How to Refinish Wicker

Mix up your cleaning solution. Fill the 5-gallon bucket 2/3 full with warm water and add 1/4 cup of liquid detergent. If the wicker is moldy, add 1/2 cup bleach to the mix as well.

Scrub down the furniture. Use the bristle brush to work the warm, soapy mixture into every area of the wicker. Try to avoid saturating the wicker, because this can cause it to lose its shape.

Rinse your furniture down. Make sure you get all the soap off so that it does not interfere with your refinishing. You must leave the wicker piece undisturbed until it is completely dry or you will distort the shape of the wicker.

Strip the wicker. Wet a rag with the liquid stripper and apply it to the wicker. As you wipe down the furniture, paint and stain should come away. It may take multiple passes to get the wicker completely clear. Use the toothbrush to work the stripper into the nooks and crannies. Remember that the more you strip, the darker the natural color of the wicker may become because it will absorb the stripper. Some people prefer to only remove thick, built-up paint and leave the underlying stain.

Spray paint the wicker. You may be satisfied with one coat or you might use up to three. Give the paint about 20 minutes to dry before you add additional coats. If you are using spray stain, you generally should not use more than two coats.

Seal the wicker. You will get the best weather resistance if you seal the wicker after you stain it. Use a spray sealer and make sure that you cover the top, bottom and all sides. Do not move the wicker piece until the sealer has dried. Once it has, you can begin to use and enjoy your newly refinished wicker furniture.