A Spray Painted Wicker Chair – DIY Tutorial

Let’s learn how to spray paint a wicker chair and give our porch the most cute look ever.

Spring is here and I am in full-on outdoor decorating mode. I changed out my brassy outdoor lights with updated sleek modern lanterns. Got inspired by some creative planters last week and we are planting a garden this weekend! 

Next up is repainting my plastic shutters and my front door. I can’t wait to show you the transformation.

Where Do I start painting wicker furniture?

The first step in painting wicker furniture is to prepare the surface properly. This involves cleaning the wicker thoroughly to remove any dust, dirt, or debris that may have accumulated on it. 

You can use a soft-bristled brush, a vacuum cleaner, or a damp cloth to clean the surface. Remember to use a dust mask if your piece is really old and dirty.

Once the surface is clean, inspect it for any damages or loose pieces. Repair any broken wicker pieces and tighten any loose ones. Then, sand the surface lightly to roughen it up and create a better surface for the paint to adhere to.

After sanding, wipe the wicker down with a tack cloth to remove any dust or debris that may be left. Now, you’re ready to apply a primer coat. Use a spray primer designed for wicker or a brush-on primer that is suitable for the type of paint you plan to use.

After the primer has dried completely, you can start painting the wicker furniture with your desired color.

How To Spray paint a old wicker furniture

Brook from BeingBrook is here to show us her outdoor patio transformation. She is one of my contributors and this spray painted wicker chair makeover is one of the best I have seen on Pinterest.

She has been giving her porch a little spruce up. One of the things she was wanting was a wicker chair. We both just love the texture wicker adds to a space but don’t love the price tag on a new wicker chair, lol.

Strolling through her local thrift store she found this wicker chair for $15! It was dirty and the wicker on the legs was coming unraveled but she knew she could save it!

A good scrub down on a nice sunny day. A vacuum and an old toothbrush can help get into the crevices. Then let the sun dry it out completely. A fresh coat of paint and voila! 

The legs were coming unraveled but luckily the wicker hadn’t broken off.

I used some Quick Hold Craft adhesive to glue to the wicker back into place. I chose this glue because it sets in a few minutes and it’s waterproof.

Once the glue had cured 24 hours it was time for spray paint. I chose Krylon White in Gloss finish.

The gloss finish will make wiping the wicker down easier. The chair took three cans of paint.

Tips for spray paint success:

1. Wear a mask.

2. Do many lightcoats at about 10-12 inches away from different angles. Trying to do a heavy coat leads to drips.

3. If you get a drip then wipe it off immediately with a sponge and after it dries you can spray that spot again with a light coat.

4. If your finish isn’t glossy and you have glossy spray paint then you probably need another coat of paint. The sheen will come once there is even coverage on what you are painting. 

After my first coat you could still see the wicker peeking through. That’s totally okay and the best way to avoid drips is to do lighter coats of paint.

The Krylon paint dries in about 10 minutes so you can do the coats of paint pretty close together. I try to spray paint on days that we are already out doing something in the yard. 

So I do a light coat and go pull weeds and then come back and do the next coat.

Done!! Love my “new” chair. The spray paint was .50 for each can and the chair was $15 so I spent $25.50 total!

My new front porch! The table was from the thrift store too and cost $5 and the white bench was an old one we’ve had for a while and I painted it to match my new wicker chair!

 

Thanks for letting me share my new porch! I’d love to have you visit my blog at BeingBrook!

I so would love to hop on over to Brook’s house and sip lemonade on her front porch. Too bad thousands of miles separate us. See what awesome outdoor things Brook as been up to lately.

Cedar Boxes and Picnic Tables

FAQS

Is it better to paint or spray paint wicker?

Both painting and spray painting can be used to paint wicker furniture. However, spray painting is often the preferred method because it can be challenging to paint in between the woven strands of wicker using a brush.

Spray painting allows you to apply a thin and even coat of paint that can easily get into all the nooks and crannies of the wicker surface. It also dries quickly, so you can apply multiple coats in a short amount of time.

Do I need to prime wicker before painting?

Yes, you should prime wicker furniture before painting it. Priming helps the paint adhere properly, provides a uniform base color, and helps to seal the surface. 

It’s best to choose a primer suitable for the type of paint you plan to use and apply it in thin, even coats. Priming makes the paint job last longer and saves time and effort in the long run. 

Can you paint wicker furniture with a brush?

Yes, you can paint wicker furniture with a brush. While spray painting can be a more efficient method for painting wicker furniture, using a brush can provide more control over the application and be less messy, making it a suitable option for smaller pieces of furniture or for those who prefer a more traditional approach.

When painting with a brush, it’s essential to choose a paint that is suitable for wicker furniture and to apply it in thin, even coats. It’s also important to get the paint into all the nooks and crannies of the wicker surface to ensure complete coverage.

Can you chalk paint wicker furniture?

Yes, you can. Chalk paint is a popular type of paint that has a matte, velvety finish and is often used to achieve a vintage or shabby-chic look.

Following the same steps as in normal paint, suck as preparation, priming, etc. chalk paint can be applied with a brush or a roller, depending on the desired finish and the size and complexity of the wicker furniture.

It’s typically applied in thin, even coats, allowing each coat to dry completely before applying the next one. Depending on the desired finish, multiple coats may be required to achieve the desired level of coverage.

After painting with chalk paint, it’s recommended to protect the surface with a wax or sealant, as this can improve the paint’s durability and prevent it from chipping or flaking over time. The great thing I love about chalk paint is that it can create a unique, vintage look.

Can you paint outdoor furniture? 

Sure, you can totally paint outdoor furniture! It’s a great way to give it a new look and protect it from the outdoor elements. Just make sure to choose a paint that’s labeled for outdoor use and can handle the sun and rain. 

Clean the furniture first and sand it if it’s needed. Apply the paint in thin, even coats and let it dry completely between coats. You might need more than one coat depending on the paint. Finally, protect the painted surface with a clear sealant or wax to make it last longer.

Related read: DIY Spray Paint Shelf