Tips on Refinishing Outdoor Wicker Furniture

Brushing

• Wicker must be regularly brushed to remove grit and dirt that will inevitably settle in its crevices. Since wicker is often constructed out of woven rattan or split reed, there are a multitude of spaces between each weaving that can harbor debris, damaging to the furniture itself. To clean the crevices, Martha Stewart suggests vacuuming the furniture with a brush-style attachment. A dry paintbrush is another suggested tool for crevice cleaning.

Deep Cleaning

• The next step in refurbishing wicker is to clean the entire surface with a mild, soapy mixture. Use a toothbrush or other soft-bristled cleaning tool to get all the surfaces. If you notice mildew on the piece, use a blend of bleach and cold water and scrub the area until the mildew is gone. Once you have cleaned the entire piece, leave it to set in a warm, airy place outdoors to dry completely. The Wicker Woman, an expert on care of antique wicker pieces, advises that you refrain from sitting on washed wicker for 2 to 3 days after a wet wash to maintain the shape of the seat.

Protecting

• To protect your freshly laundered wicker, you may also elect to paint or varnish the exterior. Allow the piece to dry completely before beginning the painting process. Better Homes and Gardens suggests that you use a fine-grit sandpaper to smooth out rough edges or to remove any old paint that is lifting from the piece. Use a tack cloth to rub down the surface, removing any fine dust accumulated from the sanding process. A good white primer can be applied first and allowed to dry, acting as a sealer to protect the piece, as well as a base coat for best topcoat color appearance. Finally, choose an outdoor-quality spray paint, and plan to apply several thin coats to avoid paint clogs between the weaves.