Painting a baby crib is more of an emotional attachment than getting the job done. So whenever someone wishes to paint a baby crib, they wonder, is it safe for the baby? Yes, it is as long as you’re using the correct elements.
I’ve constructed a detailed guideline for you on how to paint a baby crib. Using the right things and following the right way, you can have a professionally painted baby crib in no time.
Let’s not keep you waiting anymore.
Table of Contents
- How To Select The Paint?
- How To Paint A Baby Crib?
How To Select The Paint?
It’s a baby we’re talking about. Choosing the proper paint is the first step of ensuring safety. So let’s see how you can make sure that the paint is safe.
- Lead is a harmful chemical when it comes to painting. Check the instructions on the paint and make sure there isn’t any lead.
- The paint should be non-toxic. Look for water-soluble paints. Most of the time, they’re non-toxic.
- Look for paint with zero Volatile Organic Compound (VOC).
- The paint shouldn’t have any odor.
- Try to avoid paints that’ll require a primer.
Editor’s Note: Check out our Buying Guide For The Best Paint for Action Figures & Custom Toys
How To Paint A Baby Crib?
If you want to paint your baby’s crib perfectly, there are some must-do steps. I’ve briefly discussed the steps below to make the process easier for you.
Things You’ll Need
- Damp cloth
- Sandpaper
- Non-toxic color
- Plastic wrapper
- Small or medium brush
Step By Step Process
Remove All Dirt
The crib must be clean before you can start brushing it with paint. Even if there’s an insignificant amount of unwanted dust, the painting won’t result in the same way. You can wipe the crib clean without much hassle by using a wet cloth.
If you want, you can also use a furniture cleaner. Professionals suggest that you do it in an open place or at least keep the windows open while cleaning the crib. Otherwise, the dust can cause you irritation.
Sand The Rib
Whether the crib is new or has been painted before, sanding is necessary. Sanding removes the smooth surface and creates a rough one instead. A rough surface means that the paint will settle smoothly without any difficulties.
If the crib was already painted, sanding might require a more prolonged period and effort. And, it’s never a waste of money to get good-quality sandpaper for the crib.
Wipe The Crib
You’ll have to wipe the crib again to remove any remaining sand dust. Use a clean microfiber rub, soak it in water, and wipe the crib clean. Make sure to reach the narrow corners.
Any remaining dust will get mixed with the paint and won’t give you the even finish you want. Use a face mask to prevent any dust from entering your body. If you’re allergic to dust, it’s highly recommended not to do this step by yourself.
Select The Color
Selecting the color is the fun part. You already know the quality you should seek in paints for baby cribs. Non-toxic, lead-free, and odorless.
Keeping these criteria in mind, select the color you want. If you can’t find the exact color you’re looking for, you can always mix multiple colors to get the precise shade you want.
Remember to buy some extra paint than your estimated calculation. You never know when you’ll need a bit extra.
If the paint label doesn’t tell you about the characteristics you are looking for, you can contact the company for more information. Even though you can switch to another paint brand, not all brands will offer you all the same colors.
So, if you bump into the perfect color, you’ve been searching for but don’t know if it’s baby safe or not, reach out to them. Hopefully, they’ll be glad to answer your queries.
Paint The Crib
Take the crib to the garage or someplace where dripping paint won’t be an issue. If your house doesn’t have such a room, you can always put the crib on a plastic sheet to protect the floor. Moreover, keep the crib away from the wall.
As for the brush, choose a small or medium-size brush. The crib isn’t a large piece of furniture that’ll require a large brush. Besides, a small brush will make it easy for you to reach the corners.
Drip the brush in the paint, let it soak with an adequate amount of color, and apply the first coating all over the crib. Make sure the crib is completely dry before applying the first layer of paint.
Don’t leave out any small areas. If using a small brush gets bothersome to complete the whole crib, you can use a small and a medium brush—one for the entire crib, the other for the narrow corners.
You’ll have to wait for about six hours to let the paint dry before you can move on to the next step. However, some modern paints decrease your waiting time because they dry faster. Make sure to read the instructions to get a clear idea about how long you’ll have to wait for the paint to dry.
Apply A Second Coating
Apply the second paint layer over the first coating. Some paints don’t require a second coating. Check the label to be sure.
The second layer also helps you cover any spot you’ve missed the first time. When the first layer dries, the spots become more visible. Give the crib a thorough check and correct the mistakes you may have made the first time.
Even if you use a paint that doesn’t need a second layer, applying another coating can make the color more profound than before. So, if you’re not satisfied with the lighter shade, go for another layer.
Let The Paint Dry
Leave the crib overnight to become completely dry. Even though the paint is odorless, it’s suggested to keep the door and windows open. Many modern paints don’t require a whole day or night to become dry.
However, because it’s a baby crib, you should always exercise the highest level of caution. Avoid using the crib right away after drying. Wait for at least 2 to 3 weeks before using it for your baby.
Cautions To Follow
It’s a baby crib, so you’ll have to be extra careful. However, you can ensure your and the baby’s safety by being a little bit cautious.
- Use paints that are overall baby safe and meet all the safety criteria.
- Wear a mask when you sand and clean the crib.
- Keep the door and windows open to let the room breathe.
- Let the paint adequately dry before using.
- Read the paint’s label if there are any special instructions for using it.
- Use a high-quality brush to make sure the paint evenly sits on the crib.
- Don’t paint the crib or the room with the newborn baby present in the house, even if you’re using non-toxic paints.
Frequently Asked Questions
What finish should I go for while painting the crib?
It solely depends on your preference. You can select any finish type depending on the room decor. Gloss, semi-gloss, eggshell, go for anything you like.
All of them will bring outstanding results. However, glossy paints are more reflective compared to eggshell. So go for the one that matches the room.
Should I use an oil-based stain-blocker primer for the crib?
Oil-based primers contain high VOC that can be harmful to the baby. Therefore, avoid using these primers to practice safety. Besides, there’s no need to use a primer to paint your baby crib.
Many paints come with mixed primers. Make sure to go for one of those to avoid using any primer at all.
Why should I use zero-VOC paint for painting a baby crib?
VOC, an abbreviation for Volatile Organic Compound, is a chemical substance proven to be harmful to adults. Research says it can cause skin irritation, nausea, liver damage, headache, etc.
As for newborn babies, they’re more sensitive to everything, so it’s highly recommended to reduce the exposure to VOC as much as possible.
Can a baby become sick by chewing a crib?
Chewing whatever comes in front of the baby is a common occurrence when the baby is teething. However, you can’t know for sure if your baby will get sick if he chews the crib parts.
Try to keep the baby from chewing the crib as much as possible. And as a safety precaution, use baby-safe paint to reduce the possibility of your baby getting sick.
Final Words
Welcoming a newborn to the home is one of the most amazing feelings in the world. Even though it can accompany some anxieties and worries, creating a safe environment will undoubtedly keep your mind at peace.
Among other things, a crib is a large part of welcoming the baby. If you wish to paint or repaint your baby’s crib all by yourself, you should learn how to paint a baby crib safely first. Also, don’t forget to check with your doctor if you can paint a crib or not while you’re pregnant.
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