How to Paint a Wicker Chair

Wicker pieces of any size or type can be refinished with paint.

Wicker is an attractive, long-wearing material that can be used indoors or outdoors for many years, with proper care. A bit of preparation and you can recondition wicker furniture with paint to make it suitable for outdoor use or to fit into a new indoor decor scheme.

Things You'll Need

• Newspaper or plastic
• Towel/rag
• Mask
• Primer (optional)
• Spray paint

Instructions

1. Take your piece outside and place it on the newspaper. Spray paint can drift, so spread the paper well. Clean the piece with an old towel or clean rag. Remove loose dirt and dust so the paint adheres well.

2. Prime the piece with a spray primer if you are not using a finish spray paint rated for outdoor use. If you are using a spray paint rated for outdoor use on wood/wicker it is not necessary to use a primer unless the piece will be outside in heavy weather. Allow the primer to dry.

3. Shake the paint well, until the ball inside moves freely for about a minute. Begin to paint the areas that require you to hold the can on angles so that they are done while the can is full. Hold the can 12 to 16 inches from the surface and move the can continually. Finish spraying the piece with smooth strokes. Be sure you use enough paint to coat the wicker strands on all exposed areas, while not using so much that the paint runs.

4. Add accents with paint or glaze if desired once the main coat dries. These can be stripes, geometric patterns or be even more creative. Tape off your design with painter's tape and Add the accents with a brush, dabbing the paint on for good coverage.

Tips & Warnings

• Spray on a day without wind

• Wear gloves