Top 5 Ways To Paint Wicker: A Quick Painting Guide

Is your old wicker furniture looking dull and faded? Do you dream of giving your porch or sunroom a fresh, vibrant makeover without buying new pieces? Wicker furniture is beautiful, but keeping it looking its best takes work, especially when it comes to painting. Choosing the right paint and method can feel overwhelming. You worry about chipping, peeling, and making your beloved chairs look worse instead of better.

Don’t let the fear of a messy job stop you! Painting wicker is a fantastic way to breathe new life into old furniture cheaply. This guide cuts through the confusion. We will show you simple, step-by-step techniques that guarantee a smooth, long-lasting finish. Learn the secrets professional refinishers use to transform tired wicker into stunning statement pieces.

Ready to transform that dusty old set into the star of your outdoor space? Keep reading—we are about to dive into the best ways to paint wicker furniture successfully.

Top Way To Paint Wicker Furniture Recommendations

Bestseller No. 1
Feyart 40m/131ft 7mm Light Wood Wicker Repair Kit, PE Rattan Repair Kit for Wicker Chair Fixing, Patio Furniture Repair
  • All Weather Plastic Rattan - This PE rattan material is corrosion resistant, strong and durable, can extend the rattan furniture's life for at least 2 years.
  • Repairing Area - Total length of this plastic rattan material is abount 131 feet, which can cover an area about 3.01sq.ft.
  • Easy to Handle - Use strong glue to make joints and it's simple to weave by hand.
  • From Waste to Treasure - Fix a torn patio chair or sofa with this rattan strip, saving the furniture from being waste with small money.
  • Wide Application - Matching most mottled grey rattan furniture, this rattan supplies is suitable for restoring different wicker patio furniture such as wicker chaise, patio stools, wicker sofas, bistro chairs, etc.
Bestseller No. 2
Wicker Repair Kit, Wicker Chair Rattan Repair Kit for Outdoor Patio Wicker Furniture, Wicker Weaving Tool Stainless Steel
  • Wicker Weaving Tool: Suitable for Repair Outdoor Patio Wicker Furniture, the curved tip design of our Wicker Repair Kit makes it easier to repair wickers on wicker furniture, making your repair work easier.
  • Safe and Durable: The rattan repair tool is made of high-quality stainless steel with smooth edges and tips, which will not scratch your hands and break the wicker.
  • Comfortable to Use: The curved design at the end of the braided tool makes your repair work easier, and the handle is covered with a silicone sleeve to help you better grip this tool and have a more comfortable grip.
  • Size: 18cm x 3cm (7.09 inches x 1.2 inches)
  • Service: If you have any questions about this product, please contact us and we will respond within 24 hours.
Bestseller No. 3
Jungarian Wood Grain Furniture Paint 10.5oz with Tools - All-in-One No Need Prime No Need Varnish - Water-based & Low Odor - Outdoor & Indoor Wood Paint for Furniture and More - Teak
  • 【3 IN 1 - One Step Grain Paint】 JUNGARIAN Wood Grain Furniture Paint=Base-coat + Wood Stain + Sealer in one! Traditional wood stain need to be paired with a base-coat and varnish. Our wood grain furniture paint requires only one step, paint and wait for it to dry, your furniture will look brand new in just a few hours! Save money and save on construction steps
  • 【Highlights Wood Grain】 Traditional furniture paint offer good performance, but cover the wood grain completely. Ordinary wood stains only accentuate the wood grain without providing good performance. Our wood grain paint combines the best of both worlds, with excellent wood grain highlighting and excellent coverage to ensure even colour penetration. It also offers excellent performance, durability and hardness. The semi-matte finish gives the home a premium look
  • 【Excellent Performance】 Compared with wood stain, wood grain paint is fast film formation, thick film, scratch resistant, waterproof and easy to fix the colour after painting. After curing the paint film, the colour will not be removed by washing. We have done experiments: put the painted boards into high temperature water to boil still does not lose colour. In addition to this superior performance, it can also protect the wood to prevent cracks and splits
  • 【Safe and Easy to Use】This wood paint for furniture is formulated as a water-based paint, and the high quality emulsion makes it ultra low VOC, allowing you to work anywhere without worrying about unpleasant odours, and indoor use is not a concern. High density paint film, can be kept clean by gently scrubbing with a soft cloth. Ideal for use on all wood projects: furniture, cabinets, dresser, doors, trim, floors, toys and more
  • 【Indoor and Outdoor Universal】JUNGARIAN wood grain paint has strong adhesion and is suitable for all kinds of wood substrates. It is UV and water resistant and can be used outdoors for at least 5-10 years. Durable and not easy to peel and crack, it is a good helper for home decoration or home painting
Bestseller No. 4
Laphivieh 130 Ft Plastic Wicker Repair Supplies, Wicker Repair Kit, Synthetic Rattan Material for Patio Chair Repair Flat Wicker Furniture Repair Replacement (Light Wood Grain)
  • ★Color: light wood grain; Width: 7mm; Thickness 1.2mm; Weight: 250 grams. Please note that the color of our plastic wicker may not be exactly the same as that of the wicker furniture you need repair. You can match the color of our plastic rattan with the color of the wicker furniture you need repair by spray painting.
  • ★Wicker repair kit: repair patio wicker furniture including plastic wicker chair, sofa, table, storage box and chaise lounge etc
  • ★Wicker repair supplies: synthetic polyethylene (PE), high strength
  • ★Can also have fun to create some innovative DIY gadgets or art crafts like flower basket, food basket etc.
  • ★Our Service: We offer risk-free satisfaction service to you. If for any reason you are not satisfied, please feel free to contact us, and we will be very glad to do our best to help you solve your problem.
Bestseller No. 5
Country Chic All-in-One Chalk Paint for Furniture, Cabinets, Home Decor, Eco-Friendly, Matte Finish, Built-In Primer & Top Coat for Wood, Metal - Driftwood (Brown) - 4 oz (118 ml)
  • All-in-One Formula: This furniture paint includes a built-in primer and top coat, providing seamless application on wood, metal, laminate, and more surfaces for a hassle-free painting experience.
  • Durable & Long-Lasting: Backed by 80 years of experience, our paint delivers a tough, long-lasting finish with excellent adhesion. It provides vibrant, full coverage with minimal prep, ensuring a reliable surface that withstands everyday wear and tear.
  • Quick-Drying, Chalky Matte Finish - Dries within 30 minutes to a chalky matte finish that’s easy to distress if desired, yet highly durable. The self-leveling formula ensures a flawlessly smooth finish, making it perfect for blending colors and achieving a custom look.
  • Perfect for Furniture Transformations - Ideal for giving a fresh, new look to furniture, cabinets, upholstery, and creative crafts. Whether tackling large furniture pieces or small DIY projects, our paint delivers consistent, professional results every time.
  • Eco-Friendly & Safe: Certified Green Wise Gold, no harsh chemicals such as phthalates, formaldehyde, heavy metals, or solvents; ultra-low VOC including pigments; low odor; certified safe as per European Toy Safety Standards
Bestseller No. 6
All-in-One Water-Based Wood Refinishing Paint - Low VOC, Fast-Drying, for Furniture, Cabinets & Doors - Easy Furniture Makeovers, with Paint Roller (Van Dyke Brown, 16 Fl Oz)
  • 1. Eco-Friendly & Safe for Home Non-toxic, water-based, ultra-low VOC formula—safe for use around kids, pets, and pregnant women. Free of harsh chemicals (phthalates, Azo Dyes, PAHs, formaldehyde, heavy metals). Complies with EU EN71-3 (toy safety) and US ASTM F963-17 (soluble heavy metal certification). Paint indoors without strong fumes—no need to vacate your home during renovation.
  • 2. DIY-Friendly & Time-Saving Perfect for beginners! Ready to use right out of the can, easy to apply, and finish projects in one day. Fast-drying formula allows multiple coats in 24 hours. Comes with Paint Roller—start painting immediately. Save time on prep and labor; no need to hire professionals—cut furniture makeover costs by hundreds.
  • 3. Rich Colors & Soft Eggshell Sheen Handpicked 100+ colors with soft eggshell sheen—add gentle elegance to any space. Colors are non-fading and long-lasting; sheen balances matte and satin (no dull or overly shiny finish). Matches modern, vintage, rustic decor—make your furniture stand out effortlessly.
  • 4. Professional & Durable Finish Exceptional coverage hides scratches, stains, and old paint with ease. Strong adhesion and durable film—lasts 2x longer than traditional milk paint (no peeling/cracking). Get salon-worthy results at home—furniture stays brand-new for years.
  • Simple Cleaning and Reuse: Can be effortlessly cleaned up with soap and water. Offers a 36-month extended shelf life. Once the can is opened and properly sealed for storage, it can be reused after being mixed, with no wastage at all.
Bestseller No. 7
fammom Patio Furniture Wicker Repair Kit Synthetic Rattan Material for Patio Chair Sets Knit and Replacement DIY Garden Outdoor Patio Furniture Sofa Table,Fruit Baskets, vases, etc(White
  • Wicker repair kit:Our wicker repair material is mainly used for the repair of rattan or wicker furniture, such as screens, wicker chairs, sofas, tables, storage boxes and recliners.
  • Brand-new Material: This rattan kit repair uses split-new plastic material, which is sturdy and flexible, resistant to wrinkle and abrasion, not easy to deform, break and fade. It has no a strong plastic smell and it stands up to the rain and weather changes.
  • Easy to use: The flat and round rattan combo sets are better compatible with most furniture, the rattan has a smooth surface and is easy to weave, tips on how to join two pieces of wicker or attach the wicker to the frame: we recommend you try glue , nail gun or hot glue gun.
  • Items include: A roll of brown flattened 35m/0.55lb long, 0.31in/8mm wide and 0.05in/1.2mm thick. A roll of brown round rattan is 35m/0.55lb in length and 0.12in/3mm in diameter.
  • Quality service: If for any reason you are not satisfied, please feel free to contact us, and we will be very glad to do our best to help you solve your problem.
Bestseller No. 8
Fusion Mineral Paint (500 ml, Wood Wick
  • . Our Paint is lead free, phlalate free, formaldehyde free, ammonia free, virtually odourless and is Zero VOC.
  • In just a little time, it’s easy to take your project from foundation to finish.

The Ultimate Buying Guide: Painting Your Wicker Furniture to Perfection

Wicker furniture brings a lovely, natural look to your porch, sunroom, or even inside your home. Over time, though, the color fades or you might just want a fresh style. Painting wicker is a great way to revive it! This guide will help you choose the right paints and tools for a beautiful, long-lasting finish.

Key Features to Look For in Wicker Paint

When buying paint for wicker, you need products made for this specific job. Not all paints stick well to the woven material.

1. Adhesion and Flexibility
  • Good Adhesion: The paint must stick firmly to the wicker strands. If it doesn’t stick well, it will flake off quickly, especially outdoors.
  • Flexibility: Wicker naturally bends and moves a little. Your paint needs to be flexible so it won’t crack when the furniture shifts.
2. Durability and Finish
  • UV Resistance: If the furniture stays outside, choose paint that fights off the sun’s harsh rays. UV rays make colors fade fast.
  • Water Resistance: Outdoor wicker needs paint that sheds water. This stops moisture from soaking into the wicker underneath.
  • Finish Type: Do you want a shiny look (glossy) or a flat, muted look (matte)? This is mostly personal taste, but matte finishes often hide small imperfections better.

Important Materials You Will Need

The quality of your materials strongly affects how the final painted piece looks and lasts.

Paint Type Matters
  • Spray Paint (Aerosol): This is usually the easiest choice for wicker. The fine mist gets deep into all the cracks and weaves where a brush cannot reach. Look for spray paints labeled “for outdoor use” or “multi-surface.”
  • Chalk Paint: Chalk paint adheres well to many surfaces without heavy prep work. It dries to a matte finish and is popular for indoor or covered patio furniture.
  • Latex or Acrylic Paint (Brushed): If you use regular house paint, make sure it is a high-quality exterior acrylic. You must thin it slightly or use a very fine brush to push the paint into the weave.
The Essential Primer

A good primer is not optional; it is crucial. Primer acts as a sticky base layer. It makes sure the topcoat sticks perfectly to the slick surface of the wicker.

Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality

How you prepare the surface and apply the paint changes the outcome a lot.

Quality Boosters:
  • Thorough Cleaning: Always wash the wicker first! Dirt and grease prevent paint from grabbing hold. Use mild soap and water, then let it dry completely—this might take a full day.
  • Light Sanding (If Needed): If the wicker is very old or has peeling paint, lightly scuffing the surface with fine-grit sandpaper (like 220 grit) gives the primer something rough to stick to.
  • Multiple Thin Coats: Applying three thin coats is always better than one thick coat. Thick coats drip, sag, and crack easily.
Quality Reducers:
  • Skipping the Primer: This is the fastest way to get paint failure. The paint will peel off in sheets.
  • Painting in Cold or Damp Weather: Paint needs the right temperature and humidity to cure (harden) properly. Cold, damp air slows this down, leading to a soft, sticky finish.
  • Using the Wrong Brush: Brushes often leave heavy lines on wicker, filling the weave with too much paint. Spraying covers the best.

User Experience and Use Cases

Think about where your painted wicker will live. This helps you choose the right paint strength.

Indoor Use (Sunrooms, Conservatories):

For indoor furniture, the main goal is aesthetics. You can use chalk paint or standard acrylics. Durability against weather is not a concern, so you can focus on color and texture.

Outdoor Use (Patios, Decks):

Outdoor furniture takes a beating from sun, rain, and temperature swings. You must use exterior-grade paint with UV blockers. People often report the best results using a marine-grade primer followed by several light coats of high-quality exterior spray paint.


10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Painting Wicker

Q: Do I need to clean the wicker before painting?

A: Yes, absolutely! You must clean off all dirt, dust, and mildew. A simple wash with soap and water works well.

Q: Can I use regular house paint on my outdoor wicker?

A: While you can, it is not recommended. Regular paint lacks the UV protection and flexibility needed for outdoor elements. Use exterior-grade paint instead.

Q: What is the best tool to apply the paint?

A: Spray paint is usually the best choice because it naturally reaches all the tight spots and weaves.

Q: How many coats of paint should I use?

A: Most projects need at least two coats, but three thin coats give the best, most even coverage and durability.

Q: How long does the paint need to dry before I can use the furniture?

A: Check the paint can, but usually, you need 24 hours before handling it gently. Allow three to seven days for the paint to fully cure before placing it outside in heavy use.

Q: Does wicker need a primer?

A: Yes. Primer helps the paint stick strongly to the smooth or slick surface of the wicker material.

Q: Will the paint make the wicker stiff?

A: If you apply the paint too thickly, yes, it can make the wicker feel hard. Use many light coats to keep the natural flexibility.

Q: What is the best paint for dark wicker that I want to paint white?

A: Start with a good quality, high-hiding white primer. You might need an extra topcoat when painting a very dark color to a very light color.

Q: Should I seal the paint after I finish?

A: If you use high-quality exterior paint, a separate sealer might not be needed. However, a clear, exterior-grade polyurethane spray on top will add extra protection against scratches and sun.

Q: What if my wicker is synthetic (plastic) instead of natural?

A: Synthetic wicker needs special paint. Look for spray paint specifically labeled for plastic or vinyl. Regular paint will chip right off plastic.