How to Paint a Metal Daybed

Refresh a worn metal daybed with a new coat of paint.

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.

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.