Using a second-hand bassinet can save you the expense and trouble of purchasing and assembling a new one; however, if the finish is dirty or worn, you may wish to repaint the bassinet before you use it for your child. This process may also make the bassinet feel more like your own and will give you the opportunity to select a color that matches the rest of the child's room. Repainting a bassinet is not very complicated, but you must spend some preparation time beforehand in order to perform the task as safely as possible.
Step 1
Select a well-lit work area with plenty of ventilation. Spread newspapers or a drop cloth on the ground over an area comfortably larger than the dimensions of your bassinet. Flatten the ends of the ground covering and apply weights, if necessary, to minimize the risk of tripping over the covering as you work.
Step 2
Lift the bassinet and place it into the center of the ground covering; if the bassinet is too heavy to lift by yourself, ask a second person for assistance. Fit the disposable mask onto your face; pull the loop over your head and pinch the metal rib to create a seal. Put on the goggles and work gloves, then use the sandpaper to remove the existing finish from the bassinet.
Step 3
Use the tack cloth to wipe away the excess dust from the surface of the bassinet. Inspect the bassinet for any cracks or gouges. Apply a small mount of wood filler to the problem area, then wipe the excess filler away with a dry cloth. Allow the filler to set, then use the sandpaper on the problem area again and wipe clean.
Step 4
Open the can of non-toxic primer and pour some out into a paint tray. Dip the paintbrush in the primer, then apply a coating to the surface of the bassinet. Allow the primer to dry before proceeding. Run the sandpaper lightly over the primer and wipe clean; this will provide a better surface for the next coat of paint.
Step 5
Apply a coat of the non-toxic paint to the surface of the bassinet. Allow the paint to dry, then sand the surface as you did with the primer. Repeat this process until you have added two to three coats of paint to the bassinet; do not sand the last coat.
Step 6
Return the bassinet to its desired location. Discard the newspaper or drop cloth, dispose of the unused paint, and sweep or vacuum the wood dust.
Tips and Warnings
- When selecting a paint, choose one that is lead-free and acrylic, with "AP Non-toxic" printed on the label. Let the paint dry completely before use to allow any fumes to disperse.
Things You'll Need
- Newspapers or drop cloth
- Weights
- Disposable mask
- Goggles
- Work gloves
- Sandpaper
- Tack cloth
- Wood filler
- Paint tray
- Paintbrush
- Non-toxic paint primer
- Non-toxic paint
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