How to Clean & Repaint Wicker

Cleaning and painting wicker is a good idea if the wicker has become extremely dirty or the paint is severely chipped and worn off. It's also a great way to change the look of your wicker from its common white motif to something dazzling without heading to the home and garden store to buy a new wicker set. You don't have to paint wicker all one color. Get creative and use complementary colors on your wicker pieces to give it a style all its own.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Warm soapy water with bleach
• Sponge
• Toothbrush
• Hose
• Oil-based wood primer
• Outdoor acrylic spray paint

1. Take the sponge and thoroughly wash the wicker item with warm water and added bleach. Use enough bleach to make a strong mixture. Use the toothbrush to get into crevices and remove as much dirt and mold as possible.

2. Rinse the wicker with a garden hose and allow a good 24 hours to dry. Place the item, such as a chair, upside down to allow water to run off and not seep into any cracks. Set a table on its side so it will dry more efficiently.

3. Spray or brush two light coats of the oil-based primer onto the item. This creates a surface that allows the acrylic paint to adhere better. Let it dry according to the manufacturer's instructions before painting.

4. Spray paint the item using smooth, steady strokes. You can spray paint in any direction: across, up and down, and around shapes. Just make sure to cover the entire item.

5. Let dry for one hour before adding a second coat, if needed. Once it is finished allow at least 24 hours to dry.

Tips & Warnings

• Work in a well-ventilated area

References

• Cleaning wicker
• Painting wicker