How to Paint a Metal Daybed

How to Paint a Metal Daybed
Written By
Mariah Elaine
Mariah Elaine
Published: Jan 13, 2011
Updated: Nov 20, 2021
2 minute read

Spray paint for metal is available in many colors, giving you the option to match other furniture in your room or to combine colors for a more creative look. This inexpensive method allows you to update the appearance of your metal daybed whenever you wish.

Things You Will Need

  • Spray paint for metal
  • Clean rags
  • Household cleaner
  • Coarse sandpaper (80 grit)
  • Fine sandpaper (150 grit)
  • Dropcloth
  1. Wipe away any loose dust and dirt from the metal bed using dry, clean rags. Spray any stuck-on dirt with household cleaner and wipe it away thoroughly with the rags.

  2. Allow the metal to dry completely since a moisture barrier between the metal and paint can hinder paint adhesion.

  3. Remove any surface rust from the metal bed using the 80-grit, coarse sandpaper, then lightly rub all the metal surfaces with the 150-grit, fine sandpaper. Wipe away any loose material with a clean rag.

  4. Place the bed on a drop cloth outdoors or in a well-ventilated interior area.

  5. Shake the spray paint can for at least 1 minute to thoroughly mix the paint.

  6. Position the spray can 10 inches away from the bed and apply thin coats of paint over the entire surface. Begin spraying before the paint touches the bed and wait until you are past the bed surface to release the button. Make even passes from side to side, overlapping each one by one-third.

  7. Let the paint dry. Wait the recommended period of time, as printed on the paint can, before applying another coat if complete coverage was not achieved during the first attempt.

The Drip Cap

  • If you have a metal daybed in good condition that simply needs a little refreshing, a simple coat of paint can make it look practically new again.
  • Wipe away any loose dust and dirt from the metal bed using dry, clean rags.
  • Shake the spray paint can for at least 1 minute to thoroughly mix the paint.
  • Position the spray can 10 inches away from the bed and apply thin coats of paint over the entire surface.

Photo Credits

bed head made of metal. wall paper image by L. Shat from Fotolia.com

bed head made of metal. wall paper image by L. Shat from Fotolia.com

Mariah Elaine

Based in Washington, Mariah Elaine has been a freelance writer since 2010. She has professional writing experience in a variety of media including Navy correspondence, business documents and research reports. Elaine holds a Bachelor of…

Sponsored
HomeSteady Logo

HomeSteady is the ultimate guide for all your household needs, from cleaning and HVAC to electrical, DIY and maintenance.

Property of TechnologyAdvice. © 2026 TechnologyAdvice. All Rights Reserved

Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the products that appear on this site are from companies from which TechnologyAdvice receives compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site including, for example, the order in which they appear. TechnologyAdvice does not include all companies or all types of products available in the marketplace.