adhere.

You'll want to prime the surface. I suggest you use an oil-based primer, since
a) the wood of the bedroom set is most likely protected with an oil-based varnish and
b) ANYTHING sticks to oil-based primer.

I really like either Kilz or Bullseye 1-2-3. These are primer paints that are even used to get rid of graffiti and will make a perfect canvas for your new paint color, allowing an even covering and a professional looking finish.

Now comes the fun part! You've chosen your paint color. Do you use spray paint, or brush it on??? You get to decide: It's certainly much more work to spray paint furniture, because you have to protect the surrounding area and do the work in a well-ventilated area. And you have to have patience. When they say on the instructions that 2 or more light coats are better than one thick one, THEY ARE TELLING THE ABSOLUTE TRUTH! Unless you don't care about leaks and drips... So if you don't have the patience to do 2 or 3 or maybe even 4 thin coats, don't go there. Drips are horrendous and will make you hate the furniture. But it's important to know that spray painting is how furniture makers paint their furniture. It really does give the nicest professional finish. I usually opt for spray painting in about 80-85% of the time when talking about repainting furniture and decorative objects.

If you want to get it done with with less preparation fuss, you'll want to use a roller or a paint brush... sponge brush & roller if you're using oil paint, and bristle and normal roller for latex paint. If you do use latex, either make it a washable latex finish or also plan on applying a sealer (latex also, available in finishes from mat all the way up to high gloss). But keep in mind that if you aren't careful - especially in nooks and crannies - you'll still get leaks and drips. Just in case you're curious, I'll opt for spray painting about 80% of the time...

Have you thought of the color you want to paint? What is your daughter's room like now, or are you planning on changing the whole scheme and or theme of the room? What kind of a feel do you want the furniture to have: zen, princess, tomboy, laura ashley, etc.) If you're interested, please feel free to email me and I'll give you a few more ideas and tips.

Whatever you decide, remember that paint is THE QUICKEST, FASTEST, MOST COST-EFFICIENT WAY to revamp anything... or almost... And keep in mind, if you do make a mistake, you can fix it again!

Answer 2

If you want an easy way, why not leave the color blue but add some feminine touches to it unless it clashes with other colors in the room. Stencil or paint flowers on it. Or you can get some great flower decals that you just rub on. You could even hand paint some fluffy white clouds all over it with a sponge.

Answer 3

Pick out a few sets that your daughter can choose from. Since her taste changes fast, don't go with any kind of print. Buy things that you can still use in her room even when her taste changes (ex: solid color bedspread). I've had my room a couple different ways using the same black bedspread.

Answer 4

If it's blue, it's already painted. You can spray paint it another color if the weather is over 50 degrees where you are - spray painting must be done outside.