Can You Spray Paint Wicker: Easy Painting Guide

Ever looked at your old wicker chairs and thought they need a fresh look? You might wonder – can you spray paint wicker?

The answer is yes! In fact, spray painting is the perfect way to fix up worn-out wicker furniture. Old wicker can look dirty and tired, but you don’t need to throw it away.

Spray paint is cheap and easy to use. This blog shows you how to pick the right paint, get your wicker ready, and spray it the right way.

We’ll also point out mistakes to avoid. With just a few cans of spray paint and some basic steps, your old wicker chairs, tables, or baskets can look brand new again.

Keep reading to learn how to give your wicker a fast and simple update.

Can You Spray Paint Wicker?

Yes, you can spray paint wicker, and it’s one of the best ways to update this type of furniture. Spray paint works better than brushes because wicker has many small gaps and twisted parts.

Brushes often miss spots or leave clumps in these areas. Spray paint creates a fine mist that coats all the curves, holes, and hard-to-reach spots evenly.

The paint goes on smoothly without collecting in the cracks. This gives your wicker pieces a clean, fresh look without the mess of drips or brush marks.

What Type of Spray Paint Should You Use?

Picking the right spray paint for your wicker project makes a big difference. The type you choose depends on where you’ll put the furniture and what look you want. Different paints work for different places and give different looks.

Paint for Indoor vs. Outdoor Use

Indoor spray paints work well for wicker furniture that stays inside your home. These paints focus on looks and low smell.

For outdoor wicker, you need special outdoor spray paint. These paints stand up to rain, sun, and changing weather. They have extra things in them to stop rust and fight off water damage.

Outdoor paints also don’t fade as quickly in sunlight. Most outdoor paints cost a bit more, but they last much longer on porch or garden furniture.

Choosing the Right Finish (Matte, Gloss, Satin)

The finish of your spray paint changes how your wicker looks when done. The three main types each give a different feel to your finished piece.

Matte: Matte finish has no shine at all. It hides small flaws in old wicker very well. This finish looks more casual and fits with country or simple home styles. Matte can show marks more easily than other finishes.

Gloss: Gloss finish is very shiny. It makes colors look bright and deep. Glossy wicker is easy to clean with just a damp cloth. This finish works well in modern homes or for accent pieces that need to stand out. Gloss will show every flaw in the wicker.

Satin: Satin finish sits between matte and gloss. It has a soft, slight shine that most people like. It hides flaws better than gloss but is easier to clean than matte. Satin works with almost any home style and is the most common choice for wicker.

Paint and Primer Combos

Paint and primer combo spray paints save you time and work. These products mix paint and primer together in one can.

They cover old colors better than regular spray paint. You need fewer coats to get good results. These combos stick well to wicker without peeling.

They cost a bit more than basic spray paint but make up for it by needing less paint overall. For very worn or dark wicker that you want to make light, these combo products work best.

How to Prep Wicker Before Spray Painting

Good prep work is key to a successful wicker painting project. Taking time to get your furniture ready will help the paint last longer and look better. Follow these steps before you start spraying.

Cleaning the Surface (Dust, Mold, Grime)

Start by brushing off loose dirt with a soft brush. Mix mild soap with warm water and scrub the wicker with a cloth or soft brush. Pay close attention to the tight spots where dirt hides.

For mold, add a little bleach to your water. Rinse well with clean water and let it dry fully for at least 24 hours.

Repairing or Tightening Loose Weaves

Check your wicker for broken or loose parts. Push loose strands back into place gently. For broken pieces, use wood glue to fix them. Apply the glue with a small brush or toothpick.

Hold the parts together with clips until the glue dries. Cut off any pieces that stick out with small scissors.

Light Sanding for Better Adhesion

Use fine-grit sandpaper (220 grit works well) to gently rough up the surface. Sand with the grain of the wicker, not against it. Don’t press too hard – you just want to scuff the surface slightly.

This helps the new paint grip better. After sanding, wipe away all dust with a damp cloth. Let it dry completely.

Using a Drop Cloth and Painter’s Tape

Put a large drop cloth or old sheets under your work area. The spray will go beyond the wicker, so make sure to cover at least 3-4 feet in all directions.

Use painter’s tape to cover any parts you don’t want painted, like metal supports or cushion brackets. Work outdoors if possible, or in a well-ventilated garage.

How to Apply Spray Paint on Wicker Furniture?

Now that your wicker is clean and ready, it’s time to start painting. Follow these simple steps to get a smooth, long-lasting finish on your furniture. Take your time with each step for the best results.

Step 1 – Choose a Well-Ventilated Area

You need to spray in a place with good air flow. Set up outside on a calm, dry day if you can. If you must work inside, open all windows and use fans to move air.

Put on a mask to keep from breathing in paint mist. Pick a spot away from cars or things that might get hit by spray drift.

The best air temp for spray painting is between 65-85°F. Avoid very hot or cold days, as your paint won’t dry right.

Step 2 – Shake the Can and Test Spray

Shake your paint can for a full minute before starting. This mixes the paint and helps it spray evenly. Test your spray on a piece of cardboard first.

Hold the can about 8-12 inches from the test surface. Press the nozzle fully down, not halfway. Move your arm in a steady line while spraying.

If the spray is uneven or spits, shake the can more. Get used to how fast the paint comes out before you start on your wicker.

Step 3 – Apply Thin, Even Coats

Hold the can 8-12 inches from your wicker. Start spraying before you reach the furniture and keep moving past it. Use a steady back-and-forth motion.

Keep your arm moving the whole time – don’t stop in one spot. Apply a light coat that just covers the surface. You’ll see the old color through the first coat – that’s normal.

Thin coats dry better and don’t drip. Cover all angles of the wicker by walking around it or turning it as you work.

Step 4 – Let Each Coat Dry Properly

Wait the time listed on the can between coats – usually 15-30 minutes. Touch a hidden spot to check if it’s dry before adding more paint.

Rushing this step leads to drips and peeling. Apply 2-3 thin coats for best results. Let the final coat dry for at least 24 hours before using the furniture.

Full cure time is usually 72 hours. During this time, don’t put anything on the wicker or test it with your fingers.

Step 5 – Apply a Sealant for Protection

After your final paint coat is fully dry, you can add a clear sealant for extra protection. This step helps your paint job last longer.

Choose a clear spray sealer made for outdoor use if your wicker will be outside. Apply the sealer just like you did the paint – thin, even coats while moving steadily.

Most projects need two coats of sealer. Let the sealer dry fully between coats. The sealer adds a layer that fights off water, sun damage, and daily wear and tear.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When spray painting wicker, little errors can cause big problems. Knowing these common pitfalls helps you get better results. Taking time to do things right the first time saves you from having to strip the paint and start over.

• Spraying too closely – Holding the can just a few inches from the wicker creates drips and uneven spots. Stay 8-12 inches away for a smooth finish.
• Applying too much paint at once – Trying to cover with one thick coat leads to runs and slow drying. Multiple thin coats work much better.
• Skipping the prep work – Not cleaning or sanding first means your paint won’t stick well. Prep takes time but makes your paint job last years longer.
• Using the wrong paint for outdoor furniture – Regular indoor paint will crack and peel outside. Outdoor-rated paint costs more but stands up to sun and rain.
• Not allowing enough drying time – Moving or using furniture too soon ruins your hard work. Follow the time on the can, then add extra hours to be safe.

Conclusion

Now you know that yes, you can spray paint wicker – and it’s one of the easiest ways to make old furniture look fresh again.

Spray paint gets into all the small spaces that brushes miss. With the right paint, good prep work, and careful spraying, your wicker can last for many more years.

Try painting a small wicker basket first to test your skills. Once you feel good about it, move on to bigger pieces like chairs or tables.

The best part? You can change colors any time you want a new look.

Your newly painted wicker will bring new life to your home or patio without the cost of buying new furniture. Pick up some spray paint this weekend and give your old wicker a try!