2 min read
‘Tis the season for outdoor living, which means cleaning and prepping your back and front porch furniture for the warmer months ahead. As you’re sprucing up your screened-in porch, take stock of your outdoor furniture’s condition, especially wicker and rattan pieces that can really take a beating from heat, humidity, and time. If yours are looking a little worse for wear, read on before you toss them to the curb. We have an easy and stylish solution to revive their charm and extend their life—paint.
As with interior walls, cabinets, even floors and ceilings, a fresh coat of the perfect paint can revive wicker, making a charming style statement while also protecting these perennial favorites from the wear and tear of outdoor living. The result is both practical and polished, creating perfect perches for al fresco dinners and summer cocktails for years to come. Here are some tips on painting and protecting your wicker furniture.
Prep Properly Before Painting
Before applying any primer or paint, prep your wicker surfaces by cleaning thoroughly (use a brush to get into the weave). If cleaning with mild soap and water, allow furniture to dry fully. Use high-quality paint suited for outdoor use (oil-based paint, exterior acrylic enamel, and spray paint for intricate weaves).
Shade Helps, But Not Enough
Even when wicker chairs, tables, and sofas are arranged on fully or partially covered spaces, like a shady front porch, they are still exposed to the elements, namely extreme temperatures and windy conditions. This can cause natural fibers to become brittle, which leads to cracking over time. Paint helps prolong the life of these pieces by acting as a protective barrier.
Protect Indoor Wicker Furniture As Well
Wicker is also a popular choice for interior sunrooms. Although less of a threat than harsh outside elements, indoor heat sources can be problematic for wicker furniture over time. If painting isn’t a style choice you’re ready to make, unfinished wicker can benefit from oil treatments using tung oil, teak oil, lemon oil, or boiled linseed oil.
Amy Mitchell is the managing editor for VERANDA and Country Living, where she writes articles on a variety of topics—decorating and design, gardens, and holidays. Amy’s experience in the shelter magazine category spans more than 20 years, as she’s previously held positions at Coastal Living and Cottage Living. Her personal pursuits include cooking, gardening, and hunting her favorite tag sale spots for the next piece of Pyrex for her prized collection.
Comments are closed.