Painted rattan furniture is having a serious moment in Australian interiors right now — and it's easy to see why. A rattan chair or side table painted in a soft coastal colour looks absolutely beautiful, and the texture of the weave shows through the paint in a way that's genuinely unique. We love painting rattan pieces in our studio and the results always turn heads.
The technique is a little different from painting flat timber furniture, but it's not difficult once you know what you're doing. Here's how we do it.
Can You Paint Rattan Furniture?
Yes — absolutely. Both natural rattan and synthetic rattan (resin wicker) can be painted. Natural rattan takes paint beautifully and the texture of the weave creates a stunning effect. Synthetic rattan requires a little more prep for good adhesion, but the results are equally impressive.
Which Paint to Use on Rattan
We recommend Artisan Chalk Finish Paint for indoor rattan pieces — it's water-based, flows into the weave beautifully, and the flat matte finish suits the natural texture of rattan perfectly.
For outdoor rattan, use Artisan Mineral Paint for its UV protection and water resistance. Our guide to painting outdoor furniture covers this in detail.
Avoid oil-based paints on rattan — they're harder to work into the weave, take much longer to dry, and the fumes are unpleasant to work with indoors.
Best Colours for Painted Rattan
White and off-white are the most popular choices — Arctic White or Parchment from the chalk finish range both look stunning on rattan. The texture of the weave shows beautifully through a light colour.
Sage green is another favourite — Sage or Gumleaf on a rattan chair creates a distinctly Australian coastal look that's hard to beat. For something bolder, Navy or Charcoal on rattan creates a dramatic, contemporary effect.
Browse all colours: Best Paint Colours for Australian Homes
What You'll Need
- Artisan Chalk Finish or Mineral Paint
- A medium-sized brush with flexible bristles (not too stiff)
- A small detail brush for getting into tight spots
- Drop sheet
- Furniture wax or water-based sealer
Step 1: Clean the Rattan
Rattan furniture collects dust and grime in the weave. Use a soft brush or vacuum to remove loose dust first, then wipe with a damp cloth and mild detergent. For outdoor pieces that have been exposed to the elements, scrub with a brush and sugar soap solution. Allow to dry completely — rattan holds moisture, so give it plenty of time.
Step 2: Prep Synthetic Rattan
If you're painting synthetic rattan (resin wicker), lightly scuff sand the surface with 180 grit sandpaper to give the paint something to grip. Wipe away dust. Natural rattan generally doesn't need sanding.
Step 3: Apply the First Coat
This is where rattan is different from flat furniture. You need to work the paint into the weave, not just brush it over the surface. Use a stippling or dabbing motion to push the paint into the gaps between the strands, then smooth it out with longer strokes.
Work in sections and don't rush. Getting paint into all the nooks and crannies of the weave takes a little patience on the first coat.
Allow to dry completely.
Step 4: Check for Missed Spots
Once the first coat is dry, hold the piece up to the light and look for any areas where the paint hasn't penetrated the weave. Touch up these spots with a small detail brush before applying the second coat.
Step 5: Apply the Second Coat
The second coat goes on much more easily than the first — you've already filled the weave and now you're just building coverage. Apply a thin, even second coat using the same stippling and smoothing technique. Allow to dry fully.
Step 6: Seal
For indoor rattan, furniture wax gives a beautiful soft finish and provides adequate protection for decorative pieces. For rattan that gets regular use (a dining chair, for example), a water-based matte sealer is more durable and easier to maintain.
Tips for a Great Result
- Work in a well-ventilated area — rattan can be awkward to manoeuvre and you'll want space to turn the piece as you work
- Paint the underside and inside surfaces first, then the outside and top
- Don't apply too much paint at once — it can pool in the weave and dry unevenly
- A hairdryer on a low setting can help speed up drying between coats if you're working in humid conditions
Shop Artisan Chalk Finish Paint for your rattan project at Sweet Pea Interiors. And if you'd like to try the technique in person, our furniture painting workshops in Newcastle and Lake Macquarie are a great place to start.
