My 2nd project is a simple bed frame for my son (my first are my herd of 4 sawhorses which is the subject of another post). It will support a 36 x 75 mattress and is based on a design I got from the instructables website ("Cheap, easy, low-waste platform bed plans" - sorry, can't post links yet). I've made it from the regular wood I purchased at the corner hardware supply and I intend to paint it.
I've looked through the forums and some of the procedures suggested are great but, as a newbie, need some further clarification. I just want it to be:
1. clean and smooth - I don't intend to show the wood grain and will actually be painting it green (well, until my son changes his mind that is)
2. durable - paint will stay on and color will not vary so much over time with regular cleaning
I hope you can help with some questions:
1. Do I have to apply a sanding sealer even if I don't apply stain? It won't have to be too smooth since people won't come in direct contact with it too often.
2. Do I have to apply a primer? If I do, which one? From the forums I've gathered that a polyurethane based one would be best so I can top it with a polyurethane paint, then a final polyurethane sealant/varnish (did I get it right?) I remember the carpenter that repaired our house years ago say that I should use flat paint latex for the surface to be smooth. I never tried it though.
3. Do I use a roller or a brush? Or both as in roll n' tip? Spraying is pretty much out of the question. I'm a bit hesitant with the brush because it might be sensitive to how thick or thin I mix the paint (I'm actually hoping I can just open the can and start painting). I'm hoping the roller will allow for a smoother application.
I really appreciate all the input and work you guys have put into the forums. I hope to get this first project done well so SWMBO will be impressed enough to allow me to do the remaining projects.
Thanks in advance and hope you all are have a great Holy Week!
Re: painting a simple bed frame
did you use real wood or plywood (or does regular wood refer to tanguille)? and what finished look do you look forward to achieving?
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Re: painting a simple bed frame
Thanks for the quick reply.
did you use real wood or plywood (or does regular wood refer to tanguille)?
I now realize that I should have asked this at the store. Next time. Before reading the forums here I didn't think there was much difference.
It's light brown in color. It's real wood and not plywood - I understand plywood to mean sheets of wood combined to make a single piece. The only other description I remember is that it was kiln dried.
As for finished look, I'm working for something a bit glossy, not matte. I don't want high gloss or a mirror-like finish similar to formal dinning tables. Just a little shine/gloss with the color.
Re: painting a simple bed frame
no need to ask, that would be tanguille. you can use sanding sealer as a primer then use poly satin finish (I suggest Ace brand for both). use the same brand to avoid troubles since they are designed to work with each other.
Using a sanding sealer can be bypassed, but it would be the one to give you the even finish you seek.
I do suggest you prepare the wood by sanding, and sand with 220 grit between coats. this will make for a better outcome... you can apply both with a brush.
cheers and welcome to PHM, enjoy the site, please do share pictures (we love pictures) and please keep the site clean...
click my signature and it will take you there........
Re: painting a simple bed frame
Thanks for the very detailed and comprehensive reply. I'll work on it when I get the stuff. On the matter of the brush, shoudl I get a plastic or natural hair brush?
Re: painting a simple bed frame
So I finished sanding the assembled frame and was just removing the dust when the wife comments that it looks good as is: no paint. She wants to try it out and if we decide in the future, we can just paint it. Short version: painting of the frame postponed indefinitely.
here are some pics of the frame:
from the side:
and the corner:
And now to make another one 🙂
Re: painting a simple bed frame
It's a looker chito, too bad it will be hidden from view. However, avoid getting the furniture wet or stained as the wood is still unprotected.
Re: painting a simple bed frame
It's a looker chito, too bad it will be hidden from view. However, avoid getting the furniture wet or stained as the wood is still unprotected.
bed yan Jarod, now how would it get wet and stained?..... ay pwede nga no?:eek: sabay pa :D:D:D
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Re: painting a simple bed frame
You could still varnish it with something flat and it would still look like bare wood but it would be protected from smudges, stains, and make it water resistant. Timber's suggested procedure would still apply but the satin finish polyurethane would get replaced by flat.
I used to make a lot of furniture from scrap palo-china and liked the grain and color fo the wood that I left them bare. But, after a few months, they get smudged and dirty looking.
My two-cents.
Re: painting a simple bed frame
bed yan Jarod, now how would it get wet and stained?..... ay pwede nga no?:eek: sabay pa :D:D:D
Oh, oo nga pala =p
When the wood gets wet kasi the grains raise and that would make it a rough finish and may damage the beddings.
Or you may put sanding sealer or satin/flat polyurethane as balarila mentioned. Same looks, better protection.
Re: painting a simple bed frame
Thanks for the compliments and suggestions on the finish. The flat finish polyurethane sounds interesting and I will look into that.
For those interested, and to give proper credit, the original design can be found on [COLOR="Blue"]www.instructables.com courtesy of user [COLOR="blue"]aeray. I just shrunk the dimensions for the single-sized mattress.
Re: painting a simple bed frame
no need to ask, that would be tanguille. you can use sanding sealer as a primer then use poly satin finish (I suggest Ace brand for both). use the same brand to avoid troubles since they are designed to work with each other.
Using a sanding sealer can be bypassed, but it would be the one to give you the even finish you seek.
I do suggest you prepare the wood by sanding, and sand with 220 grit between coats. this will make for a better outcome... you can apply both with a brush.
cheers and welcome to PHM, enjoy the site, please do share pictures (we love pictures) and please keep the site clean...
great advice. 2 klase pala ang urethane. May lacquer and oil based. May nakita pa nga akong water based sa wilcon. David something ang brand.
