How to Paint Wicker Furniture

When you’re looking outside at your outdoor furniture, you might be realizing how old your wicker furniture is seeming. There is no need to worry. Buying new outdoor furniture is not your only option. In fact, re-painting your current wicker furniture can sometimes be a much better option. Over the years, an attachment to furniture is common. By re-painting your current furniture, it can increase the life of the pieces. If you follow these simple rules, your wicker furniture will be looking brand new in no time.

Prepping the Wicker Furniture

First, you will need to remove all of the flaking paint. In order to do this, grab a soft brass or wire brush and scrape off as much as you can. For any that isn’t coming off easily, you can grab a flat-head screwdriver or a simple house paint scraper tool. If you happen to be dealing with rattan reed wicker, not paper wicker, using a pressure washer will do the job. Either way you go, make sure that the patio furniture is completely dry before proceeding and further. Once dry, grab some sand paper and smooth out the rough edges.

Applying Primer to the Outdoor Furniture

Next, you will need to apply at least two coats of an oil-based wood primer to any bare spots. When applying the primer, use either a compressor sprayer, or a natural bristle brush. Using a primer is the most important if you are changing the color of the wicker furniture.

What Paint to Use for Wicker Furniture

The best paint to use is oil-base indoor/outdoor house paint. The reason for this is that it adheres readily to the wicker, remains flexible, and is incredibly durable, which is perfect for harsh climates. If you are using a Latex paint, it will begin to flake after only a couple years.

The Final Step: Painting the Wicker Furniture

Finally, we are getting to the highly anticipated end-point: the painting. Try to use a protective face-mask and safety goggles, as you don’t want excess paint molecules being inhaled. When painting, as was previously stated, use either a compressor sprayer, or a natural bristle brush to paint your garden furniture. Apply paint to all of the visible areas when the furniture is upside down, then place the furniture right-side up and do the top side. Let the paint dry, and apply another coat. Be sure to clean up any drips or “globs” as you go, as this will cause unsightly blemishes. Lastly, wait about a week before sitting on the wicker patio furniture to protect your clothes.