Keep any screws, nuts, bolts, or any other hardware in a small container so you don’t lose them.

Regardless of where you’re working, put on a ventilator mask and safety goggles before you start to protect yourself from dust and fumes.

Prop the bed frame up on saw horses or against a wall covered with a drop cloth if you don’t want to crouch down to paint them on the floor.

Paint won’t stick to rusty metal, so you have to remove it all if you want an even coat. You could use coarse sandpaper instead of a wire brush if you don’t have one. [5] X Expert Source Kevin SnowCommercial Painting Professional Expert Interview. 23 March 2022.

If you used a wire brush that left scratches on your bed frame, going over it with 150-grit sandpaper will help hide the blemishes.

If there’s a lot of dust or residue, use a vacuum to suck it up.

While spray primer is easier, you can also brush a thin coat of metal primer onto your bed frame with a long-bristled square paintbrush.

Spray painting gives you a smoother application and takes less time than brushing paint on your bed frame.

Keep the nozzle on the spray can moving to help prevent drips or spots on the surface. If you notice any forming on your bed frame, wipe off the excess paint with a dry lint-free cloth. Avoid spray painting outside if it’s windy since you won’t get solid coverage.

The temperature and humidity can make paint take longer to dry. Always do a touch test with your finger before you apply another coat.

Put a fan near your bed frame to help speed up your drying time.

You don’t need to apply lacquer if you don’t want to.

Avoid applying water-based acrylic paint to bare metal since it could cause rust. Primer will protect your bed frame from any damage.

Thin layers will dry more evenly than thick patches of wet paint. Use smaller brushes to help reach into corners, nooks, or crannies that are hard to reach on the bed frame.

If it’s humid, your paint may take longer to dry.

When the first side is dry again, be sure to flip over the bed frame and finish the second coat on the other side.

You don’t need to apply a layer of clear coat lacquer or sealer since it’s already built into the paint.