DIY Network

Painting the Headboard and Secretary Painting the Headboard and Secretary From "Weekend Decorating" episode WDC-302

To start this phase of the project, a pair of twin-bed headboards from a furniture outlet get a makeover. The first step is a coat of paint that was applied earlier in the week and allowed to dry. Finally, a lettuce-green glaze is dry-brushed on for a topping that looks good enough to eat! Then the owner's distressed-finish secretary is given a random scattering of freehand roses and stenciled stripes and checks.

Finished headboard.

Finished secretary.

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Total projects time: 3 hours.

Painting the Headboard

Materials
Paint
Paintbrush
Rags (you'll need lots of rags for this project)
Headboard

Steps

1. If you did the prep earlier in the week, skip this step. Otherwise, paint the headboards a soft ivory white and let dry completely.

2. Mix two parts glaze and one part paint (adjust the ratio if you prefer more or less color). Use extender if you feel you need more time to work with the paint and glaze mixture.

3. To dry-brush to headboard, dip the brush into the mixture, wipe off most of the paint at the rim of the paint container -- and the use a rag take off even more.

Figure A

4. Lightly stroke the paint onto the headboard -- all you want is a light amount (figure A). Always work with the grain of the wood.

Expert tip: For added depth, let the first coat dry completely, then repeat the process and add a coat of matte varnish.

5. Allow the paint to dry and then install the headboards.

Flower detail.

Painting the Secretary

Materials
Acrylic paints in colors to match your palette
Brushes in various sizes
Stencils or stamps, if desired

	Figure B
	Figure C
	Figure D
	Figure E

Steps

1. To paint freehand roses on the secretary, first look for the flat surfaces on the wood.

2. Begin by making blobs of paint on the secretary (figure B) and allow to dry.

3. With a smaller brush, connect the roses with ivy and leaves (figure C).

4. Continue adding roses and vines to the top of the secretary (figure D).

5. For the drawer fronts, remove the knobs before stenciling.

6. Tape stencils in place.

7. Use a round stencil brush and a stippling technique to apply the paint (figure E).

8. Allow the paint to dry before adding the knobs back onto the drawers.

Expert tip: For added luxury, decoupage cabbage roses on your vanity drawers and doors.

Time spent so far: 10 hours.

RESOURCES :

Tomboy Tools
Tomboy Tools, Inc.
Website: www.tomboys.com

Mattress and box springs
Verlo Mattress Factory Stores
Website: verlo.com

GUESTS :

Donna Babylon
Author / Designer / Owner, Windsor Oak Publishing
Toll-free: 888-919-8227
Fax: 410-848-3293
E-mail: Donna@WindsorOak.com

Jan Haag
Design professional

Kari Openshaw
Allied ASID Designer