That colour has got to go, need advise on repainting wicker chairs.

June 6, 2009 10:26 AM

Painting Filter: I am purchasing some second hand wicker chairs for my porch. What's the best way to repaint them?

This is what the chairs look like. They are currently a very unattractive shade of dark green so this will need to change. The information I looked up about repainting wicker is all over the map on paint and application.

I'm hoping you can tell me what worked best for those of you who've done this. Oil or latex, primed or not, spray or brush?

I'll take any advise on the care and keeping as well. They will be on a covered porch and won't be out beyond the lovely autumn weather each year.

Thanks MeFites!

posted by Weaslegirl to Home & Garden (7 answers total)

Best answer: Spray, unless you're a total masochist. Use a good exterior primer, then an equally good exterior weatherproof paint (Krylon comes to mind). One good primer coat, then two (or three) light coats with the exterior and you won't need to touch them again for 10 years.
posted by Aquaman at 10:32 AM on June 6, 2009

Aquaman is right on the money. Make sure to do the spraypainting outside, but still use a dropcloth unless you want paint on your lawn. I'd suggest black -- classy, good coverage, and hides stains and imperfections.
posted by Rock Steady at 11:07 AM on June 6, 2009

Definitely spray. Be sure to use several coats to get a nice even finish.
posted by Sailormom at 12:25 PM on June 6, 2009

What Aquaman said. Minimizing their time in the sun and taking them in during the winter will extend the life of the finish.
posted by LarryC at 12:51 PM on June 6, 2009

Best answer: As tempting as it is to try and squirt "through" the mesh to get those hard-to-reach places, you really want to make sure the paint is hitting the wicker in fine clouds. Otherwise you're going to get clumps and drips that will pull apart whenever the chair starts seeing real use, which will seriously mar your paintjob.
posted by hermitosis at 2:25 PM on June 6, 2009 [1 favorite]

If you spray (I would) be sure to have plenty of newspaper or some other disposable stuff behind.
posted by anadem at 7:47 PM on June 6, 2009

Response by poster: Thanks everyone, I'm off to pick them up and I appreciate the time and advise.!! I'm looking forward to the painting project now that I'm comfortable with what to do. I'd have y'all over for pints on the porch if I could. :o)
posted by Weaslegirl at 1:23 PM on June 7, 2009