Do-It-Yourself Wicker Refinishing

Practice with the reed before tackling the actual furniture, to determine how it bends and moves. Soak the reed for about five minutes before you begin, since it needs to be damp when you work with it.

Clean any dirt or grime from the wicker furniture with a mild detergent or paint stripper before you begin repairs. Position the furniture so that the tightest parts of the weave are above looser parts to enable the detergent to flow smoothly. Cut the bristles of a paintbrush in half to apply the detergent. Keep a clean toothbrush or steel wool available for cleaning difficult areas. Once the wicker is clean and dry, wipe it with turpentine.

Use twine to reinforce any weak areas. Weave new reed through broken patches on the existing piece by working over one reed and then under the next. When you reach the end of the reed, wrap the remaining portion once around the frame and then continue with the next row. Hide the reed ends between the layers of the weave or on the underside of the piece.

Spray two light coats of paint over the entire piece, to hide your repair work and complete the project. Allow the furniture to dry between coats. For a natural finish, use a brush to apply two coats of stain or clear sealant, again allowing the piece to dry between coats.