We got a metal king bed frame to turn two beds into a king size bed for my daughter and SIL who will be staying with us for a month before they head overseas for their next posting. After setting it up, my wife decided the bed needed a headboard.
My first thought was to whip up something really simple, then I thought why not make something nice- a complete walnut bed frame with headboard, footboard, and rails as the first piece of a whole bedroom suite I plan to build someday. Unfortunately I spent too much time working on my garage hanging and finishing wallboard, and ran out of time. I was forced to go back to my original plan- sort of.
Even though it only took me a half day, the design and construction of the headboard ended up being a little more complex than planned. I had the wood on hand- 5/4 red oak I milled to 4/4. Though I don't like plainsawn oak much I used it anyway. The panels are 1/2" MDF. It weighs a ton. I planned to paint it white but couldn't bring myself to cover up the nice looking oak, so I used poly. I can always paint it white later.
My daughter and SIL will use it as is, but I want to complete the finish after they are gone. However, I don't know what to do with the MDF panels. Should I paint them, if so what color? One thought was to ask my friend Ernie to teach me the faux finish technique he uses on his harpsichords, marble or sponge finish, and possibly paint the recess edges a solid color.
Pics taken after first coat of poly.
My first thought was to whip up something really simple, then I thought why not make something nice- a complete walnut bed frame with headboard, footboard, and rails as the first piece of a whole bedroom suite I plan to build someday. Unfortunately I spent too much time working on my garage hanging and finishing wallboard, and ran out of time. I was forced to go back to my original plan- sort of.
Even though it only took me a half day, the design and construction of the headboard ended up being a little more complex than planned. I had the wood on hand- 5/4 red oak I milled to 4/4. Though I don't like plainsawn oak much I used it anyway. The panels are 1/2" MDF. It weighs a ton. I planned to paint it white but couldn't bring myself to cover up the nice looking oak, so I used poly. I can always paint it white later.
My daughter and SIL will use it as is, but I want to complete the finish after they are gone. However, I don't know what to do with the MDF panels. Should I paint them, if so what color? One thought was to ask my friend Ernie to teach me the faux finish technique he uses on his harpsichords, marble or sponge finish, and possibly paint the recess edges a solid color.
Pics taken after first coat of poly.
