Reviving Old Outdoor Wicker Patio Furniture
Do you have an urge to breathe fresh life into your outdoor wicker patio furniture? As they say, a little paint can go a long ways! If you have DIY dedication and a weekend to spare, you can make your old patio set look like it was bought just yesterday!
It may not be the easiest fixer-upper job, but refinishing old furniture is a fun task and often worth the effort. Outdoor wicker patio furniture can be remarkably easy to refurbish, and can last well into the future if treated with a little TLC.
Outdoor wicker patio furniture
Quick Prep-Time Tips
Begin by removing all of the loose flaky paint that may already be on your wicker patio furniture. A brass or wire brush should do the trick – tough spots may be tackled with a standard paint scraper. Rattan furniture can be sprayed down with a high pressure sprayer, but make sure the piece is completely dried out before doing anything else.
Be careful not to damage any of the weave, as aging wicker can become somewhat delicate over time.
After the old paint is cleaned up a bit, use fine-grain sandpaper to rough up the surface (it will help the new coat stick) while taking out some of those jagged edges from casual wear-and-tear. Make sure to remove every last spec of dust before continuing!
Primer Course
If your outdoor wicker patio furniture will be exposed to the elements, you’ll want to use products that are meant for use on home exteriors. Since your body will be coming in intimate contact with this furniture, use only nontoxic, eco-friendly paints and primers.
Bare spots will need to be coated with at least two layers of primer using a sprayer or natural bristle brush. Without special attention, these spots will absorb a disproportionate amount of pigment and the final product will look blotchy and uneven.
Painting Wicker Furniture
Now you’re ready to paint! Hopefully you have already chosen the perfect colors to complement your existing patio interior design ideas. Start by turning the chair upside down and paint the accessible area. Then you can turn it over and begin painting the rest. Pay special attention to those little nooks and crannies with each coat.
Every layer should be applied lightly after the previous layer dries, and a minimum of two coats is recommended for most cases. Even dated wicker patio furniture should now look refreshed and ready for the modern home. You can apply additional coats if needed.
Last But Not Least
The entire process should be completed in a properly ventilated area, taking the same precautions that one would use when doing any other large painting job. Masks are recommended for every step from initial prep-work to the finishing touches. Ask your local paint expert for advice and safety tips if you have never painted furniture before.
Don’t attempt to paint a truly damaged chair; the deceptive appearance of safety could result in injury. Unfortunately, some wicker patio furniture just can’t be saved. In these cases it’s best to let your old, trusty set go and invest in something that is truly fresh and new – or recycled, if you’re of an eco-conscious spirit!
For other great home furnishing ideas, be sure to visit our Rival crock pot home page and see how others just like you are learning to live the slow-cookin’ lifestyle.
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