How to Spray Paint Wicker Furniture
We’re sharing how to spray paint wicker furniture today!
Several years ago, I got a major itch to paint the furniture on our front porch black. Looking back it makes no sense because white is my absolute favorite color and it’s woven in everything from the clothes I wear to the car I drive.
But at the time, I was really craving a change. I was just too nervous to actually do anything about it.
I worried I would paint the wicker furniture black and hate it or that it wouldn’t turn out as I had envisioned.
Has that ever happened to you?
Where a decorating fear had you completely stuck?
Well, around that same time, I was on the phone with one of my clients discussing a room makeover when I heard myself say, “It’s just paint. If you don’t like it – don’t sweat it – paint can be changed.”
And as soon as those words left my mouth, I knew it was time to take my own advice.
I spent the next few afternoons spray painting the wicker furniture on the front porch with Rust-Oleum Spray Paint in Canyon Black and somehow the post went viral.
Even now, all these years later, this post continues to be a popular one.
Given we’re about to enter into the season that is perfect for refreshing our outdoor spaces, I thought it was time for an update.
Here are a few tips to keep in mind if you’re thinking about taking the plunge and spray painting your wicker furniture too…
*This post was updated Spring 2021
Safety First:
- As always take proper respiratory precautions and wear protective hands, face, and clothing gear before starting any spray paint project.
- Use a drop cloth or tarp to protect your surfaces.
- Spray paint outdoors in a well-ventilated area.
Wicker Furniture Painting Prep:
- Prep your wicker furniture by brushing off any loose paint chips, dirt, or debris with a soft-medium bristle brush depending on the age/condition of the wicker.
- You can read more from our post, Spray Painting 101: Tips & Tricks here if you’re new to spray painting.
Clean Well:
- Use a shop-vac with an attachment to vacuum into the nooks and crannies of the wicker.
- Use a damp microfiber cloth to carefully clean the wicker.
Choose Spray Paint Wisely:
- When learning how to spray paint wicker furniture, make sure you use the right paint for the material your furniture is made from.
- You’ll also need to consider the elements (indoor vs outdoor; covered porch vs exposed patio, etc.) when choosing spray paint as well.
How to Spray Paint Wicker Furniture:
- Once you have safety precautions in place, have cleaned your pieces, and are well-prepped, it’s time to spray paint your wicker furniture.
- If you have chairs to paint, consider painting them upside down – legs first. This will help you see the amount of coverage you have or need as you are painting the front, back, and seats of the furniture.
- Start by spray painting left to right, then stand behind the piece of furniture and spray right to left. This will help to give you better coverage which is not always easy with wicker.
Allow Plenty of Time to Dry Between Coats of Paint:
- Spray paint dries fairly quickly and you may be in a rush to apply multiple coats of paint in a short amount of time but it’s worth the wait.
- Weather elements like heat, cold, or humidity will affect the adhesion of the spray paint. So, make sure you’ve given your pieces plenty of time to dry between coats.
Double-Check Your Paint Job:
- Wicker is one of those tricky mediums where it may look like your paint job has settled perfectly from one angle but it looks completely different from another angle.
- Double-checking your work with fresh eyes will ensure the coverage is consistent.
Determine If You Need a Topcoat:
At the time I spray painted this wicker furniture set, I did not use a topcoat.
After going through several tough weather seasons though, I wish I would have added a topcoat. I also think it would have helped to keep the set cleaner for longer too.
I know we all live in different places around the world so be sure to do your research in advance. That way, you’ll know if adding a topcoat is right for you and your specific climate.
How to Spray Paint Wicker Furniture, Things to Keep in Mind…
Keep in mind seasonal weather, can greatly affect how much pollen, dirt, and debris will get into the nooks and crannies of your wicker furniture.
While black painted wicker furniture can offer a classic and stately look, it will require additional upkeep throughout the year.
Despite our front porch being mostly covered, the spring and fall pollen seasons all but blanket these wicker pieces in fine yellow dust.
It’s ultimately the reason we used this same technique to spray paint our wicker furniture white again. You can find our spring flower porch tour here.
I know there is a lot to consider when choosing to take on a DIY project, and I hope this post has helped!
Let us know if you decide to paint your wicker furniture this season and if you have any tips or tricks we should add to the list!
Until next time, I’ll see you on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest.
Other Spray Painted Projects to Enjoy:
French Country Painted Planter
Country House Bird House and Blog Hop
Jadeite Inspired Cupcake Stands
Many blessings,
CoCo
I sprayed white porch wicker black about 10 years ago and am very happy with it. I need to refresh it again…
Betty that makes me so excited to hear that, thank you so much for sharing! I’m pretty sure my family members are taking bets right now to see how long I keep the black ha ha. I think it looks pretty classy though. Glad to hear I’m in good company with you. Big hugs, CoCo
CoCo – We are so glad you took the painting-plunge! The wicker furniture looks perfect in black. It really enhances all of the arches of the chair backs and it will definitely compliment the front porch. Your painting tips are so helpful too…wicker can be so difficult to paint! Fabulous new look – love it!
Thanks so much ladies! I was so nervous to paint them but in the end I’m glad I did. It feels like the porch has a fresh new look now. Hugs, CoCo
Hi, looks great. FYI Rust-Oleum makes a pistol grip for under $5 that attaches to your spray can, which relieves your finger pressure. Works great.
Oh my gosh, Dorothy, I forgot all about that device! You are so right it definitely helps to cut down on hand cramping especially when you have big projects. Thanks so much for the sweet reminder. I appreciate it. Hope your day has been a fun one, Coco
Your idea to start by turning the furniture upside down was so smart… I really need to give this method a try. This is such a fun way to dress up the look of tired looking wicker furniture!
Thank you, Heidi! Wicker is so tricky sometimes because it can look differently from multiple angles. I’ve found making sure you have a good first coat is key! Can’t wait to see how all your summer projects come together. Hugs, CoCo
I did not know you could spray paint wicker furniture! This is such an excellent way to reuse the furniture you already have, especially if it’s comfortable. Thanks so much for sharing this!
You are so welcome, Caleb! Wicker is definitely more delicate than plastic or wood would be but these held up for multiple seasons under a partially covered front porch. Happy DIYing!
Coco,
I love your wicker furniture painted black. I can imagine dealing with the pollen may be tricky. It’s hard to get rid of pollen on any surface. Wicker must take a bit of time. Your porch is always one of my favorites.
Thanks so much, Cindy! I loved the black too and honestly, it looked really good with the shutters and the color of the house. The whole thing just made for a very elegant entry. But over time the pollen just got to be too bad so we had to paint it white again. One day I would love to have a sunroom with black wicker furniture. It would be so pretty! Hugs, CoCo
It’s funny how we can give advice yet sometimes with our own homes we can be stuck. I have no idea why that is, but I know what you mean! I think your black wicker furniture looks great:) Thanks for sharing!!!!
Oh my word, Maria, yes! I have literally drawn out an entire house plan on a set of napkins over dinner with girlfriends yet sometimes I can feel totally stuck when it comes to decorating my own home. Thankfully, we’re all about trial and error and all things perfectly imperfect. Hope you have the best day, CoCo
This is such a smart idea, it makes your wicker furniture look like new!
Thanks so much, Josiah, I really appreciate it!
Betty, I stained two rattan chairs and used the ‘upside down first’ idea! Now I need to paint my wicker chair and will use your tips.
Question: Can I rinse the chair first with a hose and allow a couple days to dry inside before spray painting outside?
p.s. I looked at a different spray paint site which was full of annoying ads; so I quickly found your site. Refreshing to not have ads.
Thank you.
I think as long as your chair has completely dried out for a few days after rinsing it off and is free from dirt and debris you should be ready to apply the spray paint. Keep in mind you’ll want to spray paint in a well-ventilated area outside, taking proper safety precautions, and making sure the conditions are right as far as the heat and humidity go. The back of the can of spray paint should be able to advise you as to which temperatures are conditions are best! It sounds like you’ve been busy already. Good luck with this project too!
How many cans does it take for a chair? I have two. Going from yellow golf to brown.
Thanks for your patience on this response, Trish! It honestly depends on how big the chair is but if they were say the size of a dining room chair and didn’t have a texture like wicker or caning, you could probably get a way with 1-2 cans since you’re going from a lighter color to a darker one. I always buy at least one more can of spraypaint than I think I will need just in case the store runs out or I have to touch something up. Hope this helps, CoCo
How many cans of spray paint did you use?
It’s been a few years since we completed this project, Shawnie. But to my best recollection, we probably used 2.5 cans on each chair and probably 3 to 4 cans of spray paint on each couch. They were all good size pieces and the wicker weave was fairly fine so I had to make sure I got in all the nooks and crannies. Ultimately, the amount of spray paint you’ll need will depend on the size, condition, texture, and material of the pieces you are painting and the quality of the spray paint you’re using. I always buy extra so I don’t run out in the middle of a project because you never know when you might need a touch-up. Hope this helps, CoCo
Hi, I have a 30 year old mini baby bassinet (doll size) that sits in a stand and has decoupaged ribbon around the hood of the bassinet. It belongs to my daughter who is going to have her first child (a daughter) in a few months. I got the idea to use the bassinet for her baby shower next month and then of course in her baby’s room after that. It is in excellent shape, form wise, but there are places where it has yellowed. My first question is about the type of spray paint I should use so that it is safe in a child’s room. I am assuming that I can spray paint right over the white paint already on the wicker. Am I correct? I know that I would need to clean it well (brush and cloth) but would also assume that I don’t need a primer since it’s already painted.
The next thing is the decoupage ribbon that is heavily glued to the trim of the hood of the bassinet. Can I spray paint over the decoupaged ribbon? I will not be able to save the decoupaged pictures on the ribbon but instead thought I might just spray paint it pink. Not sure that’s even possible with it attached to the bassinet so I’d also like to pick your brain on what kind of paint I might get to brush paint the decoupaged ribbon.
Thanks in advance for your advice for this special project.
Sincerely,
Theresa
What an exciting time, Theresa. Congratulations on your new grandbaby!
This sounds like a fun project but one I would definitely caution you on as safety always come first. I’m not a paint expert but from doing some research online it seems like you need to find a primer and a spraypaint with no toxic chemicals or VOCs. If there is a specific color or brand you have in mind, I would reach out to them to make sure that it is safe to use around a baby or in a child’s room. They might even include this information in the Frequently Asked Questions portion of their website.
Another option might be to use paints made from natural materials such as chalk paint, milk paint, mineral paint or plant dyes. But again you would have to do your research in advance and make sure you’ve read the manufacturers instructions and warning labels before you start painting.
Keep in mind, the finish you get from these types of paints will be completely different from that of spraypaint as you will have to spend extra time getting into all the nooks and crannies with a paintbrush unless you have a paint sprayer you can use with paint made from natural or eco friendly products.
The final thing you might want to consider is buying a test kit for lead base paints just to be sure there is nothing harmful on the bassinet as paint standards and regulations have changed over the years.
I hope this helps and you find exactly what you need for this project. Babies are a beautiful gift and I know this new addition to your family will be a treasure, CoCo