Does your once-beautiful wicker furniture look dull and faded? Maybe you dream of giving that old patio set a vibrant new life. Wicker brings a classic, cozy feel to any space, but keeping it looking its best can be tricky. Choosing the right paint is crucial. Use the wrong kind, and you might end up with peeling, chipping, or a finish that just doesn’t stick to those woven strands.
It feels frustrating when you put in the effort to paint, only to have the results look messy or short-lived. We know you want a smooth, durable finish that lasts through sunny days and changing seasons. That is why understanding the best paint types—from specialized sprays to durable enamels—is so important for your success.
This guide cuts through the confusion. We will show you exactly which paints work best on wicker, how to prepare the surface for a perfect bond, and the simple steps needed to achieve a professional-looking makeover. Get ready to transform your furniture from drab to dazzling!
Top Paint For Wicker Recommendations
- ALL-IN-ONE SPRAY PAINT – Krylon All-In-One Spray Paint delivers best in class adhesion, durability, and rust protection. The aerosol spray paint offers a broad color palette with multiple finishes and sheens for indoors and out.
- STRONG ADHESIVE – This all-purpose spray paint bonds with 5X Stronger Adhesion to difficult surfaces without sanding or priming. This product provides maximum rust protection for all outdoor projects.
- INDOOR/OUTDOOR SPRAY PAINT - Whether your project is inside or out, this adhesive spray paint offers maximum rust protection. Ideal for use on plastic, wood, metal, PVC, tile, and more.
- QUICK DRY – Best results when temperatures are 55° F to 75°F and humidity is below 60%. The spray paint adhesive is dry to the touch in 25 minutes, dry to handle in 2 hours.
- AMERICA’S FIRST SPRAY COATING – Krylon spray paint has been trusted by consumers since 1947. We offer a wide selection of spray paint products to help restore, refresh and recolor any project. With Krylon, today we spray.
- PERFECT SIZE & BRILLIANT COLORS - This line of vibrant, multi-surface acrylic paint is the perfect addition to any collection of art supplies! This craft paint comes in a 2 oz bottle
- SATIN FINISH - When dry, FolkArt Multi-Surface Acrylic Paint has a beautiful satin finish. This formula is also great for indoor and outdoor projects as well as top-shelf dishwasher safe when cured
- EASY & SMOOTH APPLICATION - Use this acrylic paint on a variety of surfaces such as wood, terra cotta, canvas, glass, fabric, ceramics and more
- CLEAN UP IS A BREEZE - Clean up is easy with FolkArt Multi-Surface Acrylic Paint. Simply clean up while wet with soap and water
- AMERICAN MADE, TRUSTED BRAND - FolkArt is proudly made in the USA
- SPRAY PAINT AND PRIMER – Krylon COLORmaxx Spray Paint and Primer delivers premium coverage and superior color with adhesion and durability. This primer and spray paint can be used on wood, metal, wicker, most plastics, glass, plaster/ceramic and more.
- INDOOR/OUTDOOR RUST PROTECTION – Whether your spray paint project is inside or outdoors, this gloss white spray paint offers rust protection for a variety of DIY and craft projects including craft foam, hard surfaces, paper mache, fabric and paper.
- GLOSS WHITE SPRAY PAINT – Color changes everything – from a furniture refresh to creative touch-up. White gloss spray paint has a modern, sleek finish. White color spray paint can be used for a variety of projects, and the gloss finish has a shiny sheen.
- EASY USE – The easy push big button spray tip on this all-purpose spray paint can helps you spray any way, even upside down. Dry to the touch in 20 minutes or less for fast coverage to get projects done. 12 oz. can spray paint covers up to 25 sq. feet.
- AMERICA’S FIRST SPRAY COATING – Krylon spray paint has been trusted by consumers since 1947. COLORmaxx features the widest color offering in the Krylon product family, to help restore, refresh and recolor any project. With Krylon, today we spray.
- Ideal for use on interior/exterior surfaces including wood, plastic, plaster, metal, masonry and unglazed ceramic
- Oil-based formula resists chips and provides long-lasting protection
- Dries to touch in 20 minutes and covers up to 12 sq. ft. per can
- Durable formula provides excellent hide and goes on smoothly
- Ultra matte finish gives projects a no-shine, vintage appearance
- Custom Spray 5-in-1 dial offers five spray paint patterns for ultimate control and superior results
- Advanced oil-based formula delivers 30% greater corrosion resistance and enhanced color retention compared to original matching Stops Rust colors
- Protective enamel paint dries to touch in 2-4 hours and covers 6-10 sq. ft. per can
- Choose from high output, standard, low output, vertical fan, and horizontal fan spray patterns with 360° any-angle spray technology
- Satin finish offers a low-sheen look
- Ideal for use on interior/exterior surfaces including wood, plastic, plaster, metal, masonry and unglazed ceramic
- Oil-based formula resists chips and provides long-lasting protection
- Dries to touch in 20 minutes and covers up to 12 sq. ft. per can
- Durable formula provides excellent hide and goes on smoothly
- Gloss finish provides a fresh, new look for surfaces
- VERSATILE PAINT - These artist-quality acrylic paints are rich and creamy and are perfect for basecoating, stenciling, and more. This color comes in a handy 16 oz size
- BEAUTIFUL MATTE FINISH - FolkArt Acrylic Paint has a stunning matte finish - perfect for all your arts and crafts!
- USE ON MULTIPLE SURFACES - Use FolkArt Acrylic Paint on a variety of surfaces such as wood, paper, canvas, Styrofoam, paper mache, and so much more
- EASY CLEAN UP - Clean up is easy with FolkArt acrylic paint! Simply clean up while wet with soap and water
- AMERICAN MADE - FolkArt Acrylic Paints are proudly made in the USA
- CONVENIENT SIZE - This Apple Barrel Acrylic Paint comes in a versatile 2 oz size that is great for basecoating, stenciling, and so much more
- FUN FINISH - This brilliant acrylic paint dries to a matte finish - perfect for a variety of arts and crafts!
- BRIGHT COLOR - Grab your acrylic paint brushes and add this fun, bright acrylic paint to all your DIY projects
- USE ON MULTIPLE SURFACES - Use Apple Barrel Acrylic Paint on a variety of surfaces such as wood, paper, canvas, Styrofoam, paper mache, and so much more
- EASY CLEAN UP - Clean up is easy with this acrylic paint! Simply clean up while wet with soap and water
The Ultimate Buying Guide for Paint for Wicker
Wicker furniture adds a beautiful, natural touch to your home, inside or out. Painting it gives it a fresh new look! Choosing the right paint makes a big difference in how long your new color lasts. This guide will help you pick the perfect paint for your wicker project.
Key Features to Look For
When you shop for paint for wicker, look for these important features.
- Durability: The paint must be tough. Wicker bends and moves a little. Strong paint will not chip or crack easily when the furniture moves.
- Adhesion: This means how well the paint sticks to the wicker surface. Good adhesion is very important because wicker can be tricky to paint.
- Flexibility: Wicker materials, especially natural ones, expand and shrink a little with changes in weather. Your paint needs to bend with the material.
- UV Resistance (For Outdoor Wicker): If your furniture sits in the sun, the paint must resist fading. UV rays break down paint colors quickly.
Important Materials: What Kind of Paint Should You Choose?
The material of your paint matters more than the color. Wicker is often made of natural rattan, reed, or synthetic (plastic) materials.
For Natural Wicker:
Natural wicker needs paint that breathes a little. Oil-based paints used to be popular, but they can become brittle over time.
- Latex Paint (Acrylic): High-quality acrylic latex paints are often the best choice today. They stay flexible and clean up easily with water. Look for 100% acrylic formulas.
- Chalk Paint: This is popular for a matte, vintage look. It usually requires less prep work, but you must seal it well, especially if the furniture goes outside.
For Synthetic (Resin or Plastic) Wicker:
Plastic wicker needs paint that bonds directly to plastic surfaces. Standard house paint often peels right off synthetic wicker.
- Specialty Plastic Spray Paint: These paints contain chemicals that help them grip plastic surfaces securely. Brands often label these as “for plastics” or “for vinyl.”
Tip: Always clean and lightly sand the wicker before painting. This preparation step greatly improves how long the paint lasts.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
The quality of the final painted finish depends on a few key factors.
Factors That Improve Quality:
- Priming: Using a good quality primer designed for the wicker type (or for plastics) dramatically improves paint adhesion. A primer seals the surface.
- Thin Coats: Applying several thin coats is always better than one thick coat. Thick coats dry slowly and sag or drip easily, especially in the tight weave of wicker.
- Topcoat Sealer: For high-use items or outdoor furniture, adding a clear, protective topcoat (sealer) adds a strong layer against scratches and moisture.
Factors That Reduce Quality:
- Skipping Prep Work: If you paint over dirt, dust, or old flaky paint, the new paint will stick to the dirt, not the wicker. It will peel off quickly.
- Painting in Humidity: High humidity slows down drying time. If paint does not dry correctly, it will feel soft and smudge easily.
- Using Indoor Paint Outside: Interior paints break down fast when exposed to rain and strong sun.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use your wicker item affects your paint choice.
Indoor Use (Low Traffic):
For indoor decor like small baskets or reading chairs, you have more freedom. User experience focuses on aesthetics. You can use lower-sheen paints or craft paints if the item is handled infrequently. Flexibility is less critical here.
Outdoor Use (High Traffic):
Outdoor patio sets require the toughest paint. The user experience here demands resistance to weather. You must choose exterior-grade, UV-resistant paint. Expect to repaint every few years, even with the best paint, because the sun is very powerful.
Spray vs. Brush:
Most users find spray paint gives the smoothest, most even coverage on wicker because it easily reaches all the nooks and crannies of the weave. Brushing can leave thick spots where the bristles drag across the strands.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Painting Wicker
Q: Do I need to clean wicker before painting?
A: Yes, absolutely! You must clean off all dirt, dust, and grease. Use mild soap and water, rinse well, and let it dry completely for at least 24 hours.
Q: Can I paint over existing paint on wicker?
A: You can, but you must first sand the old paint lightly to give the new paint something to grab onto. If the old paint is peeling, you must scrape off the loose pieces first.
Q: Which is better for wicker: spray paint or brush paint?
A: Spray paint is generally much better. It coats the woven texture evenly without glopping up in the small spaces.
Q: How long does it take for wicker paint to dry?
A: Drying time varies by product and humidity. Most spray paints need 2 to 4 hours between coats, but full curing (when it’s totally hard) can take several days.
Q: Should I use a primer on natural wicker?
A: Yes, a primer is highly recommended. It helps the topcoat stick better and prevents the natural fibers from soaking up too much paint.
Q: What if my wicker is synthetic (plastic)?
A: You must use paint specifically made for plastic or vinyl. Standard paint will flake off synthetic wicker very quickly.
Q: Can I paint wicker a very dark color if it is outside?
A: Dark colors absorb more heat from the sun. This can cause the paint to break down faster or even warp cheap plastic wicker.
Q: How many coats of paint do I need?
A: Most projects look best with two to three thin coats. This builds a strong, even layer without looking heavy or drippy.
Q: Will the paint make my wicker stiff?
A: If you use too much paint or apply very thick coats, yes, it can make the wicker feel stiff and brittle. Thin coats keep the natural flexibility.
Q: Do I need a topcoat sealer?
A: A sealer is optional for low-use indoor items, but it is strongly recommended for outdoor furniture or chairs that get heavy use. It adds a protective shield.