Tools and Materials

Tools

Drop cloth
Stiff bristle brush
Sponge
Paintbrush

Materials

Before You Begin

A fresh coat of paint is all you need to ensure that your wicker furniture looks as good as new. To get a clean and smooth finish, choosing the right paints and appropriate application methods are necessary.

Choose Your Paint

Adhesion and durability are important when choosing paints. Consider the following.

Since wicker is a porous material, the paint should adhere well to avoid chipping or peeling.
Choose paint based on whether it’s intended for indoor or outdoor use. If the furniture is meant for outdoor use, select paints that are weather-resistant to prevent fading and cracking.
Choose a finish based on your preferences. For a glossy finish, enamel or polyurethane paints might be a good choice. Enamel paints are ideal for outdoor use and can resist fading and chipping. Polyurethane paints offer a protective coating and are highly durable.
A natural look can be achieved with water-based acrylic paints. They’re durable, adhere well and can be used both indoors and outdoors.
Spray paints allow for an even application. They’re a quick way to paint wicker furniture but may require multiple coats.

Select Application Method

There are two ways to paint wicker furniture: brush and spray paint.

Spray painting is indeed the easiest and one of the best ways to paint wicker furniture. Acrylic spray paint can be used if you are using a spray.
But if you want to customize your colors or mix different colors together, brushes are better. They also help you to paint corners easily. Using a high-quality brush with soft bristles can prevent any damage to the wicker. Use high-quality latex paint or oil-based paint for the brush.

Caution

Make sure you work in a well-ventilated area and wear protective gear to avoid any mishaps.

How to Paint Outdoor Wicker Furniture

Take the furniture outside to avoid creating a mess or spilling the paint. Wear a mask, safety goggles and paint gloves for safety while painting the furniture.

Preparing the wicker furniture is essential before we learn how to paint wicker furniture.

Lay a plastic drop cloth or old bed sheets on the ground around the furniture before you start.
Clean any dust off the furniture to create a smooth surface for the paint to adhere to. You can use a damp cloth or a kitchen scrub brush for this.
If necessary, clean the furniture with a sponge and soapy water to clean off all the grease and mold.
Rinse it properly to make sure there’s no soapy residue.
Allow your furniture to dry overnight completely or the paint will not be able to adhere well.
Deglossing is an important step to help the new paint to stick properly. This is essentially removing the shine from a surface for improved adhesion. You can do this by applying a chemical deglosser to strip away the gloss. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on any deglossing products you use, including all the safety precautions.
Apply painter’s tape to the areas you want to protect from the paint.

Primer before painting is important as it provides a base coat for the paint and gives a better finish.

There are primers specifically designed for wicker furniture, so make sure to use them.
Using primer spray is a fast and convenient way to coat the furniture. Shake the oil-based primer spray before using it.
Apply a coat first and wait for it to dry.
Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for the drying time.
Apply two to three light coats for full coverage.
Make sure to cover all nooks and corners.

The last step in how to paint wicker furniture is applying the paint after the primer is completely dry.

Keep a distance of about 8 inches to avoid drips when spray painting. This allows for good coverage and paint flow.
If you are using spray paint, paint it vertically in the direction of the wicker. Once you’re done with the entire furniture, go back and spray paint it horizontally. This is so paint can reach all the crevices.
Take it section by section and start applying paint. Make sure to cover the insides as well so it does not look a different color.
Keep the direction of the paint even so it does not look different. Make even strokes of the same size.
You can see the blind spots clearly after the first coat is dry. To ensure the paint is done properly, apply a second coat once the first coat dries. It will take one to two hours, depending on the size of the wicker furniture.

Tip

If you want to add dimension to the furniture then dry brush it with a contrasting color.

For added durability, especially for outdoor furniture, apply a clear sealant. Follow the instructions on the product label for good results.

Shake the can well if using a spray-on sealant.
Spray the sealant evenly over the entire surface, holding the can 10–12 inches away.
Apply it in light, even coats.
Allow the sealant to dry completely before using the furniture.

Good to Know

It usually takes about a week for the paint to harden and set on the furniture.

How to Paint Wicker Furniture