With a baby on the way, getting the cot ready for the new arrival is an important job.

Maybe you have a new wooden cot that you want to paint for the first time, or perhaps you have an older one that has been handed down and you need to freshen it up.

But what is the best way to prepare and paint a cot to ensure optimum results?

 

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Disassemble and clean the cot

First things first. If your cot has been stored in a loft or garage it may be dirty, so make sure it is clean, dry and free of any loose dirt or grime. Wipe down with an old towel or cloth if necessary. You will also need to disassemble the cot into its separate components, so you can paint from all angles and ensure you have covered the whole surface area.

 

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Sanding down

If you have an older cot that has been painted before, you will have to sand it down to remove most of the old paint. Whether it is old or new, sanding is also recommended to create a surface on the cot that allows the Little Knights paint to bond well. Usually a medium or fine grit sandpaper or sanding sponge will do the job.

Remember to use a cloth to remove any dust from the cot after sanding. Pay close attention the little nooks and crannies where dust may settle.

 

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Choose your brush

We are delighted to stock a wonderful range of innovative, sustainable decorating products made from waste material, by-products from other manufacturing processes or ecologically sustainable sources. Where possible, all aspects of these products are compostable, biodegradable, reusable and recyclable.

View the range

 

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Apply the paint

Once you have decided on the colour of the paint – why not pick a colour from Little Knights' stunning cot and furniture paint range – it looks great on wooden furniture and is suitable for surfaces that need to be wiped clean from time to time.

Given the high quality of the Little Knights paint, it can be thinned if required by adding up to 10% water for the first coat only. An extra coat may be required to cover strong or contrasting colours. You are advised to wait up to four hours before applying a second coat.

Avoid spreading the paint too thinly and avoid reworking areas that are still wet. Do not apply in damp or cold conditions below 10°C.

Because typically with a cot you are painting through slats, you must also be careful to avoid drips and run marks. Therefore, do not have too much paint on your brush at any one time and pay close attention to all areas, painting out drips as they appear.  

 

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Tidying up

Although Little Knights paints are touch dry within 1-2 hours, you are advised to allow it to dry for at least seven days after application before wiping the surface.  When you do, clean the painted surface with a soft cloth and clean soapy water.

To store paint you haven’t used, replace the lid firmly to ensure an airtight seal. Remove as much paint as possible from decorating tools before cleaning in warm soapy water, then rinse and dry thoroughly. Do not empty surplus paint into drains and watercourses - most local authorities will have special facilities for the disposal of waste coatings and paint, contact them for details.

Finally, sit back and enjoy your newly-painted cot and your little baby (hopefully) soundly asleep in it.