Unfinished baby furniture is likely to be sturdier than prefinished furniture in the same price range. Unfinished furniture is constructed from real wood, not particle board – a product made of bonded wood chips. Solid wood furniture can last for generations, even with the hard use inflicted by active babies and children, but particle board is likely to disintegrate quickly. Much prefinished “all-wood” furniture is actually made of particle board covered by a wood veneer. Unfinished wood furniture is typically made from high-quality kiln-dried wood that has been carefully handled and is free of knots, cracks, and other weaknesses. Since cribs and changing tables must endure hard use and frequent cleaning, unfinished baby furniture is a practical choice.
Set your imagination free with the blank canvas provided by unfinished baby furniture. Whether you want to create the calm feeling of a seashore, the stimulating environment of a circus tent, or the friendly presence of a favorite storybook character, you can paint unfinished baby furniture to fit your theme. It’s easy!
Unfinished baby furniture arrives already sanded and ready to paint, so start with primer. This creates a smooth base for your artwork. Be sure that the primer, like all the paint you use, is safe for children – and remember that teething babies are likely to chew the furniture! If you can’t find enough information on the paint can, you can contact the manufacturer directly, and then ask your pediatrician to review their recommendations. Apply the primer with smooth, even strokes, and let it dry thoroughly. Primer will raise the grain of the wood slightly, so sand with very fine sandpaper, and wipe the dust away with a tack cloth. For the best result, apply a second coat of primer and sand again.
Then apply the base coat. Go wild with color! Remember, if you don’t like the result, you can always paint over it. You may need a second coat to get a smooth finish and saturated color.
Now you’re ready to decorate. You can try out your designs on paper first, then cut them out and use them to stencil the unfinished baby furniture. If the design is simple, cut it out of a sponge and stamp the design with paint. Don’t be afraid to paint freehand, using an artist’s brush; small errors actually enhance the design. If you make a mistake, use a damp paper towel to wipe away the paint before it dries.
When your artwork is complete, protect it with several clear coats of polyurethane. Apply it working in one direction only, and watch out for drips. Apply three or four coats, letting each one dry completely before adding the next. Remember, baby furniture will be cleaned frequently, and you don’t want your beautiful artwork scrubbed away! Let the paintwork cure for up to 30 days before use.
You can create a beautiful and safe home for your infant with unfinished baby furniture.
Related Posts:
