Preparation

• 1). Remove the mattress and bedding. Place the bed on a canvas drop cloth.
  
  
• 2). Sand the IKEA Malm bed until the surface appears dull. Prevent splintering by sanding along the veneer wood grain.
  
  
• 3). Wipe dust from the Malm bed with tack cloths.
  
  
• 4). Apply painter's tape to those portions of the IKEA bed that you don't want painted.
  
  

Painting

• 1). Apply a shellac primer to the IKEA Malm bed with a mini-roller. Touch up the bed and smooth any drips with a 3-inch china-bristled paintbrush. Let the Malm bed dry for two hours.
  
  
• 2). Clean the paintbrush in denatured alcohol.
  
  
• 3). Paint the IKEA Malm bed as you primed it. Use a strong, easy-to-clean acrylic enamel. Use a polyester brush instead of a china-bristled one. Let the Malm bed dry for two hours.
  
  

Refinishing

• 1). Apply gel stain to the IKEA Malm bed veneer with a china-bristled brush. Quickly wipe the stain from the veneer with rags. Let the Malm bed dry for four hours.
  
  
• 2). Clean the brush using mineral spirits.
  
  
• 3). Brush on a coat of varnish. Apply a light coat to prevent runs or sags. If you notice any sagging, immediately smooth the finish before it has a chance to dry.