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How-to Spray Paint Outdoor Resin Wicker Furniture!

Tired of your dark brown outdoor resin wicker furniture? In one day, you can transform it with spray paint for a whole new look!

Yes, I was tired of the same dark brown resin wicker furniture on the front porch.

I’ve had it for 8 years and wanted a lighter look, but didn’t want to spend the money to replace it.

Here is how, in just one afternoon, I transformed that dark brown plastic wicker to a gorgeous driftwood tan!

Aren’t you happy you can paint outdoor resin wicker furniture to give it a whole new life?

UPDATED: INCLUDES HOW TO FIX CHIPPING PAINT  

Yes! You Can Paint Outdoor Resin Wicker/Rattan Furniture

You may be wondering if it’s possible to even paint resin/plastic outdoor furniture because you are worried the paint won’t stick.

Luckily, if you paint it the RIGHT way with proper preparation you can totally transform outdoor wicker.

Here is the typical outdoor dark brown plastic wicker patio furniture from my front porch…

bright-and-sunny-small-front-porch_3

Are you ready for a new color and are loving the lighter driftwood finishes?

This is the furniture on my back porch that was taunting me to change the front porch…BUT it’s so expensive to replace perfectly good furniture.

layers-of-textures-glass-round-table-orchid-blue-white-planter-round-topiary-bush-black-planter-silver-woven-rug-white-navy-pillows-min

Contains hand selected products, with affiliate marketing links where I may make a small commission if a purchase is made. {full disclosure here}

The way I looked at it is if I didn’t like the final finish, then I would plunk down the cash for something new.

I set off to create a whole new look on my front porch and make it look lighter and brighter with a little paint.

When it comes to painting anything, so much of getting the best result has to do with cleaning and priming so the paint adheres and lasts.

Much of this blog is all about painting things

bonding primer is the answer to painting any type of resin, plastic or glossy surface!

Then you need to think about the surface you are painting and the finish you want to achieve.

In looking at the texture of wicker, a spray paint is going to provide the best coverage in the nooks and crannies.

Finally, choosing the right type of spray paint can help with how it will weather.

Best Paint for Outdoor Resin Wicker Furniture

The best kind of paint you use on resin wicker is spray paint!

Wait until you see the after! It’s as easy as 1,2,3…and you won’t believe what type of spray paint I used to paint my resin wicker furniture!

Why Spray Paint for outdoor Resin Wicker Furniture is Best

Think about how intricate the weaving is on wicker. If you tried to hand apply regular paint to any type of wicker furniture, it would be impossible to to get into all the nooks.

Spray painting is the best option to get full coverage and into all of the detailed areas.

If you start in the morning, by the afternoon you’l have freshly painted wicker furniture!

It will amaze you how a color change can make your outdoor furniture look brand new.

Specialty Spray Paint to Paint Outdoor Resin Wicker Furniture

What is the special spray paint I used to paint resin wicker? 

Khaki Camouflage Spray Paint!

Here’s another spray paint option from Rustoleum you can try too!

Why? It’s for outdoor environments, tough terrain, and for painting plastic!

Plus non-reflective, so it gives you a look more similar to real woven wicker.

Pin It for Later!

paint outdoor plastic wicker supplies
  1. Outdoor Cleaner
  2. Pressure Washer
  3. Waterproof Tarp
  4. Spray Bonding Primer
  5. Khaki Camouflage Spray Paint

My tutorial is selling out the spray paint! If this is out of stock try Khaki Camo Spray Paint

How-to Paint Resin/Plastic Wicker Outdoor Furniture

How-to-spray-paint-outdoor-resin-wicker-furniture-before-after-spray-paint

An easy 3 step process to spray paint outdoor resin wicker furniture or woven plastic rattan that takes one day! Clean, prime and paint.

Prep Time 30 minutes
Active Time 30 minutes
Additional Time 8 hours
Total Time 9 hours
Difficulty Easy
Estimated Cost $50

Materials

  • Rust-Oleum Bonding Primer Spray Paint (4 cans)
  • Krylon or Rust-Oleum Camouflage Spray Paint (4 to 6 cans)
  • Waterproof Tarp
  • Outdoor Cleaner

Tools

  • Pressure Washer or Garden Hose
  • Scrub Brush
  • Dust Pan Brush
  • Rust-Oleum Comfort Grip

Instructions

  1. Thoroughly clean your outdoor furniture with an outdoor cleaner and a high pressure garden hose or pressure washer. Make sure to remove all mold, mildew, and dirt. Dry COMPLETELY. pressure-wash-dark-brown-resin-wicker-furniture
  2. Once wicker is dry, brush off any dust, dirt or pollen that may have settled. This ensures the best adhesion. thoroughly-clean-and-brush-off-outdoor-resin-wicker-furniture-prior-to-painting
  3. Using the optional comfort grip attachment, spray an even coating of bonding primer over all surfaces including legs. bonding-primer-is-a-must-when-painting-outdoor-resin-wicker-furniture spray-bonding-primer-dark-brown-outdoor-resin-wicker-furniture
  4. Primer isn't meant to cover completely, so you will see some dark brown show through. Let dry 30 minutes to 1 hour, before painting. outdoor-resin-wicker-furniture-coated-spray-bonding-primer
  5. Using Krylon Ultra-Flat Khaki Camouflage spray paint and the same comfort grip attachment, spray first coat of paint color. Let dry 30 minutes. best-spray-paint-outdoor-resin-wicker-furniture-driftwood-tan
  6. Apply 2nd coat of Camouflage spray paint. how-to-spray-paint-plastic-wicker-furniture
  7. Make sure to cover all bonding primer as much as possible, but I found it was impossible to cover with enough spray paint to hide the white underneath. I liked it added some dimension. outdoor-resin-wicker-furniture-spray-painted-driftwood-tan
  8. Let furniture dry overnight, before using. The paint won't be flake resistant for 7 days, so be gentle with the furniture! spray-paint-rattan-wicker-resin-furniture

Notes

  • Do NOT scratch the bonding primer to see if it's sticking to the resin wicker. That isn't a true adhesion test. Bonding primer acts like a "sticking agent" and helps the paint adhere to the surface.
  • If placing in an area exposed to rain, dry for a few days in a covered area to ensure the paint is throughly dry.
  • Paint fully cures in 7 days.
  • Like the driftwood swing? Here is how to transform a basic swing: 3 Easy Swing Updates

Did you make this project?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Pinterest

Here is the after view with the freshly painted outdoor resin wicker sectional sofa and I LOVE the new look!

spray-paint-rattan-wicker-resin-furniture

How-to Fix Chips the Next Season

As I mentioned, spray painting your plastic furniture is NOT a permanent solution.

Don’t be disheartened or think you did something wrong if over time chips happen!

Dust, debris, grease really anything can end up under the bonding primer on this tricky to paint surface.

chipping-paint-outdoor-wicker-furniture

Plus the wicker will expand and contract with heating and cooling temperatures.

This creates little weak spots and then you have someone sit down and further stress the wicker. Chips are just bound to happen!

Or you may have a similar issue that I did…a stray cat decided to stretch and claw on my sofa…can’t blame the cat for wanting to sleep on my porch!

Repair Chipped Spray Paint in 3 Easy Steps

Watch the entire video linked in this post!

  1. Thoroughly clean the surface with soap and water. Be gentle and when dry use a paint brush to swipe off weak areas of paint.
  2. Spray bonding primer over the areas that have chipped, including the adjacent areas. Dry 30 minutes.
  3. Apply a fresh coat of your spray paint. Dry overnight before placing cushions and wait a day to sit on the furniture.

IMPORTANT: My new cans of paint didn’t match the original color, so yours may not either.

BE PREPARED with enough spray paint to lightly coat all of the furniture to blend in the colors.

Know each season there will be touch ups required, but in an hour you can fix any issues you encounter.

Painting Outdoor Furniture FAQs

Can I spray paint my regular rattan wicker furniture?

Yes! Use the same exact process and method that I recommend. Because the furniture isn’t plastic you can use any outdoor rated spray paint in any color.

Can I spray paint my plastic wicker furniture?

Follow this easy 3 step process to paint any plastic wicker furniture. Clean and de-gloss, prime with a bonding primer, and apply spray paint rated for outdoor use. Farmhouse Greige is a great color for a coastal look.
how-to-spray-paint-plastic-wicker-furniture

What spray paint should I use on plastic rattan furniture?

I found camouflage spray paint to be the best option for outdoor plastic rattan furniture. It is rated for plastic and outdoor use plus is durable.

Is it better to hand paint or spray paint wicker?

Spray paint is the best option to get into all of the details of the wicker. Applying a regular paint with a brush will not cover as well to protect the wicker.

Can I spray paint plastic garden furniture?

Yes! Use any spray paint recommended for outdoor use. My favorite is Rustoleum Universal Spray Paint. Just follow my paint tutorial form best adhesion.

What primer do I use to paint plastic outdoor furniture?

You can use Rustoleum Plastic primer or a general Bonding Primer to paint outdoor plastic our outdoor wicker furniture.

I hope you found this tutorial helpful and if you love making over items with spray paint, here are some additional ideas:

Spray paint is the easiest and most affordable way to make over your home decor and outdoor furniture!

Please consider following me on Instagram or Facebook for daily inspiration!

Until next time,

Porch Daydreamer

Tracey

18 Comments

  1. I’m not sure how old this post is as there’s no dates anywhere but I’m wondering if using Rustoleum plastic primer might have worked better than the universal bonding primer. Maybe it wasn’t on the market when this post was made.

    1. It is a new post that I keep up to date. Yes! You can use the plastic primer as well. It’s also a bonding primer. I’ve added it to the FAQs, so thanks for the question.

  2. Hi Tracey,
    Before I begin painting resin wicker 4 piece set, would it be more economical and easier to use a sprayer instead of multiple cans of spray paint? I watched your video on buying a sprayer, too, so I’m thinking that might be better with so many pieces to spray. Your thoughts?
    Leslie

    1. Absolutely, if you feel comfortable with a sprayer you can spray Valspar Bonding Primer and use an exterior paint in any color.

  3. I want to paint mine white, can I do that?

    1. Absolutely, just make sure the spray paint specifically is designed for use in outdoor environments. My tray table on the front porch was sprayed using the same method in white and silver and has held up perfectly!

  4. Hi, do you think it would be possible to get opacity with black camo paint over the bonding primer? I have two black resin wicker chairs and that are faded but I would like to keep the color.

    1. Hi, Ashley! You can use regular black spray paint in any sheen. It will take a good amount of spray paint, but definitely can be done! So buy extra and return what you don’t use.

  5. Can this technique be used on rattan wicker furniture. Mine are a oak type color right now would like to lighten to the khaki camouflage color you showed. Thank you

  6. Sarah Valle says:

    I’d love to try this! It looks amazing! One issue I have is that my seat cushions are “built in” under the resin wicker, so you will sit directly on the painted area and it will revive a lot of wear and tear from the cushion springing up and down, as well as someone sitting directly on it. I’m wondering how that might hold up. All my furniture is outside in an uncovered area as well. Would you still recommend?

    1. Hi, Sarah! I think I recommend this for only resin wicker that is under cover. I’m not sure how well it will wear. My cushions are sitting on the painted wicker and slide quite a bit. I’m seeing some wear on the edges, but it is really easy to touch up with more primer and spray paint, if it chips. To me paint is a life extender before buying something new…so don’t expect it to be a permanent solution 🙂

    2. What did you do to revamp the cushions? They look brighter and fluffier.

      1. I slipcovered them with white Sunbrella fabric. It was when were were in lockdown and I had nothing better to do 🙂

  7. Gail Jones says:

    Can I paint over a latex paint on resin wicker that has chipped in some places? I want to use the Kraylon Fussin to have a more durable finish. Will i need to removr the latex paint? I plan-to prime first. What is the chance the primer and then the top coat will hold over latex?

    Thank you, Gail

    1. You would need to sand where it’s chipped, prime with the bonding primer, and then spray with the spray paint color. If the current painted finish isn’s sound then everything over the top can chip off.

  8. Your tutorials are so helpful. I have a big furniture painting project in my future and your Valspar Cabinet & Furniture tutorial was packed with tips including the best applicators and technique to apply. I also read the list of the items you have already painted and now more ideas for fall painting. Luckily, I already own “the Grip”… will never use spray paint without it again. My main question is: DO YOU HAVE A LOCATION ON YOUR BLOG OR UTUBE WHERE I CAN FIND ALL OF YOUR TUTORIALS IN ONE PLACE? I seem to stumble upon them looking at your blog as they pop up. Would be wondeful to have a link to all of them in one spot. And I have the Cabinet “bumpers” ready to install as well and found the tuturial so all set except for the extender piece ? must order that too. THANK YOU SO MUCH. Love doing projects in my relatively new home. I also have many pictures from my former home with frames that are too dark. Now I feel confident to spray paint those as well. Who knew?

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