How to Paint Wicker Furniture: Easy Step-by-Step Spray Painting Guide

Bernese Mountain Dog

Yes, you can spray paint wicker furniture! Follow this step-by-step guide to transform old wicker with the best paint, prep tips, and easy DIY tricks.


Spring is in the air, and it’s the perfect time to breathe new life into your outdoor spaces.

What better way to refresh your surroundings than by transforming your old wicker furniture with a splash of paint?

With just a few simple steps, painting wicker furniture can transform drab pieces into stunning centerpieces, adding charm and color to your spring oasis.

Paint and wicker furniture chairs outdoors.

“If you have wicker pieces, don’t be too quick to throw them out, though, as a quick DIY can entirely reimagine a tired chair or table. Ann explains, ‘That said, with a fresh coat of paint and a new cushion, even these pieces can be brought back to life.”— Homes & Gardens

Don’t Toss That Wicker! How to Spot Potential in Old Wicker Furniture

It is expensive to purchase a new wicker piece of furniture these days, with prices upwards of $500+ per piece. For just $15, you can buy three cans of spray paint and recycle old thrifted wicker pieces quickly and easily, bringing new life to old furniture with a fresh coat of paint.

I found these two tired wicker furniture chairs a long time ago on Facebook Marketplace for about $125 each.

They had white old paint and were very shabby chic when I bought them.

They’ve since been painted yellow, and now they are the dark brown color they are today.

How to Paint Wicker Furniture: Everything You Need to Know

Can you paint over wicker chairs? Yes—Here’s How

Absolutely! Painting wicker chairs is a breeze and can be a quick, satisfying upcycle—my favorite kind of easy paint job. I swear by spray painting old pieces with cans of paint because it effortlessly coats all those tricky nooks and crannies in the wicker weaving.

It’s the best way to give worn-out wicker a fresh, new look with minimal effort!

Can you spray paint wicker furniture? Absolutely—And Here’s the Best Way

Yes, you can spray paint wicker furniture, and it’s one of the easiest and most effective ways to refresh its look. Using a high-quality spray paint designed for wicker ensures even coverage and helps the paint adhere to the textured surface. Be sure to clean and prime the furniture first for the best results, and apply multiple light coats to prevent drips and achieve a smooth, long-lasting finish.

Best Spray Paint for Wicker Furniture: What to Look For

When choosing spray paint for wicker furniture, go for a formula that’s durable, fast-drying, and designed for outdoor use if needed. For my painted outdoor wicker chair makeover, I picked Rust-Oleum’s Deep Blue Gloss—rich in color, with a smooth, glossy finish that makes old wicker look brand new.

This post may contain affiliate links, which won’t change your price but will share some commission.

A good spray paint should not only stick well to the wicker weaving but also hold up beautifully over time!

5 Blue spray paint cans and wicker furniture

How to Remove Old Paint from Wicker Furniture: Step-by-Step Tips

Removing paint from wicker furniture takes a bit of patience, but it’s totally doable!

Start by using a stiff brush or a toothbrush to loosen any flaking paint, then apply a paint stripper designed for delicate surfaces. Let it sit, gently scrub with a brush, and wipe clean—just be careful not to damage the wicker weaving in the process!

3 Essential Steps to Strip Paint from Wicker Furniture

  • You’ll want to use the correct type of spray paint for the material your furniture is made of. The spray paint cans will list the materials they work well on, such as wicker, metal, wood, etc.
  • When choosing your paint cans, you’ll also need to consider the elements (indoor vs. outdoor, covered porch vs. exposed patio, etc.).
  • I have also found that most local hardware stores will not carry 6+ cans of new paint of the same spray paint color, as an FYI. So plan ahead!

How to Spray Paint Wicker Furniture: A Beginner-Friendly DIY Guide

Step-by-Step Instructions for Spray Painting Wicker

  • First Step: Start with a platform in a well-ventilated area. I used an old pallet and two sawhorses, but you could use something as easy as old bedsheets or a plastic drop cloth. I like to elevate my wicker furniture with sawhorses, as it’s easier on the back.
  • The next step is to buy all your supplies beforehand so you don’t run out.
  • Clean the wicker furniture for loose dust with a clean, damp cloth, vacuum cleaner, kitchen scrub brush, and/or a garden hose.
  • Sand the wooden pieces like the legs or rockers if needed.
  • I highly recommend painting gloves, as I have yet to find a way to spray paint without getting paint all over my hands.
Hand with blue paint on it.
  • First, a KN95 dust mask is always recommended to avoid spray paint fumes.
  • For the first coat of paint, start by spray painting vertically with the grain of your wicker. Then, go back and spray paint the wicker horizontally. This will ensure the paint gets into all the crevices of the wicker furniture with a nice paint flow.
  • Spray painting about 8 inches from the furniture is the most effective way to avoid dripping and running for good coverage and paint flow.

How long does painted wicker furniture take to dry?

I let the first coat of paint dry for about an hour and then reapplied a second coat, letting it sit for another hour. It may appear dry to the touch at this time, but I always give my painted wicker furniture pieces 24 hours before I begin to use them.

You can see this chair with one fresh coat of paint here. The brown still shows through, requiring a second coat for best results, getting into all the crannies of the wicker.

Blue paint wicker furniture chair

And here is the wicker furniture chair after two coats of paint on the backside.

Mountain View with wooden wallpaper table and dishes.

Recommended REading

You may also enjoy this How to Refinish a Wood Table in Less Than 1 Hour post.

Blue paint wicker furniture chair

Be sure to walk around the wicker furniture, looking for uneven finish parts in all the different angles. Painting wicker can be tricky due to its intricacies, and you’ll want an even coat of paint throughout the wicker weave with a thick coat of paint.

Blue paint wicker chair with blue flower.

I love this deep blue color for a home on the coast. It reminds me of my friend Molly in Maine over on Instagram, and Kim from Shiplap and Shells at her 100-year-old cottage on the Puget Sound.

But as for today, it’s the start of mud season here in Vermont, so I added two white faux sheepskins to each blue-painted wicker furniture chair for this shabby chic, comfortable style.

Blue Paint Wicker Chairs with white sheepskins.

What is Mud Season?

Mud Season is the period between winter and spring when thawing occurs. It is informally referred to as Vermont’s fifth season. This time period depends on the weather, but historically, it begins around the snowmelt in late March or early April and finishes in early June.

And, of course, the best part: Ella, our Bernese Mountain Dog, immediately jumped up to try it out…

Bernese Mountain Dog in blue paint wicker furniture chair

I haven’t decided whether to keep this wicker furniture here in Vermont, sell it at my vintage booth, or maybe bring the chairs to the coast this summer for a modern look.

Green wicker furniture with white upholstered cushions on Vermont front porch outdoors.

Recommended Reading

You may also appreciate this Best Outdoor Wicker Furniture Porch Decorating Ideas post.

Two blue paint wicker furniture chairs with white sheepskins

Do you have any tips or hacks you would like to share for a painted wicker chair?

How To Create An Inviting Front Porch with Wicker Furniture

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You may also enjoy this How To Create An Inviting Front Porch with Wicker Furniture post.

Two blue paint wicker furniture chairs with white sheepskins
My First Time Using a Paint Sprayer, What You Need to Know

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I recently tried out a new electric paint spray gun and loved it. Which would also be a fabulous way to paint wicker furniture. See more in the My First Time Using a Paint Sprayer, What You Need to Know post.

It’s a great way to paint wicker furniture for a new look.

Bernese Mountain Dog on blue paint wicker furniture chairs.


In conclusion, transforming your outdoor space can be as simple as choosing the right color and materials.

By opting to paint wicker furniture, you can breathe new life into old pieces.

I painted these two outdoor wicker chairs in bright blue, seamlessly complementing them with white sheepskins. Using spray paint made the process easy and effective, resulting in a vibrant and refreshed outdoor setting that invites comfort and style.

Whether you’re looking to add a pop of color or a subtle update, painting wicker furniture is a great way to enhance your outdoor decor.

blue paint wicker chair in garage with Bernese Mountain Dog sitting in it.

Frequently Asked Questions About Painting Wicker Furniture

What kind of paint should I use on wicker furniture?

Spray paint is often the best option for wicker furniture because it gets into all the nooks and crannies. Look for an indoor/outdoor spray paint formulated for wood, wicker, or rattan. Chalk paint or acrylic latex paint can also be used with a brush, but you may need a small brush to reach tight spaces.

Do I need to prime wicker before painting it?

Yes, priming is a good idea, especially for natural wicker or if you’re changing the color dramatically. Use a spray primer made for wood or wicker. If the piece has been previously painted, a light sanding and cleaning may be all you need before applying your new paint.

Can you paint wicker furniture without sanding it first?

You can, but it depends on the condition of the wicker. If the old finish is flaking or glossy, a quick sanding will help the new paint adhere better. For pieces in good shape, a thorough cleaning and a good primer may be enough.

How do I prepare wicker furniture for painting?

Start by vacuuming or brushing off any dust or debris. Wash the piece with a mild soap and water solution, then let it dry completely. Repair any broken strands and tighten loose areas before priming and painting.

What’s the best way to apply paint to wicker furniture?

Spray painting gives the smoothest and most even finish. Hold the can about 8–10 inches away and use light, even coats to avoid drips. Let each coat dry before applying the next. If you’re brushing, choose a small angled brush and be prepared for some detailed work to get into the weave.

How to paint wicker furniture: Your step-by-step Guide
Ann, vintage home decor blogger signature with blueberry branch and XO

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4 Comments

  1. Marlene S. says:

    Great tips and a pretty chair.