Renew an old headboard

Shopping list

• medium grit sandpaper (120 grit)
• primer
• enamel paint
• vinyl

Tools

• paintbrush
• sponge roller
• craft knife or scissors

Before

Get started

1 After lightly sanding the entire headboard using a medium grit sandpaper, use the brush and foam roller to coat it with a primer. Leave it to dry overnight.

2 Now finish the headboard with at least two coats of enamel paint, which takes longer to dry. Allow it to dry thoroughly between coats.

3 Now use the medium grit sandpaper to distress (remove paint from some areas) the flat surfaces of the headboard. Sand in the direction of the grain in order to try and highlight the natural textures of the wood.

4 We added a floral detail to this headboard using three different colours of adhesive vinyl. The pattern was adapted by combining individual clip art to create this unique pattern. We cut our design out using a craft knife and a pair of scissors. A signage company can also complete this task; simply take your design (in electronic format) along and ask them to cut it for you. We also overlaid additional details in other colours (a lighter blue and a metallic silver) to add interest to the pattern.

5 To round off the effect, use more sandpaper to remove paint from all the edges, as shown.

6 Place your new headboard back into the space and let it serve as inspiration for the remainder of your room makeover! Enjoy.

Floral detailing inspired by nature contributes a feminine touch to the heavy construction of this headboard.