How-to Paint Outdoor Resin Wicker Furniture!
Tired of your dark brown outdoor resin wicker furniture? In one day, you can transform it with 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!
UPDATED: INCLUDES HOW TO FIX CHIPPING AFTER USE.
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…
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.
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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.
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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…
What I know is 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 Spray Paint for Outdoor Resin Wicker Furniture
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.
If you start in the morning, by the afternoon you can complete this really easy project.
It will amaze you how a color change can make your outdoor furniture look brand new.
What is the special paint I used? Khaki Camouflage spray paint!
Plus non-reflective, so it gives you a look more similar to real woven wicker.
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An easy 3 step process to spray paint outdoor resin wicker furniture that takes one day! Clean, prime and paint. As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
How-to Paint Resin Wicker Furniture
Materials
Tools
Instructions
Notes
Recommended Products
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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.
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!
- Thoroughly clean the surface with soap and water. Be gentle and when dry use a paint brush to swipe off weak areas of paint.
- Spray bonding primer over the areas that have chipped, including the adjacent areas. Dry 30 minutes.
- 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.
I hope you found this tutorial helpful and if you love making over items with spray paint, here are some additional ideas:
- Yes! You Can Spray Paint Cabinet Hardware
- Easily Update Picture Frames with Spray Paint!
- Spray Paint Curtain Rods for a Whole New Look
Spray paint is the easiest and most affordable way to make over your home decor and outdoor furniture!
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You will know the right sheen for every project…
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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
Absolutely, if you feel comfortable with a sprayer you can spray Valspar Bonding Primer and use an exterior paint in any color.
I want to paint mine white, can I do that?
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!
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.
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.
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
Absolutely!
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?
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 🙂
What did you do to revamp the cushions? They look brighter and fluffier.
I slipcovered them with white Sunbrella fabric. It was when were were in lockdown and I had nothing better to do 🙂
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
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.
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?
Yay! Wow you’ve been busy like me. Yes, I do have two places you can visit where I list all of the paint and DIY projects. At some point, I am going to redesign my site so it’s easier to find everything! Check out these two pages: https://porchdaydreamer.com/paint-project-resource/ and https://porchdaydreamer.com/diy-project-guide/