Does your old wicker furniture look faded and sad? Maybe you have a basket you want to give a fresh, new look. Wicker furniture is popular because it looks great outdoors and inside. But when the color starts to fade or chip, it can really bring down the whole room. Choosing the right spray paint for this tricky material is often a headache.
Many people run into problems. Some paints just peel right off the woven texture. Others drip and look messy, making your furniture look worse than before! You need a paint that sticks well and lasts a long time, especially if the item lives outside in the sun and rain. Finding that perfect can that won’t ruin your favorite piece feels like a guessing game.
Don’t worry! This guide cuts through the confusion. We will show you exactly which types of spray paint work best on wicker. You will learn the simple steps for a smooth, professional finish every single time. By the end of this post, you will feel confident grabbing that can of paint. Let’s dive into making your wicker look brand new!
Top Spray 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.
- 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.
- Revolutionary spray paint technology that provides exceptional coverage
- Ultra-durable finish on a range of surfaces - wood, metal, plastic, glass and more
- Dries within 5-minutes for less time between coats
- No drips or streaks
- Specialized formula provides a factory finish
- 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
- 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 . Flat finish helps hide surface imperfections . Any angle spray .
- Comfort spray tip .
- Fast Drying
- Premium spray wood stain provides quick, even coverage on interior furniture, cabinets, doors and more
- Easy to use, oil-based spray stain is perfect for intricate projects and hard to reach areas
- Complete projects 3X faster than traditional Varathane brush wood stains with up to 40 sq. ft. coverage per can
- Any-angle spray with comfort tip offers easy application in any direction
- Fast dry wood stain spray reveals the true beauty of wood with premium color
- 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
- Works on virtually any surface including wood, plastic, metal, fiberglass, concrete, wicker, vinyl and more
- Oil-based formula with excellent adhesion prevents rust, resists fading and chipping for a long lasting finish
- Fast drying formula dries to the touch in 30 minutes and covers up to 15 sq ft per can
- Prevents rust and corrosion for enhanced durability
- Satin finish provides a low-sheen look on surfaces
Choosing the Best Spray Paint for Your Wicker Makeover
Wicker furniture is beautiful. It adds a cozy touch to your porch or living room. Over time, wicker can look dull or faded. Spray painting is a fast and easy way to refresh it. But not all spray paints work the same on wicker. This guide helps you pick the perfect can.
Key Features to Look For
When buying spray paint for wicker, look closely at the can. These features matter most for a great finish.
1. Adhesion and Grip
Wicker has a rough, uneven surface. You need paint that really sticks. Look for paints labeled “All-Surface” or those specifically designed for plastic or outdoor use. Good adhesion stops the paint from peeling off later.
2. Durability and Finish
Will the furniture stay inside or go outside? Outdoor wicker needs tough paint. Choose paints labeled “Exterior” or “Weather-Resistant.” Matte finishes hide small imperfections better than glossy ones. Glossy finishes show every bump and weave.
3. Drying Time
Nobody likes waiting days for paint to dry. Fast-drying formulas let you apply multiple coats quickly. Check the can for recoat times—aim for under an hour if possible.
Important Materials Matter
The paint formula determines how well it works on wicker, which is usually made from natural fibers or synthetic plastic.
- Oil-Based Paints: These create a very hard, durable shell. They offer excellent protection against weather. However, they smell stronger and take longer to dry.
- Water-Based (Acrylic) Paints: These are easier to clean up and have less odor. Modern acrylic formulas stick very well to wicker and dry quickly. They are usually the best choice for indoor projects.
- Primer Included: Some cans are “Paint + Primer in One.” This is a huge time saver! Primer helps the color stick firmly, especially if you are painting dark wicker a light color.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
The quality of the final look depends on what you choose and how you use it.
Factors That Improve Quality:
- Flexibility: Wicker weaves slightly when you move it. A flexible paint will not crack when the wicker bends.
- UV Resistance: For outdoor furniture, UV blockers keep the color from fading in the sun.
- Fine Mist Nozzle: A good spray nozzle creates a very fine, even mist. This prevents heavy drips and helps the paint settle evenly into the wicker gaps.
Factors That Reduce Quality:
- Using Indoor Paint Outside: Indoor paint breaks down quickly in rain and sun.
- Thick Coats: Applying paint too heavily is a common mistake. Thick coats run, drip, and clog the tiny spaces in the wicker weave.
- Poor Surface Prep: If the wicker is dirty or oily, the paint will not stick well.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about where your wicker lives. This guides your paint choice.
Indoor Use (e.g., Sunrooms, Living Rooms):
You need low odor and quick drying. Acrylic or latex-based spray paints work great here. Focus on smooth application for a clean, modern look.
Outdoor Use (e.g., Patios, Decks):
Durability is key. Choose oil-based or tough exterior acrylics. Make sure the paint resists rust if the wicker frame has metal parts.
Tip for Wicker Weaves:
Wicker is tricky because of all the gaps. You must spray from several angles. Spray straight on, then spray from the left, then from the right. This ensures every strand gets covered evenly.
Top 10 FAQs About Spray Painting Wicker
Q: Do I need to clean the wicker before painting?
A: Yes, absolutely! You must wash the wicker with mild soap and water. Rinse it well and let it dry completely. Dirt stops the paint from sticking.
Q: Should I use a primer on my wicker?
A: Primer is highly recommended, especially if you are changing the color drastically (like painting black wicker white). Primer helps the topcoat look more vibrant and stick longer.
Q: Can I use regular wall paint on wicker?
A: No, you should not. Regular wall paint is too thin and will run or peel easily off the smooth or textured wicker surface. Use spray paint made for furniture or exterior use.
Q: How many cans of spray paint do I need?
A: This depends on the size of the furniture. For a small chair, one can might be enough for two coats. For a large outdoor sofa set, plan on three to four cans.
Q: What is the best paint finish for outdoor wicker?
A: A satin or semi-gloss finish offers good water resistance. A matte finish looks nice but might need more frequent touch-ups outdoors.
Q: How long does the paint take to fully cure?
A: While it might be dry to the touch in an hour, most spray paints take 24 to 72 hours to fully harden (cure). Do not use or move the furniture heavily until it is fully cured.
Q: Can I paint synthetic (plastic) wicker with the same paint as natural wicker?
A: Yes, most modern spray paints work well on both. However, synthetic wicker benefits greatly from a specialized plastic primer if you want the best results.
Q: What happens if I spray too close to the wicker?
A: If you spray too close, the paint comes out in thick globs. This causes drips and uneven patches. Hold the can about 10 to 12 inches away from the surface.
Q: Is sanding necessary for wicker?
A: For new, smooth wicker, light scuffing with fine-grit sandpaper helps the primer grip. For old, heavily painted wicker, you might need more sanding to remove loose flakes first.
Q: Can I use spray paint to cover stains on the wicker?
A: Yes, a good stain-blocking primer first will lock the stains in place. Then, apply your chosen color. This prevents the stains from bleeding through the new paint later.