June 7, 2011. Paul Hixon
credit: snedegar3If you have a piece of wicker furniture, chances are pretty good that at some point it’s going to start needing a new coat of paint. Or maybe you have put it in a different location and would like to change the color in order to better match the room and its décor.
Whatever the reason may be, painting wicker is not terribly difficult and can be a fun DIY project. Here are some steps to take to ensure that your finished product is all you want it to be.
First, you need to remove any flaking paint. Use a wire brush or a soft brass to scrape it with. If it is a rattan reed piece you can also do it with a high-pressure spray such as the kind at a self-service car wash. Be sure to let it dry thoroughly. If it already has had multiple coats of paint and you simply want to change the color, use a light-grain sand paper to remove the layers of paint. Wash the furniture and allow it to dry.
Next, you should apply two coats of oil based wood primer. A compressor sprayer might be your best option but there are other methods as well. Allow the first coat of primer to thoroughly dry before applying the second.
Before you spray, be sure to check out your surroundings. If you are outdoors, check to see which way the wind is blowing and what will receive your paint as the wind blows it. You don’t want it landing on the neighbor’s car! If you are in a garage or a porch, be sure there is plenty of ventilation.
Apply two thin coats of paint in the color of your choosing. It is much better to use several thin coats of paint instead of one thick coat. You don’t want your paint to run or be “goopy”. There is some debate over the best kind of paint to use. Some prefer indoor/outdoor oil-based house paint while others prefer latex. There are also spray paints that are meant for outdoor wicker furniture. Of course, you can also use this paint on indoor wicker furniture.
The best place to start is by flipping the piece over and painting the harder to reach places and awkward angles. Then turn it up right and finish the piece. It may take up to a week to fully dry and finish curing. Once you finish, all your hard work will be worth it as you enjoy your fresh new wicker furniture for years to come!
Other articles you might be interested in: become a personal chef and how to teach guitar.
Updated June 7, 2011. Published April 22, 2011. Paul Hixon
