French Polishing and Bespoke Furniture
An effective all-purpose cleaning solution for outdoor wicker furniture is 1/4 cup of liquid dish soap and two cups of warm water. Wipe the wicker with a soft cloth or sponge, then rinse away the soapy suds with a garden hose. For mold and mildew removal, add one cup of white vinegar to the solution.
Question: What type of paint is used on wicker? Answer: I recommend using an oil -base indoor/outdoor house paint, applied using a compressor sprayer. It remains flexible, adheres to the wicker readily, and is extremely durable.
If you are planning to paint wicker , do NOT attempt to do it with a brush ! If you’ve ever seen wicker painted with a brush you’ll know why. Unless you are planning to spend a week doing it with a brush the size you would use for fine artwork, it is impossible to get a good finish.
Apply one coat of primer and then two to three coats of enamel paint, waiting for each coat to dry before applying the next. Let the new finish dry for four to six days. Apply a liquid furniture wax to seal the new finish, which will protect the wicker from drying out again.
For routine cleaning of wicker that’s made of bamboo, rattan , or willow, brush off or vacuum as much of the surface dirt as you can . Then wash it with a soft brush and soapy water to which you’ve added one or two teaspoons of ammonia. Rinse well and let the piece dry outdoors in the sun.
Place the wicker furniture outside on a dry day. Dip a soft-bristled brush into a solution made from 50% water and 50% bleach . Rub all affected areas with the brush, making sure to dip the brush back into the bucket often.
Use a wire brush with a scraper to remove old paint and rust from the solid portions of wicker furniture. After wiping off loose dirt, wash the furniture with a sponge and liquid detergent. Keep the sponge damp rather than wet, and use as much foam as possible. For mildewed areas, add 1 cup bleach to the water.
The wicker should be free of any existing coatings. Paints and varnishes will prevent the transparent wood stain from penetrating the wicker surface. Transparent oil-based stain is a good choice if you are starting with unfinished, or “nude” wicker furniture. Make sure the furniture is clean, dry, and free of coatings.
Mildewed cushions should be washed or professionally cleaned, and aired frequently in sunlight to prevent mildew from recurring. When wicker with a clear finish (lacquer, shellac or varnish) becomes dull, you can usually restore its luster by rubbing with a soft cloth dampened with furniture polish or lemon oil.
Natural wicker accepts acrylic paint quite well and it helps protect the natural wicker longer than other paints .
How to Use Chalk Paint on Wicker Furniture . You can actually use the wax brush and go back and forth to get rid of any bits of debris before painting . Chalk paint is water-based, but it’s still better to lay down a layer of newspaper under the pieces, so clean up is easier!
When you want to change the look of your furniture, you can simply paint it another color . This also helps to extend the life of your favorite wicker pieces. If they start to look worn, just paint them to make them look brand new. Lay down a drop cloth before you start to paint.
You can give them a monthly spritz with an oil- or glycerin-based soap that’s been diluted in water to work some moisture into the surface. Katherine dilutes Murphy’s Oil Soap in a spray bottle of water and spritzes the chair or couch’s back and underside before wiping clean with a rag.
All types of wicker patio furniture and many pieces of indoor wicker furniture can be quickly washed with a home or automotive power-washer . Furniture made with paper wicker , however, would be damaged by water and should be cleaned by hand.
Aim a spray bottle at the piece from about 3 feet away, spray and let mist settle. Dust and vacuum wicker regularly to keep dirt from accumulating in the crevices. Once a season, clean the furniture with a soft brush and Murphy’s Oil Soap and water to remove mildew.