Abrasion
Absolutely no kind of paint will not stick to an antique iron bed unless the surface is abraded with a special type of primer. The cleaned iron bed should be coated with a galvanized metal etching primer. A 2-inch latex paintbrush or a mini-roller should be used to apply the primer and paint. Six hours of dry time should be allowed before painting. Once the antique iron bed is primed, it will accept most any type of paint.
Acrylic latex paint
Glossy water-based, acrylic latex paints can also be used to coat a properly prepared antique iron bed. However, they can chip under harsh circumstances. As long as the bed is not subjected to a large amount of friction-based duress, the finish should remain durable. Apply acrylic latex paints to primed iron beds, using a mini-roller or a paintbrush manufactured for use with water-based paints.
Oil-based enamels
Oil-based enamels offer the most durability and provide a shiny, attractive gloss coating. Oil-based paints emit large amounts of fumes and should only be applied in well-ventilated areas. Apply oil-based paints to primed iron beds, using a mini-roller or a paintbrush manufactured for use with oil paints.
Epoxy
For those who would like to avoid oil-based coatings, water-based appliance epoxy paint offers similar durability to oil-based enamels. Apply appliance epoxy paint to primed iron beds, using a mini-roller or a paintbrush manufactured for use with water-based paints.
Warnings
Antique iron beds should never be painted unless they are coated with a galvanized metal etching primer, first. The finish will peel relatively soon after application unless the iron is properly prepared. Ordinary acrylic or oil-based primers are not appropriate for antique iron beds.