Proper Procedure & Items Needed To Remove Paint From A Metal Bed Headboard
A metal bed headboard is regarded as one of the great additions in your bedroom, which will make it look very attractive & appealing. These types of headboards are so durable, which means they are long lasting, as they can last for many years, even generations. If in case you find a nice used metal headboard or have inherited one, then there is every possibility that it is a need or a makeover. There are, in all likelihood, layers of paint present on it, but it is not difficult to get rid of the paint for refinishing.
Items Needed
- Plastic Baggie
- Paint Remover (Made For Metal)
- Safety Glasses
- Ventilator Mask
- Paint Scraper
- Old Rags & Drop Cloth
- Metal Bowl
- Rubber Gloves
- Paintbrush
- Fine Steel Wool
Step 1: Preparation For Paint Removal
First of all, segregate the headboard from the bed frame & keep the nuts as well as bolts in a plastic baggie to be used later. Make sure to work in an area having a lot of available space, such as the garage or patio. Also, ensure that the working area is well-ventilated as well, which means there should be enough air circulating in the area. The exhalation from the remover is extremely strong. Position the metal headboard down on a drop cloth.
Step 2: Applying The Paint Remover
Before starting the paint remover process, make sure to wear rubber gloves, safety glasses, as well as a ventilator mask, and keep the windows as well as doors open if in case you are working inside. If you disclose your clothes, it will damage them, so it is better to use old clothes. Open the paint remover and then put it into a metal bowl & keep in mind that it is metal and not plastic. With the help of the paintbrush, put on a layer of the paint remover on all the sides. Take good care of corners as well as nooks in your headboard. Give it some time, generally 20-30 minutes, to sit according to the manufacturer's directions. This will make the paint remover to melt and soften the paint for easy removal. After the completion of the time, using a paint scraper, strip the paint off in long strokes. If in case you have several paint layers on the headboard, repeat this process. After the paint is fully stripped off from one side, turn it over, and then repeat the same process on the other side. After completely removing the paint layers, now start removing any small portions that you were not able to remove during stripping the layers.
Step 3: Get The Nooks And Edges
In all likelihood, you will miss small spots on your metal headboard that are so small that it needs an entire application. These small spots most probably will be the corners, or in any decorative elements in the metal. The corners occasionally need extra attention too. You should still be wearing your protective gear, soak fine steel wool in the paint stripper and then smoothly scrub these portions in order to get rid of the small spots of paint. Inspect all the sides in order to make sure that all the paint is removed, and then you are finished besides throwing away, or storing, the leftover paint stripper.
Step 4: Dispose Of Stripper Or Store
The leftover paint stripper is extremely easy to get disposed of by letting it evaporate. Make sure not to leave it where it is easily accessible to children or pets. The best place to store it is outside somewhere up high where it is not easily accessible. It should be avoided to be kept under direct sunlight. For storage of paint remover, remember to store it only in its original bucket in a cool, dry place, usually on a high shelf.