How to paint a baby crib with chalk paint, is it safe to do so?
I reuse my first daughter's baby crib for my second baby because I am having another baby girl.I didn't want their nursery's to look exactly the same and so I wanted it to give it a little face lift.I decided to paint the crib.The benefits of using chalk paint is that it is water based, so there are no toxins, and it's completely safe for baby.The paint does not need to be sanded or prepared in order to stick to the furniture piece.It really didn't require me to do anything, I was a bit skeptical about that.My daughter chewed on the side of the crib, so I left all the dents and dings.You wouldn't know they were there because the paint covered it.
I was worried that the light colored paint would not be able to cover the espresso wood finish of the crib, but with only two coats it did.
I painted the first layer of paint on my driveway with no real method after laying a tarp on it.It only takes five minutes for the paint to dry in the sun before you can flip it and do the back side.I would like to point out that there are some people out there that are saying that laying the crib out and painting it creates hard paint on the slates.It will happen if you put too much paint on, when I was taught how to paint by Annie Sloan reps they stressed the importance of using small amounts and using layers to achieve the desired finish.If you put the crib together first you can paint it, but keep in mind that gravity is going to work against you as you paint creating runs and drips.If you want to convert your crib to a toddler bed, you will have to do a lot of work.It takes at least a week to oxidize and breathe before the wax is applied, Annie Sloan suggests letting it sit out for a month but I was too anxious and excited to do that.If the crib is assembled like this, the paint will not be able to oxidize and set if it is piled up.The method can lead to hard set paint line and junked up hardware.I don't think painting your crib this way is a good idea, but in the long run it could create more work.If you put a dark crib like mine together and paint it a light color you won't be able to cover the dark crevices because they will peek through.
I let the sun oxidize the paint as I worked.It's easier to get a solid first coat with this.I added water to the paint to thin it out for the second coat to give the crib a shabby chic distressed finish.
If you want the furniture piece to have a little bit of charm and character, you can use this paint.
After the bed was assembled my husband let it sit out for a day to cure.We decided not to use the Annie Sloan furniture wax at the moment because we were so happy with how the paint came out.If you don't want to use the wax, it's completely optional.I might seal the crib when my daughter is a little older.
I would like to add an update to this project, after a lot of debate I decided to use Annie Sloan Clear Wax to finish the crib.The protective barrier is necessary in order to maintain the appearance of the paint.It makes the furniture piece softer.You can apply the wax with a soft cloth and then buff it out with an old t-shirt.I let the crib sit and cure for a day before I put the bedding back on, and I didn't take it apart because I was only worried about protecting the parts that you see.I hope this helps anyone who is trying to paint a crib with chalk paint.
I would like to paint a crib for my daughter.I am worried that the chalk paint won't stick or that I will have to sand it.We bought the crib from babies-r-us and it has a glossy finish.Do you think the chalk paint will stick?
You don't have to sand your crib because the chalk paint will stick to it.I was skeptical of the glossy veneer on my crib, but the paint goes on without any preparation.If you don't use clear wax to seal it, it will chip off easily.You can find all natural bristle brushes at Home Depot.Rub the wax out with an old t-shirt after applying it with cheese cloth.
The chalk paint should stick.Try a test area and if you have any issues, you could do a quick sanding, but I don't think you'll have problems, my crib had a very slick veneer on it.
I used one quart for the entire crib, but had a small amount left over that could be used for something small or touch ups.The first coat was thick and the second thin.
I was unsure if the rough feel of the crib was normal after my wife painted it with chalk.My biggest fear is that the baby will bite or touch it.
The chalk paint is to blame for the rough texture.I didn't want to mess it up so I sealed the crib.The clear wax seals the surface and makes it feel softer, more durable, and it does not chip.If a baby is biting it, the surface will chip.Clear crib protectors are meant to protect the sides of the crib when the baby is teething.I don't know what to expect, my oldest daughter gnawed away at the crib which is half the reason I had to paint it.I didn't have protectors because I thought there was no way a baby could damage such a large piece of furniture, but I will get them this time around.
What colour did you use?Is it old white?I am not sure if Annie Sloan has other whites.Thank you, Monika.
The crib we bought from someone had a lot of furniture polish on it.I don't know if the chalk paint will stick to the wood or if I need to remove the furniture polish first.
The chalk paint should stick.Try a test area and if you have any issues, you could do a quick sanding, but I don't think you'll have problems, my crib had a very slick veneer on it.