How to Paint Rutan Furniture

Cleaning Rattan

• 1

  Remove loose, flaking paint using coarse sandpaper (40 to 60 grit) or a brass scouring pad. Follow with fine grit sandpaper (150 to 180 grit), lightly sanding the surface smooth. Use a vacuum cleaner to remove dust and grit.

• 2

  Clean the rattan furniture with water. Cleaning is best accomplished outdoors on a sunny day when the sunshine can help dry the piece. Set the piece's back legs on empty coffee cans, bricks or other sturdy items; the angle will help water drain off. Hose down the piece of furniture to remove dirt.

  Use warm, soapy water to clean furniture stained with weather grime or or food spills. Add several drops of liquid dish-washing detergent to a bucket half-filled with water. Using a soft-bristle brush, like a nylon bristle scrub brush, thoroughly clean the rattan furniture. Hose off.

• 3

  Allow the rattan furniture to dry for about 48 hours.

Painting Rattan

• 4

  Prepare the painting area by laying down a drop cloth or newspapers. Work in a well-ventilated area. Turn the rattan furniture piece upside down on the drop cloth to prime the underside first if you are painting the underside.

• 5

  Apply two coats of brushed or sprayed on primer to the rattan, allowing the primer to dry between coats according the manufacturer’s instructions. The best choice of primer for furniture is an oil-based primer (turpentine needed for cleanup); however, a latex primer (soap and water cleanup) can be used. If using spray primer, work in an area where there is little or no breeze. Read the manufacturer’s instructions on how far to hold the sprayer from the furniture, which may be around 10 inches. Allow the primer to dry between coats, which may be 24 to 48 hours.

• 6

  Apply two thin coats to the furniture, allowing each coat to dry according to manufacturer's recommendation. Paint first the underside and backside of chairs and couches, then paint the front, starting at the top and working your way down to the legs. If spray painting, use short, even strokes. Keep your hand moving as you spray so paint does not build up (pool) and drip or run.

• 7

  Once paint is fully dry, brush or spray on lacquer to give the furniture a shiny, protective seal. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions, which may include a light sanding between coats of lacquer.