Headboard Restoration

Alice's Tips:

• Sand the headboard before you paint it. This will allow the paint to adhere better.
  
• When selecting your paint color for the headboard, think about how the lettering will show up. If your paint color is too dark, you won't be able to see your stenciling.
  
• Paint your headboard two colors and then sand off some of the top layer to reveal the color below. This paint finish will increase the shabby chic factor.
  
• Place your pillows on the bed before you tape the transfer on. This will help you measure where the lettering will be.
  
• Painter's tape will hold the stencil in place but won't ruin your fresh paint job.
  
• With the painter's tape on, do a final check to make sure your transfer is in the right spot.

Materials and Tools:

old headboard - Timeline Antiques
sandpaper
tack cloth
paint (gloss ultra white enamel, American Tradition) - Lowe's
paint roller
blue painter's tape
transfer lettering ("Sleep Perchance to Dream", HC9462) - Walk Talk
scissors
black and white bedding (Sea Cliff Collection) - Kate Spade
popsicle stick

Steps:

1. Lay the headboard across two sawhorses. Sand the surface in preparation for the paint. Remove the dust with a tack cloth or damp rags.

2. Paint the headboard and allow to dry completely, and then paint the other side. Let dry.

3. Attach the headboard.

4. Tape the top of the transfer in the desired spot. Trim any extra material from the transfer letters, and then peel off the back of the transfer.

5. Drop the lettering into place.

6. Work from the inside out with a popsicle stick to press the letters firmly into place. Remove the top of the transfer paper.