How to Paint a Crib in 6 Safe and Simple Steps

Want a one-of-a-kind, customized crib for your one-in-a-million beautiful baby? Repainting a gently used crib can be an excellent, affordable option (Bonus: it's also eco-friendly since you're recycling an old piece instead of buying new!).

Crib Safety Issues to Consider

The US Consumer Product Safety Commission advises against using cribs more than 10 years old. Visit their website to learn about crib recalls and regulations to ensure your crib is up to code.

Test for lead in paint. You shouldn't have to worry about this with cribs less than 10 years old, unless someone else has painted the crib using a very old paint. But, we always like to err on the side of caution, so we recommend picking up a test kit at your local hardware store and doing a quick swipe test. (While you're at it, if you live in a home built before 1978, test painted walls, window sills, and door jambs, too.)

Give the crib a good shake. If it rattles or wiggles too much, you may need to tighten things up a bit (or find a sturdier crib).

Painting Your Crib

Here's how to safely paint a crib in 6 simple steps.

Step 1: Prep The Crib

Place a drop cloth on the ground outside or in a garage and secure each corner with a heavy object. Make sure that the crib is clean, dry and free of any loose dirt or grime. You only have to strip off the paint if the previous paint job is old and cracked or potentially incompatible with the new paint type. For example, painting over oil-paint with water-based paint is likely to cause peeling or chipping because water-based paints don’t bond well with the glossy surface of oil-based paints.

Step 2: Sand All Crib Surfaces

Disassembling the crib can help create a more professional looking finish, but it's not absolutely necessary. Lightly sand (scuff) all surfaces. Wear a mask to avoid inhaling the dust. You shouldn't need to remove the existing surface, just roughen it up so the new coat of paint adheres properly. Usually a medium (180#) or fine (220#) grit sandpaper or sanding sponge is sufficient.

Step 3: Clean Your Crib

After sanding the crib, be sure to remove any remaining dust to ensure a smooth and clean surface for painting. Use a tack cloth, which is designed to pick up dust and debris from wood surfaces, to gently wipe down the entire crib. Make sure to cover every nook and cranny where sanding dust may have settled.

Once the crib is dust-free, allow it to dry completely before moving on to priming or painting.

Step 4: Apply the Paint!

Apply at least two coats of non-toxic* paint, waiting 4-6 hours in between coats. If you'd like to really customize the crib, consider painting your child's name on it, a nursery rhyme or quote, stars, or any other design you'd like.

The best results will come from using a good quality synthetic bristle brush (many people make the mistake of buying the best grade of paint they can afford and then using a cheap brush to apply it) From here, you can apply the paint in even coats using a small, handheld brush. If your crib has rounded spindles, some people find it easier to use a mitt or sock dipped in paint or an airless sprayer. Allow the paint to dry fully before applying a second coat.

There isn’t one right answer for the best gloss to use on cribs. Since you will likely be cleaning your crib frequently, you may want to opt for slightly more durable paint. However, the highest gloss isn’t necessary unless you have a visual preference for it. Semi-Gloss usually works well for baby cribs.

Note: Typically, a quart of high-quality paint will cover about 125 square feet. That allows for 60 +/- square feet per coat. A quart of a premium paint is usually plenty to paint the average crib twice, with enough paint left over for future touch ups. Check out our paint coverage calculator to find out how much ECOS paint you’ll need!

Step 5: Topcoat Optional

When finished, it's not necessary to topcoat with a clear finish. A clear coat is not going to add any more benefits to the job than another coat of the paint will. If you've used a high-quality, non-toxic* paint, like ECOS Paints, the finish should be very durable.

Step 6: Ready For Use

While water-based paint typically dries to the touch in under an hour, the paint can continue to cure for up to 30 days. For best results, we recommend waiting 7 days before cleaning or using the crib.

Paint Color Ideas

This is where you can allow your imagination to take flight. While there isn’t a “good” or “bad” answer for which colors to choose, here are a few ideas you may consider and their benefits:

• White or beige: As a neutral, white goes with most room aesthetics, making it easy to reuse as your child gets older. You can also hand the space down to your next child. Beige fills the same role. Besides their versatility, their lightness also makes rooms feel bigger and brighter.
• Black or brown: Black and brown are also neutrals that go with almost anything, but these dark hues have the added benefit of concealing stains your nursery might acquire.
• Match the Walls: It’s hard to find furniture that matches your chosen wall color. So, the easiest way to get around this is to paint the furniture with the walls in mind. Then, you can be sure they won’t clash.
• Complement the Walls: If you choose a color from the color wheel and look directly across from it, you’ll find its complement. When these two hues are together, they make each other stand out energetically. For example, a yellow dresser will pop next to a purple wall.

Need a little inspiration? Check out our customer project gallery and follow us on Pinterest for even more ideas.

Prep Your Nursery With Lullaby Paints by ECOS

You've got the crib, now onto the rest of the nursery! The Lullaby collection by ECOS Paints is here to help you create a healthier nursery for your baby. Let us help you design the perfect place for the littlest members of your family. Think you'll tackle this DIY? We'd love to see pictures of your projects - share them with us on Facebook or Instagram!