Does your beloved wicker furniture look dull and faded after a long season outdoors? That charming patio set deserves a vibrant refresh! Wicker brings a cozy, natural feel to any space, but the paint choice can feel overwhelming. You worry about chipping, peeling, and finding a finish that truly lasts against sun and rain. Choosing the wrong paint means wasting time and money on a project that fails quickly.
We understand the frustration of wanting beautiful, long-lasting results without the guesswork. This guide cuts through the confusion. We will show you exactly which paints work best for wicker, how to prepare the surface for perfect adhesion, and the simple steps to achieve a professional, durable finish. Get ready to transform your tired pieces into stunning focal points. Keep reading to unlock the secrets to painting wicker furniture like a pro!
Top Paint For Wicker Furniture Recommendations
- 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
- Use for a variety of indoor and outdoor project surfaces including wood, metal, plaster, masonry or unglazed ceramic
- Water-based acrylic formula is low odor, resist chips and provides long-lasting protection
- Covers up to 30 sq ft and dries to touch in 30 minutes for quick project completion
- Gloss finish provides a fresh new look for surfaces, goes on smoothly and provides excellent hide
- Prior to application sand surfaces with 180/200 grit sandpaper, then wash with a degreaser, allow the surface to dry and apply paint
- 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
- Use for a variety of indoor and outdoor project surfaces including wood, metal, plaster, masonry or unglazed ceramic
- Water-based acrylic formula is low odor, resist chips and provides long-lasting protection
- Covers up to 120 sq ft and dries to touch in 30 minutes for quick project completion
- Semi-gloss finish minimizes surface imperfections, goes on smoothly and provides excellent hide
- Prior to application sand surfaces with 180/200 grit sandpaper, then wash with a degreaser, allow the surface to dry and apply paint
- EASY TO USE, EVEN FOR BEGINNERS: Whether you’re new to DIY or a pro, Rust-Oleum Chalked makes painting easy and enjoyable. Minimal prep required means you can jump right into your project confidently and focus on creativity—not complicated steps
- IDEAL FOR FURNITURE REFRESHES: Chalked is perfect for updating nightstands, coffee tables, bookshelves, cabinets, and more. It adheres to wood, metal, ceramic, canvas, and more—turning everyday pieces into stylish, custom accents with ease
- QUICK CLEANUP, NO FUSS: When your project is done, cleanup is quick and easy with just soap and water. No special products or harsh chemicals needed—just a smooth finish and a clean workspace, ready for your next idea
- FAST-DRYING, ONE-COAT COVERAGE: Most surfaces need only one coat, and it dries to the touch in just 30 minutes. That means less waiting and more doing—perfect for weekend projects, last-minute updates, or spontaneous creative sessions
- SMOOTH-TO-TOUCH MATTE FINISH: Chalked delivers a soft, ultra-matte finish that feels as good as it looks. Whether your style is modern, minimalist, boho, or classic, this smooth, velvety texture adds a refined, trendy-yet-timeless touch to any project
- Weather and corrosion resistant coating protects exterior/interior surfaces like wood, metal, concrete, masonry and more
- Oil-based formula provides a durable protective coating with excellent rust prevention
- Dries to touch in 2-4 hours and covers up to 15 sq. ft.
- Excellent resistance to abrasion, fading and chipping
- 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
- 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.
Painting Your Wicker: The Ultimate Buying Guide
Wicker furniture brings a lovely, natural touch to your porch, sunroom, or even indoors. Over time, the color fades or you might just want a fresh new look. Painting wicker is a great way to refresh it! Choosing the right paint makes all the difference. This guide helps you pick the best paint for your wicker project.
Key Features to Look For
When you shop for wicker paint, keep these important features in mind. Good paint lasts longer and looks better.
- Adhesion: This means how well the paint sticks to the wicker surface. Wicker can be tricky to paint. Look for paints specifically made to stick well to tricky surfaces or those labeled “all-surface.”
- Flexibility: Wicker materials (like rattan or reed) can bend a little. The paint must stretch with the material. If the paint is too stiff, it will crack and peel quickly.
- Durability/Weather Resistance: If your furniture lives outside, the paint needs to handle sun, rain, and temperature changes. Look for UV blockers and outdoor ratings.
- Coverage: Wicker has many tiny spaces and crisscrossing strands. You need paint that covers deeply in just one or two coats.
Important Materials: What’s in the Can?
The type of paint matters a lot for wicker. You generally have two main choices:
1. Aerosol Spray Paint (Cans)
This is often the easiest way to paint wicker because the spray gets into all the tight spots. Good spray paints often use an enamel or acrylic base. They dry fast.
2. Liquid Paint (Brushes or Rollers)
If you use a can, you will likely choose between these bases:
- Acrylic Latex Paint: This is water-based. It cleans up easily with soap and water. It is flexible, which is great for wicker. It works well indoors or in protected outdoor areas.
- Oil-Based Paint (Alkyd): This type creates a very hard, durable shell. It is excellent for heavy-duty outdoor use. However, it takes longer to dry and requires mineral spirits for cleanup.
Tip: Always choose a paint labeled for use on “plastic, metal, or outdoor surfaces” if you are painting synthetic (vinyl) wicker. Natural wicker usually prefers acrylic or oil-based paints.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Good preparation boosts quality. Poor preparation ruins the paint job.
What Improves Quality:
- Proper Cleaning: You must wash off dirt, oil, and old flaky paint first. Use a mild soap and water solution. Let it dry completely—this takes time!
- Priming: A good primer seals the surface. It helps the topcoat stick better. For shiny or synthetic wicker, primer is essential.
- Light Coats: Applying several thin coats is always better than one thick coat. Thick coats drip and crack easily when the wicker bends.
What Reduces Quality:
- Painting Damp Wicker: Moisture trapped under the paint will cause bubbling and peeling later.
- Using the Wrong Finish: Very high-gloss paint shows every tiny imperfection. Satin or semi-gloss finishes hide small flaws better.
- Not Sanding (If Needed): If your old paint is peeling, you must sand the loose pieces off before painting.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about where your furniture lives. This guides your paint choice.
Indoor Use (Sunrooms, Living Rooms):
For indoor wicker, flexibility and low odor are key. Acrylic latex paints work perfectly. They offer great color choices and dry fast, so you can use your furniture sooner.
Outdoor Use (Porches, Patios):
Exterior durability is the main goal here. You need paint that resists fading from the sun (UV rays) and won’t peel when it gets wet. Oil-based or high-quality exterior acrylic paints are recommended. They offer the best protection against the elements.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Painting Wicker Furniture
Q: Do I have to prime wicker before painting?
A: Yes, priming is strongly recommended. Primer helps the paint stick firmly, especially on smooth or synthetic wicker.
Q: Can I use regular wall paint on wicker?
A: Generally, no. Wall paint does not have the flexibility needed for wicker, so it will likely crack when the furniture moves.
Q: Which is faster: spray paint or brush paint?
A: Spray paint is much faster because it covers the intricate weaving pattern quickly.
Q: How long does the paint need to cure before I use the furniture?
A: While it might be dry to the touch in a few hours, let it cure for 24 to 48 hours before heavy use or exposing it to rain. Curing means it gets completely hard.
Q: Should I use glossy or matte paint?
A: Matte or satin finishes hide small imperfections in the weaving better than high-gloss paint.
Q: Is it safe to paint plastic (synthetic) wicker?
A: Yes, but you must use a paint specifically designed for plastic or one with a strong bonding agent, like a plastic-specific spray primer.
Q: How many coats of paint should I apply?
A: Two to three light, even coats usually give the best, most durable coverage.
Q: What is the best way to clean wicker before painting?
A: Wipe it down with a cloth dampened with mild dish soap and water. Rinse well and let it dry completely in the sun.
Q: Will painting make my wicker furniture stiff?
A: If you use too many thick coats, yes, it can make the wicker feel rigid. Thin coats keep the flexibility.
Q: Can I paint wicker that is already painted?
A: You can, but you must sand any loose or peeling paint first. If the old paint is smooth and in good shape, a light scuffing with sandpaper helps the new paint grab hold.