How to Paint Wood Bunk Beds

July 12, 2024

Transform Your Child's Bedroom with a Fresh Coat of Paint

Is your child’s wooden bunk bed looking a bit tired? Is it time to adapt their bedroom in a way that reflect their evolving style and personality? Or perhaps, you’re simply looking for a way to freshen up the room with a new colour scheme. Whatever your reason, we’ll show you how to paint wood bunk beds as an easy and affordable DIY project that can make a big impact.

At Strictly Beds and Bunks, we’ve been designing, manufacturing and supplying high-quality wooden bunk beds for decades, so we know a thing or two about how to keep them looking their best. In this step-by-step guide, we’ll share our expert tips and tricks to help you paint your bunk bed like a pro. From choosing the right paint and prepping your surfaces, to applying flawless coats, we’ll walk you through the entire process.

The Beauty of Bare Wood: Your Blank Canvas

We deliver our bunk beds in their natural state, unless a colour option has been selected. This allows you to easily personalise it with the perfect paint colour, stain, or finish to match your child’s style and your room’s decor.

The smooth, pre-sanded pine of our bunk beds is paint ready. This means you can skip the often-tedious sanding step and dive straight into the fun part!

Gathering Your Supplies - Everything You Need for a Flawless Finish

Before you start painting, let’s make sure you have everything you need:

1. Protective Coverings – Protect your floors and surrounding furniture with old sheets, or plastic sheeting.
2. Paintbrushes – Choose a variety of high-quality paintbrushes in different sizes. You’ll need smaller brushes for detailed areas and larger ones for the main surfaces.
3. (Optional) Paint Roller – A small foam roller can help you cover larger areas quickly.
4. Painter’s Tape – Use this to mask off areas you don’t want to paint, like hardware or edges.
5. Paint Tray and Liner – (If using a roller) Make cleanup simple with a disposable liner.
6. Paint – You can use any internal wood paint, but we recommend a chalk-based furniture paint.
7. Protective Gear – This is a job for old clothes and consider gloves and a mask if you’re sensitive to paint fumes.

Choosing Your Workspace - Ventilation is Key

Select a well-ventilated area to paint your bunk bed. If possible, move it to a garage, workshop, or outdoors. If you must paint indoors, open windows and doors to ensure good airflow.

Disassembling (Optional) - Simplify Your Painting Process

While our bunk beds are designed for easy painting even when assembled, you may find it easier to remove any drawers, ladders, or other removable components before you begin. This will give you better access to all surfaces and ensure a more thorough paint job.

Tip from Strictly Beds and Bunks – If you’re painting a bunk bed with storage drawers, we highly recommend removing them for easier access and a smoother finish.

How to Paint Wood Bunk Beds - From Prep to Perfect Finish

A little prep work goes a long way in ensuring a smooth and lasting paint job. Here’s how to get your bunk bed ready:

• Dust and Clean – Use a soft cloth to remove any dust or debris from the bunk bed’s surface. Then, using a damp cloth with mild soap and warm water, thoroughly clean all the surfaces you’ll be painting. Pay extra attention to nooks, crannies where dust can collect. Rinse with a clean, damp cloth and allow the wood to dry completely.

Painting with Precision: Techniques for a Flawless Finish

Now for the fun part – adding the colour! Here are our top tips for painting your wood bunk bed:

1. Brushstrokes and Rollers – For most areas, a paintbrush is your best choice. Use long, even strokes in the direction of the wood grain. For larger, flat surfaces, a small foam roller can help you cover the surface quickly. Maintain a consistent direction for a smooth, professional look.
2. Detail Work – Smaller brushes are ideal for getting into tight corners, edges, and details. Take your time and use a light touch to avoid drips and excess paint.
3. Multiple Coats – Apply thin, even coats of paint rather than one thick coat. This will help prevent drips and ensure a more durable finish. Allow each coat to dry completely before applying the next. Most bunk beds will require 2-3 coats for full coverage.

Pro Tip from Strictly Beds and Bunks: If you’re unsure about a colour choice, test it out on a hidden area of the bunk bed first. This will give you a better idea of how the colour will look in your room’s lighting.

Finishing Touches – Personalise Your Wood Bunk Beds

Your freshly painted bunk bed has already transformed the room, but why stop there? Let’s add those final touches that will make it truly unique and special:

• Coordinating Bedding – Choose sheets, duvet covers, and pillows in colours and patterns that complement the new paint. Mix and match textures for visual interest or go for a bold statement.
• Colourful Cushions and Throws – Add cushions and soft throws. These are perfect for lounging and reading.
• Bunk Bed Shelves – Install shelves to create handy storage for books, toys, and other bedside essentials.
• Fairy Lights or String Lights: -Hang twinkling lights for a magical touch. These can provide a soft, comforting glow for bedtime reading or create a cosy atmosphere for hanging out with friends.
• Wall Decals or Artwork – Decorate the wall behind the bunk bed with decals, posters, or your child’s own artwork.

We hope this guide has inspired you to transform your wood bunk beds into a space that your child will love for years to come.

Ready to Get Started?

Your painted bunk bed is just a few brushstrokes away! Explore Strictly Beds and Bunks’ wide selection of high-quality wooden bunk beds – the perfect canvas for your child’s imagination.

Need a little inspiration? Visit our gallery to see how other parents have transformed their bunk beds with creative paint colours, and personalised touches.