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How to paint a wicker chair

Painted wicker chair in gloss sky bus perched on a table covered in a drop sheet in a backyard

Overview

Wicker chair looking a little worse for wear? Don’t throw it out. With a little attention and a lick of paint, you can transform your chair and add years to its life.

We’d suggest doing this D.I.Y. project outside, with a drop sheet underneath your workspace in order to limit clean-up.

Steps

  1. 1

    Remove dust and cobwebs

    Use a microfibre cloth to wipe away any dust or cobwebs.

    Person wearing safety gloves and removing dust off the wicker chair with a microfibre cloth

  2. 2

    Lightly sand

    Give your chair a light sand using sandpaper. Once you’ve finished, give the chair a quick wipe to remove any dust so that the paint goes on smoothly.

    Person wearing safety gloves while sanding the wicker chair with sandpaper and sanding block.

  3. 3

    Prep and paint your chair

    It’s time to paint your chair! The first step is to apply the undercoat – this will help your colour adhere to the chair’s surface and prevent any old paint or varnish leaking through. Leave to dry.

    You can then apply the spray paint, and we have a wide range of colours to choose from. You’ll want to apply at least two to three coats, depending on how deep you want the colour. 

    Leave to dry.

    Green Bunnings hammer
    Safety tip: Make sure you’re wearing PPE (safety mask, glasses and gloves) while applying the undercoat and paint, and follow the product’s instructions.
    Bunnings team member painting the wicker chair with light blue spray paint while wearing a mask and gloves
  4. 4

    Style your space

    All that’s left is to style your space. Think about the new colour of your chair and how you can complement it in the wider space with other items like decorative cushions, candles or a side table.

    Bunnings team member styling the wicker chair with a matching cushion and outdoor coffee table with a jug of water and cups

  5. 5

    Sit back and enjoy

    Enjoy your freshly painted wicker chair! Upcycled wicker chairs are practical additions for entertaining, and they’re a great way to add a pop of colour to your space

    Check out our wide range of spray paints to refresh and transform your chair

    Complete painted wicker chair styled with a small outdoor coffee table on a lawn

Get inspired by projects from the Bunnings Workshop community

Health & Safety

Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.

When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.