How to paint a glossy white metal day bed being eco-friendly?

Question

I've got a glossy white metal day bed, a kind very popular to find in some department stores. I would like to give it an antique look, dark color.

My first idea was to use spray paint, which I purchased in dark green and dark bronze. But later I learned about lead in those paints and that made me wonder if it's possible to use a non dangerous material and what technique to use.

I would appreciate informations and suggestions. Thanks!

Answer 1

Sherwin Williams makes a metal product called 0 VOC acrylic.  It is an industrial product used for metal.  The 0 VOC product means it has no volitile organic compounds ( or what makes it bad for the enviroment and typically gives it odor).  The product can be expensive for retail, but Sherwin WIlliams will often give you a contractor discount if you ask.  If you heart is set on spraying the store also stocks a fillable spray can that you can add the product to and spray it.  I would recommend using a high density foam mini roller.  It is also important you prep the surface correctly.  You need to lightly sand the surface with 120 grit sandpaper.  Or to save time you can use a medium sanding sponge.  Then two coats or three thin coats of paint.  Try not to make it cover in one you will not get that factory look to it.

FOR LEAD:

It is unlikely this had lead in it.  If you know it was made after 1978 if will not have lead in it.  If you are concerned with lead test first with lead strips that can be purchased at hardware stores.  IF IT DOES HAVE LEAD DO NOT SAND!!!  If it has lead your better off getting rid of it.  

Answer 2

If there is lead in the paint you bouht it will say so on the can and be given in % Pb.  House paint may not contain more than 0.06% Pb in the US.

If you are going to prep the bed (sand / scrape)  do so out doors and use lots of water while working.  Clean up anything you can see left on the ground.

For more info you might read http://home.mindspring.com/~wrltc/lswp.p...  This is book I wrote for parents doing re mod or having it done. It was paid for by a fed/state grant which means its as much your book as mine.

For more questions please contact me at [e-mail]  And feel free to pass this along to others.

Patrick J. Lehne

Principle Instructor

Western Regional Lead Training Center

Oregon State University

Answer 3

You definitely want to go for a low-VOC or zero-VOC paint. You can find them at stores like Lowe's and Home Depot, but you'll definitely want to ask someone in the paint department specifically for these types of paint. Also, be sure to ask if there are VOCs in the colorant. Fresh Aire Choice paint has no lead or VOCs in the paint or colorant.

You will definitely want to sand the surface to prep it before you begin painting. For metal, spray paint is best,but I'm not sure if there are any low-VOC spray paints.

You can check out this site for low- and zero-VOC paint brands: http://www.greenyourdecor.com/category/p...