Painting your peg rail is an easy way to add a beautiful accent to your room. Traditionally, the Shakers’ palette included vibrant yellows, subdued reds, and muted greens and blues. Decide how you want to apply the paint—brush-on paint is available in a wider variety of colors, but spray painting is quick and simple. With either option, you’ll want to choose your desired level of sheen. A brightly-colored peg rail in a child's bedroom or a laundry room might be done in gloss. In other places, such as a dining room or living room, satin or eggshell is a good choice. (Avoid flat paint, as it tends to be less durable.)
What you’ll need:
• paint primer
• one to two paintbrushes (for primer and top coat)
• paint (eggshell, satin, or gloss finish)
• sandpaper (150 to 220 grit)
• drop cloth
• damp rag
OR
• can of spray primer
• can of spray paint
• sandpaper (150 to 220 grit)
• drop cloth
• damp rag
Step 1
Using a damp rag (or tack cloth), remove any lingering dust from the peg rail. Brush or spray on primer paint, following the directions of the manufacturer. You may find it easiest turn the rail over and paint the underside of the peg heads first. When dry, the rail may benefit from a light sanding if the primer raises the grain.
Step 2
Brush or spray on your selected color of paint, again following the manufacturer’s instructions. With a brush, try to stroke with the grain of the wood. With a can, keep the can moving to avoid drips. Apply a second coat of paint if necessary and allow the boards to dry completely.
Step 3
Be sure to save some paint to cover the screw holes after you have hung your rails. (It’s also not a bad idea to save a small labeled jar of paint to use for touch-ups down the road.)
