How to Paint Wicker Furniture With Spray Paint (Easy Step-by-Step Guide)

Painting wicker furniture is one of the easiest ways to breathe new life into tired pieces, and these two old wicker chairs I found on Facebook Marketplace were ready for a fresh start. Chippy, weathered, and well-loved, they were the perfect candidates for a simple spray paint makeover as spring approached. In this post, I’m sharing exactly how to paint wicker furniture with spray paint, walking you through the prep, paint choice, and step-by-step process I used to transform them with a bright blue finish that feels fresh, cheerful, and vintage-friendly.

“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 of Dabbling & Decorating 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

Before learning how to paint wicker furniture, it helps to know what makes a piece worth saving. Wicker furniture often looks worse than it really is, especially when it’s chipped, faded, or layered with old paint. With new wicker furniture priced at $500 or more per piece, repainting vintage or secondhand wicker is an affordable way to update your home. For the cost of a few cans of spray paint, you can refresh old wicker furniture and give it an entirely new look.

I found these two wicker chairs on Facebook Marketplace years ago for about $125 each. At the time, they were covered in old white paint and leaned heavily into the shabby chic look. Over the years, they’ve been painted yellow and later dark brown, making them the perfect examples of why learning how to paint wicker furniture is so useful. Wicker is surprisingly forgiving, and with the right prep and spray paint technique, it can be repainted multiple times and still look beautiful.

How to Paint Wicker Furniture: Everything You Need to Know

Learning how to paint wicker furniture starts with understanding what works best for woven surfaces. From choosing spray paint to dealing with old, chippy layers, this section answers the most common questions people have before picking up a paint can.

Can You Paint Over Wicker Chairs? Yes, Here’s How

Yes, you can paint over wicker chairs, and in most cases, you don’t need to strip them down to bare material first. If the existing paint is mostly intact, lightly sanding and thorough cleaning are often enough to prep the surface. Spray painting is especially helpful when learning how to paint wicker furniture because it reaches deep into the woven texture without clogging the details.

The key is starting with a clean, dry surface and applying multiple light coats of paint rather than one heavy layer. This helps prevent drips and keeps the wicker weave crisp and defined.

Can You Spray Paint Wicker Furniture? Absolutely, and Here’s the Best Way

Spray paint is one of the easiest and most effective ways to paint wicker furniture. Because wicker has so many curves and crevices, brushing paint on often leads to uneven coverage and missed spots. Spray paint allows you to coat the surface evenly while preserving the texture of the weave.

When spray painting wicker furniture, work in thin, even passes and allow each coat to dry before applying the next. This method creates a smooth, durable finish and is ideal for both indoor and outdoor wicker pieces.

Best Spray Paint for Wicker Furniture: What to Look For

Choosing the right spray paint is an important step in how to paint wicker furniture successfully. Look for a paint that is fast-drying, durable, and compatible with wicker or similar materials. If the furniture will live outdoors or on a covered porch, an outdoor-rated spray paint will offer better protection from moisture and wear.

For this wicker chair makeover, I chose Rust-Oleum’s Deep Blue Gloss with a smooth finish that instantly refreshed the chairs and made them feel ready for spring. A quality spray paint should adhere well to the wicker weaving and hold up beautifully over time without flaking or peeling.

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

Sometimes old wicker furniture has layers of flaking or uneven paint that need extra attention before repainting. Removing old paint from wicker furniture takes patience, but it’s completely doable with the right approach.

Start by gently loosening any peeling paint using a stiff brush or an old toothbrush. For a thicker buildup, a paint stripper designed for delicate surfaces can help soften the paint without damaging the wicker. Always work carefully to protect the woven material underneath.

Three Essential Steps to Strip Paint from Wicker Furniture

1. First, use a stiff brush or toothbrush to remove loose or chipping paint from the wicker surface.
2. Second, apply a paint stripper that’s appropriate for wicker or similar materials, following the manufacturer’s instructions closely.
3. Third, gently scrub and wipe the surface clean, allowing the wicker to dry completely before moving on to painting.

Before painting, always confirm that your spray paint is suitable for the material and intended location of the furniture. Indoor and outdoor conditions matter, and planning ahead is key. I’ve also learned that many hardware stores don’t stock large quantities of the same spray paint color, so buying all your cans at once can save time and frustration later.

How to Paint Wicker Furniture With Spray Paint: Step-by-Step Instructions

This step-by-step process shows exactly how to paint wicker furniture with spray paint for even coverage, good paint flow, and a long-lasting finish.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Spray Painting Wicker

1. Start by setting up a platform in a well-ventilated area. When learning how to paint wicker furniture, elevating the piece makes all the difference. I use an old pallet and two sawhorses, but a plastic drop cloth or old bedsheets work just as well. Raising the furniture also makes the job much easier on your back.
2. Purchase all of your supplies ahead of time so you don’t run out mid-project. Spray paint colors can be difficult to match later, and having everything ready helps keep the painting process smooth and efficient.
3. Clean the wicker furniture thoroughly to remove dust and debris. A damp cloth, vacuum cleaner, kitchen scrub brush, or garden hose all work well, depending on how dirty the piece is. Let the wicker dry completely before painting.
4. Lightly sand any wooden parts, such as legs or rockers, if needed. This helps smooth rough areas and improves paint adhesion.
5. Wear painting gloves to protect your hands. In my experience, it’s nearly impossible to spray paint wicker furniture without getting paint on your skin.
6. Use a KN95 dust mask to avoid breathing in spray paint fumes, especially when working in enclosed or partially covered spaces.
7. Apply the first coat of paint by spraying vertically along the wicker weave, then go back and spray horizontally. This technique helps the paint reach all the crevices and
8. Hold the spray paint can about 8 inches away from the furniture. This distance helps prevent drips and runs while maintaining smooth paint flow and consistent coverage.

How Long Does Painted Wicker Furniture Take to Dry?

When learning how to paint wicker furniture, drying time is just as important as the painting process itself. I typically let the first coat of spray paint dry for about one hour before applying a second coat. At this stage, the paint may feel dry to the touch, but that doesn’t mean it’s fully cured.

After the second coat, I always allow painted wicker furniture to sit for a full 24 hours before using it. This extra drying time helps the paint harden properly and prevents smudging, sticking, or wear in the woven areas.

Here is the chair after just one coat of paint. The darker color still shows through the wicker weave, especially in the deeper crevices, which is why a second coat is essential for even coverage and a finished look.

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

Be sure to walk around the wicker furniture, looking for uneven finishes at different angles. Painting wicker can be tricky because of its intricate weave, and you’ll want an even coat of paint throughout the weave with a thick coat.

How to Paint Wicker Furniture and Style It for Easy Porch Living

Once you’ve finished learning how to paint wicker furniture, styling the piece is where the transformation really comes to life. After spray painting these two chairs a rich cobalt blue, I set them outside on the lawn and kept the styling simple so the color could shine. A white sheepskin draped over each chair instantly softened the look and created a beautiful contrast against the blue wicker. Explore more sheepskin decorating ideas in my 15 Sheepskin Decor Ideas: These Photos Say Yes to Cozy post.

One chair is a rocker, and the other is a standard chair, but styling them together helped them feel like a cohesive pair. The white sheepskin adds texture, comfort, and that inviting porch-ready feel without competing with the paint color. If sheepskins aren’t your style, a lightweight quilt or a single throw pillow works just as well and adds an easy layer of comfort.

These painted wicker chairs are perfect for porch sitting, whether styled casually on the lawn or pulled up onto a covered porch.

And of course, no finished chair is complete without Ella’s approval. Our Bernese Mountain Dog immediately claimed one chair as her own, curling up on the sheepskin and later drifting off to sleep. It’s a sweet reminder that learning how to paint wicker furniture isn’t just about updating decor; it’s about creating comfortable, welcoming spaces that get used and loved.

How to Paint Wicker Furniture and Refresh Old Pieces With Paint

Learning how to paint wicker furniture is one of the simplest ways to update old, worn pieces without replacing them. With the right prep, spray paint, and drying time, wicker furniture can be transformed again and again, making it a practical and budget-friendly option for both indoor and outdoor spaces. Whether you’re refreshing thrifted finds or giving long-loved pieces a seasonal update, spray painting wicker offers an easy way to bring new life to furniture that still has plenty of charm left.

If you enjoyed this step-by-step guide on how to paint wicker furniture, be sure to explore more of my painting and DIY projects below. From furniture makeovers to simple paint refreshes, these ideas are designed to help you use what you have, save money, and create a home that feels familiar, layered, and uniquely yours.

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