Wood Painting

As we have discontinued our wood painting service for our beds, we decided to create a brief guide on how to paint wood and wood-based furniture. This guide is based on our experience, but we hope it will make wood painting easier for our customers who may have questions or concerns. We invite you to read the full guide!

Selecting Materials for Wood Painting

Before starting the painting process, it is important to select the right materials. For our bunk beds and loft beds, we always recommend using water-based paints, oils, or lacquers with certifications for use on children’s furniture. A major advantage of water-based paint or lacquer is its mild odor, which can be easily aired out, making it suitable for indoor use. Be sure to read the product labels carefully and review the ingredients. Not reading labels is one of the most common mistakes in wood painting.

Another key question is selecting the correct amount of paint. Based on our experience, we recommend that our customers purchase about 4 liters of paint for painting loft beds and bunk beds. This amount should be sufficient for two coats. For beds with stairs, however, we advise a larger quantity—around 6 liters. Please note that these values are based on our own experience and may vary slightly depending on individual painting styles and application methods (e.g., using a roller).

Preparing the Wood Surface

After selecting the paint, it’s time to prepare the wood properly. The wood should be dry, and if it hasn’t been sanded, sanding beforehand is recommended. Products purchased from our online store do not require this step, as each item is carefully sanded and beveled for you. This allows you to start painting as soon as it is out of the box. A common question about painting is whether to paint the product before or after assembly.

Some prefer painting after the product is assembled, while others choose to paint before assembly. Each method has its pros and cons. Painting an assembled bed may be advantageous when using a brush and clear lacquer, as it helps hide any visible drips. Additionally, painting this way is faster. However, some areas may not be fully covered, and large furniture can be harder to paint. If you opt to paint before assembly, you’ll need to reserve more time. Although more time-consuming, this ensures each part is more thoroughly painted, making painting large furniture easier. However, you’ll also need more space for this approach.

Common Mistakes in Wood Painting

Before you begin painting, consider whether you want to do it yourself or hire an external service. Based on our experience, using lacquer or dark colors is typically easier. However, clients often choose light shades, especially white. Painting wood white or other light colors can be tricky for those without prior experience. White has a tendency to highlight wood imperfections that may not be immediately visible. Therefore, after painting, you may notice small holes or other irregularities. When painting in white, we recommend using wood filler to mask these flaws; this will ensure they remain invisible after the second coat. It is also essential to maintain an appropriate room temperature while painting. Excessive heat can negatively impact the wood, while too low a temperature can prolong drying and affect paint absorption.

The Painting Process – Achieving a Perfect Finish

Have you chosen your paint and decided on the method? Now you’re ready to start painting! If you’re painting parts before assembly, make sure to arrange them thoughtfully. We recommend grouping parts by size. Additionally, if your furniture has numerous similar parts—like slats on our beds—consider labeling the already painted parts. This is particularly useful when using clear lacquer. After painting each part with the first coat and letting it dry, lightly sand the pieces with sandpaper or a sanding sponge. During the first coat, wood can expand, and the grain may raise slightly, causing a rough texture when you run your hand over it. After gentle sanding, wipe the wood down and apply a second coat. This will give the wood a smooth finish, like it had before painting.

Conclusion

As you can see, the process of wood painting can seem complex, especially for first-timers. However, with proper preparation and attention to potential issues, the task becomes quite manageable. Learning this skill is highly useful, especially if you want to refresh your child’s bunk bed or any other piece of furniture. Painting it yourself is a cost-effective solution. Just make sure you have enough paint, the right type for your intended use, and set up a suitable painting area with helpful accessories like wood filler and sanding sponges. If you paint one of our bunk beds or loft beds, don’t hesitate to share the results! We always love seeing the creative results from our customers' efforts in painting our furniture!