- Choose a place to paint. A well-ventilated garage works well. If you are painting outside, find a level area away from buildings and cars and choose a calm day to paint.
Protect the walls and floors of your garage with drop cloths, sheets or an old shower curtain liner. Wear a mask and rubber gloves or garden gloves to protect yourself from paint fumes and keep your hands clear of paint stains.
Gather your materials: paint, a damp cloth, vacuum cleaner, fine-grit sand paper, a wire brush and a paintbrush. Depending on how you intend to apply the paint, you may need a compressor paint sprayer. - There are various ways to clean wicker in preparation for painting. Heloise suggests using a vacuum cleaner to remove loose dust, dirt and flaking paint. If the piece needs further cleaning, a wire brush or pointed implement like an ice pick can be used to get into tight places. If flaking paint still exists, use a fine-grit sandpaper to remove it. Wipe the piece with a damp cloth and let it dry.
Wicker expert Cathryn Peters suggests taking the piece to a do-it-yourself car wash and spraying it with a high-pressure hose to remove dirt and flaking paint. Just be sure your wicker is not made of paper-wrapped wire, she cautions. - You can paint wicker with a brush, but spray painting is faster. Apply at least two coats of wood primer. Let the paint dry thoroughly between coats.
Turn the piece upside down and paint the underside first. When the paint has dried, turn it over and paint the top and sides. Take your time and get into all the nooks and crannies. Wipe up drips and globs immediately to maintain a smooth finish. Apply two thin coats rather than one thick one.
Be sure the furniture is completely dry before you use it.
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