How To Clean And Paint A Wicker Chair

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.