Spray painting headboard

[nicolewi]

We are finally moving forward on redoing my daughter’s bedroom! We were on the verge of getting a bed from IKEA but I saw one just down the street on Facebook marketplace for only 25 bucks and picked it up. I think it might work. It was a brass headboard that had been spray painted gold. It needs a new coat of paint. Can I literally just spray paint over the old spray paint? Nothing is flaking off or anything like that.

Would like to do this in the absolute easiest way possible. at some point, we may upgrade her to a queen bed, but for now we’re just gonna keep her mattresses and use the new headboard.

[bee20]

Does it need a new coat of paint because you don't like the look or is it dirty or damaged?

If it's just ugly, wipe it down with a damp rag, let it dry, then spray away. If it's damaged you'd probably want to go over it all with sandpaper to knock off the loose stuff and smooth it out.

ETA: Perhaps this is obvious, but a presumably round metal headboard is right on the line for being a bigger PITA to spray paint than to just brush on paint.   It won't have as glossy as a finish, but you don't have to mask or deal with overspray.  If it's an elaborate scrolled thing then just spray it.

[pierogigirl]

I would look into having it powder coated. It will look a lot better than spray paint (no drips) and will be durable (no chips). We powder coated an old iron bed and it looks fantastic. We have also had metal stair railings and the original vents in our house done because they no longer make the size.

[nicolewi]

Thank you! Some of the old paint is scraped like where the bedframe probably brushed against parts of it, and some has some kind of staining like something dripped on part of it. It’s pretty smooth, though.

[orval]

I think spray painting is fine. I might sand a bit over those areas you mentioned - if they will be hidden by the mattress, I wouldn't even bother.
I spray paint a lot -- just don't be heavy handed and you won't have drips. Multiple light coats are better than one-two heavy coats. I love spray painting things!!

[simpsongal]

Yup, get a decent one like Rustoleum - you might want to use a spray primer too just to make it a little stronger. I'd leave it in a garage or somewhere to cure for a ~week or so (it'll allow the fumes to dissipate too).

[stemmie]

I wash it first as well. If it's been dusted with spray polish paint won't adhere well.