Wicker furniture is having a real moment in Australian interiors right now — and painted wicker even more so. A wicker chair or side table painted in Arctic White or Parchment looks effortlessly coastal, and the texture of the weave creates a finish that's genuinely beautiful and completely unique to each piece.
The technique is similar to painting rattan, but wicker has its own quirks worth knowing about. Here's how we approach it.
Wicker vs Rattan: What's the Difference?
Wicker is a weaving technique, not a material. Wicker furniture can be made from rattan, bamboo, seagrass, paper rush or synthetic resin. Natural wicker (made from rattan or bamboo) takes paint beautifully. Synthetic resin wicker needs a little more prep for good adhesion but paints up just as well.
Which Paint to Use on Wicker
For indoor wicker, Artisan Chalk Finish Paint is our first choice. It flows into the weave beautifully, the flat matte finish suits the natural texture of wicker perfectly, and the colour range is exceptional. Arctic White and Parchment are the most popular choices for coastal wicker pieces — both look stunning.
For outdoor wicker, use Artisan Mineral Paint for its UV protection and water resistance. The eggshell finish is slightly more durable than chalk finish for pieces that will be exposed to the elements.
Avoid oil-based paints — they're harder to work into the weave, take much longer to dry, and the fumes are unpleasant indoors.
Best Colours for Painted Wicker
From the Artisan chalk finish range, our favourites for wicker:
- Arctic White — crisp and coastal. The most popular choice for wicker by a long way.
- Parchment — warm, creamy white with a vintage quality. Beautiful on ornate wicker pieces.
- Sage — soft Australian green. Stunning on a wicker chair in a coastal living room.
- Duck Egg — the classic vintage wicker colour. Timeless and always beautiful.
- Crème Brulée — warm cream with depth. Suits French provincial and relaxed coastal styles.
For outdoor wicker from the mineral range: Cotton, Hampton Blue or Gumleaf all work beautifully.
What You'll Need
- Artisan Chalk Finish or Mineral Paint
- A medium brush with flexible bristles
- A small detail brush for tight spots
- Drop sheet
- Furniture wax or water-based sealer
- Vacuum or soft brush for cleaning
Step 1: Clean the Wicker
Wicker collects dust and grime in the weave. Vacuum first with a brush attachment to remove loose dust, then wipe with a damp cloth and mild detergent. For outdoor pieces, scrub with a brush and sugar soap. Allow to dry completely — wicker holds moisture, so give it plenty of time, ideally in the sun.
Step 2: Prep Synthetic Wicker
If you're painting synthetic resin wicker, lightly scuff sand the surface with 180 grit to give the paint something to grip. Wipe away dust. Natural wicker generally doesn't need sanding.
Step 3: Apply the First Coat
This is where wicker requires a different technique 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 be patient — getting paint into all the nooks of the weave takes a little time on the first coat. Don't rush it.
Allow to dry completely before the second coat.
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 with a small detail brush before the second coat.
Step 5: Apply the Second Coat
The second coat goes on much more easily — you've already filled the weave. Apply a thin, even second coat using the same technique. Allow to dry fully.
Step 6: Seal
For indoor wicker, furniture wax gives a beautiful soft finish and adequate protection for decorative pieces. For wicker that gets regular use — a dining chair, for example — a water-based matte sealer is more durable. For outdoor wicker, use a UV-resistant topcoat.
Tips for a Great Result
- Work outdoors or in a well-ventilated space — wicker is awkward to manoeuvre and you'll want room to turn the piece
- Paint the underside and inside surfaces first, then the outside and top
- Don't apply too much paint at once — it pools in the weave and dries unevenly
- A second person holding the piece while you paint makes the job significantly easier on larger pieces
Shop Artisan Chalk Finish Paint for your wicker project at Sweet Pea Interiors. For questions about your specific piece, get in touch — we're always happy to help.
