Free Bed Flip

Sometimes the best kind of DIYs are DIYs that cost little to nothing! Below is how it looked originally.

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Tools:

Drill
Circular Saw
Paint brush
Sander

Optional Tools:

Rotary Tool

Materials:

Whitewash Stain
Antique Stain
Sanding Blocks
Sandpaper (100g, 120g, 220g)
Paint Stripper
Mineral Spirits
Steel wool
Bleach/Bleach for wood (Both work)

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STEP 1:

If you have the option to sand. I would do it since it typically is faster than waiting for stripper to finish. But in my case I had many curves that so stripper is the way to go. Apply the stripper and wait for recommended time. Repeat in smaller sections, working your way through the piece. Scrubbing off the Stripper residue with Steel Wool or Wire Brush. Then wipe off with a towel.

(It’s recommended that you don’t us stripper in cold weather. I didn’t have that option, but it worked great for me!

You can also use a wire brush to remove the stain. Which is what I did.)

STEP 2:

I then added straight bleach to the bed. Using a sponge and let it sit overnight.

(This step is totally optional!)

STEP 3:

Let’s Sand! On the flat areas I used my orbital sander. For the bed posts I used a sanding block. This really allowed me to work in the smaller areas. I also used my rotary tool to get into the hard to reach places. Work through 120g to 220g. The goal here is to take off the swelling that can occur when bleaching and stripping wood.

STEP 4:

Let STAIN! I used two different ones and the order is important! Using old pillow cases that are 100% cotton. I wiped the Whitewash stain and let sit for 1 minute. Then immediately wiped of the remaining. I then added the Antiuqing Stain. Allowed that to fully dry. For me that was overnight.

STEP 5:

If you have a metal base like this one!

You don’t need this step! You will need 1 2×4 at 8ft long. Then cut down the 2×4 to size. Using the remaining amount to create a middle support. I used long screws to connect the two pieces. Using the two bracket center and secure too headboard/footboard. Hang the 2×4/brackets level to the base. I then layered wood slats as the replacement for a box spring.