Expert: Eileen Cronk - 8/8/2006

Question
Hi there,
I recently got a rail to attach to my son's convertible crib to convert it to a toddler bed. The problem is that the manufacturer discontinued the rail and the only one remaining is a smooth bright white, while the crib is a medium brown finish with slight bit of grain showing. I can find a stain to pretty well match the crib, but I do not want to sand the entire rail -- it has dozens of vertical bars, so lots of cramped spaces and corners -- very hard to sand! With a toddler & preschooler to care for, I don't have lots of time for such a project.  The rail will only be used for a year or so, so it doesn't have to be perfect (but the white would look really out of place!). Do I have any options to paint or stain the rail and avoid the sanding?
Thank you!

Answer
Hi Kate
Nice to hear from you.
What I would do is slightly sand the rail, but certainly not all those vertical pieces...like you say it would be too time consuming.
Then get a spray can of medium brown paint in waterbased and spray the entire thing.
This whole process should take less than a half hour.
Good Luck
Regards
Eileen