Are you looking to update your décor without spending big bucks? Well it can be done by simply painting your old rattan or wicker furniture.
If your wicker chairs have seen better days and are looking a little worn, there is no need to throw them out yet. With a bit of creativity, you can salvage them and make them look as good as new. One of the best ways to spruce up old rattan or cane furniture is to paint it in an attractive and snazzy color. Such a project is not hard to undertake and all you need are a few painting supplies. When most people think of painting rattan furniture, they opt for a pristine white color. Although white does look elegant and refined, you can experiment with different paint colors like moss green, sky blue and even purple. Applying a coat of paint not only makes the furniture look attractive, it also acts as a protective coating and helps in sealing the furniture. There are two ways to go about painting rattan furniture. One is to paint the furniture with a paint brush and the other is to spray paint it. Spray painting is a better and more convenient option as it allows you to finish the project within a short time.
Material Required
- Spray paint
- Sponge
- Old newspaper
- Old toothbrush
- Strong-hold glue
- Nail gun
Clean the Rattan Furniture
The first thing that you need to do before painting the rattan furniture is to clean it thoroughly. There is no point painting over accumulated dirt and debris as the paint will just flake off after some time. To clean rattan furniture, first clean the entire furniture with a soft rag or duster to remove surface debris. Next make a cleaning mixture by combining one part vinegar to two part warm water. Dip a clean sponge in this mixture and wipe the furniture with the sponge. Make sure that the sponge is just moist and not soaking wet. This will help in removing all surface dirt and grease from the furniture. If you see debris and grease accumulated in the nooks and crannies of the furniture, then use an old toothbrush with soft bristles to remove the debris. Wait for the rattan furniture to dry completely before you paint it.
Repair the Furniture
Once you have thoroughly cleaned and dried the furniture, look at the furniture carefully to see if it needs repair. In case of very old furniture or outdoor furniture, some loose rattan or holes in the furniture is inevitable. In such a case it is best that you do all the repair work before proceeding to paint it. If an extensive damage to the furniture has been done, then you need to get it professionally repaired. However, for minor repairs, like fixing loose rattan, you can use strong hold glue and a nail gun.
Spray Paint the Furniture
Choose a can of spray paint that is specifically meant for painting over rattan. These type of spray paints are easily available in home improvement stores and if you are unsure which type of paint to pick, you can ask the store sales staff for help. To spray paint the rattan furniture, lay newspaper over the floor and place the furniture over the newspaper. Hold the can at least 10 inches away from the furniture and start spraying them in an even and systematic motion. Painting from the top, in a horizontal motion works best for me, but you can try your own method for spray painting. Make sure that whichever technique you employ for spray painting, the coverage is uniform and even. Allow the furniture to dry completely for at least 48 hours before placing them in your patio or living room.
Painting rattan furniture is not hard, once you have all the supplies at hand. If you spray paint the furniture indoors, make sure that the area is well ventilated. If you choose to do it outdoors, then keep in mind that dust in the air can compromise the finish of the painted furniture. Painting rattan furniture is an inexpensive way to update your furniture, so give it a try!