Where theworld gathers for metal finishing
Q&As since 1989
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Refinishing rusted Iron Bed
Q. I have an antique cast iron bed that has been outside for many years. I want to reclaim it, but it's completely covered in rust. It is in excellent condition except for the rust. Do you know how I would go about removing the rust and, either using the bed with it's original luster or painting the bed? So far, my research had led me to believe I need to have it sandblasted. What else do I need to do?
Thanks so much!
student - Memphis, Tennessee
2005
A. I think you're on track, Maggie. Sandblast, prime, and paint.
Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
2005
Q. I have recently acquired an antique cast iron baby bed. It is poor condition with peeling paint and considerable rust. What would be the best and safest way to strip it down and repaint it?
Mary West- Palacios, Texas USA
1999
A. I would think someone would have responded to your posting, but in any case. The best way to refinish an antique cast iron bed or baby bed, is to have it sandblasted and powdercoated. This needs to be done by a professional and is not a do it yourself project. Try to find someone who specializes in antiques or perhaps a Plating shop can assist you.
I hope this is helpful information.
Sincerely,
- Chatsworth, California, United States
2001
"Field Guide to american Antique Furniture"
by Joseph T. Butler
on
AbeBooks
or
Amazon
(affil links)
Q. I bought an antique iron bed 17 years ago. The paint job is white with some kind of glaze shine to it. The paint job was not done very well. The glaze shine looks yellow on top of the paint. This was okay for me, but now I am giving the bed to my youngest daughter and I would like to refinish the bed and give it a clean, bright, white finish. Do I need to strip it and repaint it? Please answer with baby step instructions from start to finish.
Adriana Luperciohobbyist - Austin, Texas
2004
Q. We have an old white wrought iron Bed of my husband's Grandparents'. I would like refinish it (someone has painted it white). It also has a few rust spots on it. I was thinking of repainting it white. Can you tell me how and what to use for the best way to refinish this bed?
Thank You,
Realtor - San Antonio, Texas
2005
Q. Removing paint and refinishing antique iron bed with curlicues? What is best method for stripping old white paint -- and what are options for refinishing (including shining up old metal with something like Brasso [on eBay or Amazon] - and/or repainting?)
Mara T [last name deleted for privacy by Editor]- Hopewell, New Jersey
A. Hi, Mara. Taking it to a local sandblasting or paint stripping place would probably be the quickest and safest solution. A powder coater or an auto body shop could repaint it for you as well. To do it yourself you will need paint aggressive stripper from the hardware store, plus goggles [on
eBay or
Amazon], rubber gloves [on
eBay or
Amazon], and very good ventilation.
I would just repaint it rather than trying to go for a metallic look: remember that iron rusts, and a simple clearcoat is unlikely to be enough to prevent the rusting unless you do a really good job and the bed stays in a dry and well air-conditioned area. Good luck.
Regards,
Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
May 23, 2008
Q. My husband found an old iron bed frame in a building that was falling in. We would love to refinish it but are not sure how to start. It had been in the building for several years and was exposed to a lot of dirt and mud. It does have some rust and has rusted out at the bottom of the legs. What would be our best way to start restoration and how can we stop the rust from spreading? What kind of paint is best to use when it is ready to paint?
Thanks!
- Alto, Georgia
A. Here's the best way I know. Having "saved" a couple of iron bedsteads myself, I found that naval jelly [on eBay or Amazon] will do a super job of cleaning up the rust. It actually eats all the rust off of iron. It might leave areas pitted if the rust is extra heavy. But, just use a very good oil base lacquer paint when you repaint and it usually fills those spots in. This is not professional advise. It's just what I do for my own personal pieces that I don't plan to sell for love nor money!
R. Beene- Little Rock, Arkansas
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