Can You Paint Rattan Furniture? Step by Step Guide

Can you paint rattan furniture to help it get a new appearance? The answer is yes. The reason for this is that the color of rattan pieces might fade after many years of use. For additional details regarding the procedure to paint rattan furniture, let Rowabi show you the best ways below through this article.

What is rattan?

Rattan is one of the most environmentally friendly materials for furniture manufacturing.

This is a long-lasting, lightweight, and weatherproof material that is ideal for both indoor and outdoor furniture, such as lounge chairs, couches, and dining chairs. These items will make your living space more unique and outstanding.

Rattan is one of the most environmentally friendly materials.

Can you paint rattan furniture?

When people wonder, "Can you paint rattan furniture?" the answer may indeed be affirmative. Rattan can be painted or sprayed while still maintaining its quality, provided that you use the right type of paint and employ proper painting techniques.

Apart from merely giving a fresh look to the piece, certain types of paint also contribute to its durability, mold resistance, and moisture protection, especially when used for outdoor purposes.

How to paint rattan furniture?

So, we know rattan furniture can be painted, but how do you paint rattan furniture properly? Let us guide you through the steps.

You need to prepare full material for painting

If you would like to renew your rattan items, you need to prepare the materials in advance. The following list contains things that you must have to paint your furniture.

• Drop cloth/plastic sheeting: You should lay them on the floor or surfaces in the area you're painting to protect the space from paint spills or drips. These sheets can be reused multiple times.
• Stiff bristle brush: Use a stiff bristle brush for removing loose debris and preparing the surface before painting. Brushes are typically employed to clean hard-to-reach areas, ensuring all surfaces are thoroughly cleaned.
• Sponge: Another thing used for cleaning is a sponge, utilized when wiping with liquid soap and deglosser. It helps eliminate grease, dirt, or any residues that could hinder paint adhesion.
• Liquid soap or deglosser: You can either mix liquid soap with water or use deglosser directly to remove gloss or sheen from the surface of the furniture.
• Sandpaper: Choose fine-grit sandpaper to smooth and prepare the surface of the rattan. This step helps the paint adhere better and creates a smoother finish.
• Glue: Glue may be needed for repairing any loose or broken parts of the furniture before painting.
• Spray paint primer: Use a primer specifically designed for wicker or rattan surfaces. Applying primer before painting helps to seal the surface and improves paint adhesion, resulting in a more durable finish.
• Acrylic or spray paint: Select your desired color. Acrylic paint offers a wide range of colors and finishes, while spray paint provides a quick and even application.
• Paintbrushes or spray paint can: You can choose to use paintbrushes for a hand-painted finish or spray paint for a quicker application. Make sure to use appropriate brushes for acrylic paint if hand-painting.

What kind of paint should I use on rattan furniture?

There are several alternatives available when considering the kind of paint you would like to use. Each form of paint has benefits and drawbacks of its own. Let's explore the following suggestions to know what color to paint rattan furniture:

Chalk paint

Can you paint rattan furniture with chalk-based paint? It is an ideal material for both indoor and outdoor furniture because it is simple to apply and remove. Moreover, this kind of paint also has a beautiful glossy finish and is extremely versatile.

Chalk-based paint is an ideal material for rattan furniture

Because of its low dangerous organic compound (VOC) concentration, chalk paint is one of the simplest forms of paint to apply to furniture. This is also healthier for the ecosystem than other paints with high VOCs.

Moreover, chalk-based paint is also waterproof. Some versions even have chemicals that assist in fighting mold growth—perfect. With its relatively uncomplicated application, you should not need to apply a primer first. Before spraying the paint, you need to ensure that the surface is perfectly smooth and clean.

Oil-based paint

Can you paint rattan wicker or chairs with oil-based paint? This is considered to be one of the longest and most durable kinds of paint available. It will be a great option for outdoor patio furniture and can produce a high-quality finish on items such as rattan. Oil-based paint will hold up well in rainfall and be exposed to sunlight.

It can produce a high-quality finish on items such as rattan

Spray paint

The simplest approach to painting rattan is to find spray paint bottles. You can choose from a variety of colors, and it can be used without a paintbrush. This kind of wood, which is the best option for rattan furniture, is so simple to utilize.

The simplest approach to painting rattan is to find spray paint bottles

Acrylic Paint

Acrylic paint is a familiar choice for painting, known for its versatility and ease of handling. You can choose water-based acrylics, which facilitate easy cleanup and allow for DIY touch-ups around the house.

This paint type is also available in an array of colors and finishes. Upon drying, acrylic paint creates a robust surface that can endure daily use, rendering it suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications.

All-purpose paint

Furniture for outdoor spaces can be painted using all-purpose paint, which is reasonably priced. It will provide durable natural weatherproofing to help the item expand its usage and appearance.

Furniture for outdoor spaces can be painted using all-purpose paint.

Moreover, all-purpose paint comes in a wide range of colors. When it is used on rattan outdoor furniture, it produces a transparent finish.

Outdoor door paint

Rowabi often receives the question, "Can you paint outdoor rattan furniture?" as people are concerned that regular paint may easily chip or deteriorate. Therefore, here is our suggestion: use specialized outdoor paint.

Outdoor paint for rattan furniture is specially formulated to withstand the elements and provide long-lasting protection against moisture, UV rays, and temperature fluctuations.

Paint your rattan furniture in 7 easy steps

With the paint type chosen and tools prepared, let's dive right into painting your rattan furniture with these 7 super easy steps.

Prepare your workspace

The first and crucial step is to prepare a well-ventilated area with sufficient space to work comfortably. It's especially important to choose a spot with minimal surrounding furniture. Utilize a drop cloth or plastic sheeting to protect the floor and nearby items from paint drips. Doing so is essential, as cleaning up paint drips from the floor can be challenging and time-consuming.

Clean the furniture

Clean the furniture using the soap, and brush that you've prepared. Make sure to remove all dirt, dust, or grime to achieve the smoothest surface possible. Rinse the furniture thoroughly with clean water and allow it to dry completely before proceeding to the next step.

Sand the surface

Using the sandpaper, lightly sand the surface of the furniture to remove any rough patches or old finishes. This ensures that when you paint, the surface will not have any bumps or imperfections.

Apply primer

Apply a layer of primer using a brush or spray paint specifically designed for wicker and rattan surfaces. Primer is typically used to ensure that the paint adheres longer and is more durable. Allow the primer to dry completely before proceeding to the next step.

Paint the furniture

This is the step you've been eagerly anticipating, right? Now, it's time to use the type of paint that you find most suitable from the options we listed earlier. Apply thin, even coats for the best results. Allow each coat to dry completely before moving on to the next step.

Two small notes: Firstly, make sure you've painted the entire surface evenly with each coat. Secondly, while waiting for it to dry, ensure that no dust or debris adheres to the wet layer.

Seal the paint

Once the final coat of paint has fully dried, you should consider applying a clear sealant or topcoat. This additional step helps safeguard the painted surface against everyday wear and tear, particularly for outdoor or frequently used furniture pieces.

Let it cure

It's essential to refrain from using the painted furniture until it has fully cured. This process typically requires letting it sit undisturbed for at least 24-48 hours, depending on the type of paint and sealant used. Rushing this step may affect the quality and durability of the paint finish.

Some color design styles for painting rattan furniture

Can you paint rattan furniture to make them look more unique? Now, Rowabi will suggest some color design styles for painting outstanding rattan items.

Natural rattan

You can use two different-colored paints to restore old furniture. This will give them a natural appearance by applying an initial coat and a second that you wash off nearly immediately. The rattan's natural beauty is enhanced by the darker color's tendency to stick to the gaps and fissures.

This will give them a natural appearance by applying an initial coat

Neutral tones

The neutral colors include white, cream, beige, brown, and even some blues. This style of painting will truly offer your living space freedom and additionally help in the creation of a nice, comfortable environment.

The neutral colors include white, cream, beige, and brown

Bold and vibrant

Can you paint rattan furniture with any style, such as bold and vibrant? Of course, yes, you can refresh your living room with rattan furniture in a bold and powerful color. This style brings serenity and elegance to the space. In particular, you can paint a brightly colored rattan sofa to create an inviting atmosphere.

This style brings serenity and elegance to the space

Pastel palette

If you do not know how to paint rattan furniture in a suitable style, let’s think about a pastel palette. This style can be a stunning and unique interior design concept. Moreover, pastel colors are also applied with delicate whites or elegant grays to make your space look great.

This style can be a stunning and unique interior design concept

Earthy and natural

Earthy tones derived from nature that are relaxing and have soft colors Besides the necessity of perceptual tactility, this kind of style also provides the cozy feeling that the latest interior design idea needs.

Earthy tones derived from nature that are relaxing and have soft colors

Tropical and bohemian

Tropical bohemian style is a strange blend of influences from culture and numerous design styles that results in a lively and one-of-a-kind aesthetic. So, how do I paint rattan furniture in this design? This painting's design is not delicate or sophisticated.

This painting design is not delicate or sophisticated.

It is all about mixing colors and other elements to create a unique design. Tropical boho is ideal if you are an imaginative, free-spirited individual who enjoys maximalism.

Monochromatic

A monochromatic painting scheme comprises a single particular color. They are chosen as the basic color, and all other colors are utilized in the space. In other words, your color combinations will look great together because they represent various versions of the same color.

A monochromatic painting scheme comprises a single particular color

Gradient or ombre

Using paint to produce an ombre appearance is an excellent way to create a modern look on rattan furniture. The key is to find a color combination that works for you. The best part is that you may have a lot of fun experimenting with different Chalk PaintTM colors.

Using paint to produce an ombre appearance is an excellent way

Some notice when painting rattan furniture

After discovering some ideas and styles for painting rattan furniture, you can start your procedure to renew them. Before doing this, let’s take some notes for better results.

• Clean the rattan thoroughly: Firstly, you ought to remove any cushions or blankets to clean the rattan furniture. Then, you could utilize a vacuum cleaner, microfiber cloth, or dust to remove any remaining loose debris and dust from the item. To clean the furniture, let's fill a bucket with warm water that is soapy and a piece of cloth. Next, you need to make sure the cloth is moist but not sopping wet.
• Sand the surface: There are two methods for refinishing rattan furniture by sanding. Firstly, you should use a liquid washing solution or 180–220 grit sandpaper. Remember, you need to read the directions given by the manufacturer if you're utilizing a liquid sanding chemical. Let's sand slowly from top to bottom when applying sandpaper.
• Choose the right paint: You should choose the sort of finish you want to apply to your rattan piece. If you're going to use paint or lacquer, primer is optional. However, it is recommended that the interior paint color be light. Let's use spray paint or a paintbrush to do this. If you're going to use stain, you need to apply a soft, lint-free surface or rag to remove the stain.
• Primer application: The following painting advice for how to paint rattan furniture is to use a spray paint primer for the surfaces. This guarantees that your subsequent coats of paint will stick perfectly to the rattan surface. So, the primer application allows it to thoroughly dry before proceeding to the next step.
• Test a small area: Painting furniture made of rattan may be a pleasant and risk-free experience if you follow the appropriate advice and precautions. Before painting the furnishings, you should always test a tiny section to ensure there are no hidden issues.
• Painting technique: When the primer has completely dried, you can start the painting process. Let's put a small piece of cloth or blanket over the ground's surface. Then, you can begin adding a coat of paint.
• Multiple coats: You need to apply the initial layer in a sweeping, smooth motion. To create an even finish, let's paint the rattan many times with light coatings to avoid drips.
• Drying time: You can allow your freshly painted rattan furniture to dry after you've produced a nice and smooth finish. You need to let it soak up completely and dry completely. The next day, let's examine the entire surface for missed regions or uneven patches.

You should take notice of these tips to paint your rattan furniture

Some types of rattan furniture that you can paint

Can you paint rattan furniture tables or chairs if they have problems with the surface? Let's have Rowabi show you some tips to resolve this case.

Rattan chairs

Before you begin painting, you ought to provide the rattan chair with a simple cleaning. Because rattan has numerous layers and weaves, you must approach it from every perspective. Begin by softly painting the first layer of paint that you are using. After the initial layer has dried, you should repeat the technique to complete it.

After the initial layer has dried, you should repeat the technique again

Rattan tables

Before applying new paint, you should thoroughly clean the rattan tables carefully to remove dist. This procedure will clean the surface of dust, debris, and mold or mildew. Then, let's spray paint from every aspect and rotate your rattan furniture down to paint till it is finished.

Before applying new paint, you should thoroughly clean the rattan tables

Rattan sofas and couches

Before you begin, you should carefully wash the rattan sofa or couch, especially if it is a second-hand purchase. Then, you brush all over quickly with a fluffy brush. Next, you should apply a primer or acrylic priming layer. This makes it easier to create an equal surface and minimizes the amount of spray paint necessary for each component.

You should apply a primer or acrylic priming layer

FAQs

What color should I paint my rattan furniture?

Painting makes it simple to transform your outdoor furniture's aesthetic. Moreover, it also contributes to enhancing the appearance of your outdoor entertaining area. Let’s discover some colors that you can use to paint rattan furniture.

• Black: Black is a timeless color that displays elegance because it is up-to-date, elegant, and versatile. Moreover, black also goes well with many different patterns, so you can mix and match furniture to create your own space. Additionally, black rattan items can help you achieve a neutral effect, which is crucial for the interior design of your home.
• White: White paint keeps your room looking sophisticated and balanced. What's more, it also gives you lots of freedom to get creative with decoration and color schemes. Hence, you can update your living space with white rattan furniture. Let's try using one of these cozy white paint colors to add warmth and brighten up your room.
• Gray: If you are searching for what color to paint rattan furniture, you can consider gray. It is one of the most popular paint colors for interior decorating because it can be combined with other tones to match any design. It is a neutral color that provides balance, much like white. Furthermore, gray paint can provide an attractive background for any space because it has the proper color tone.
• Blue: Blue paint is an ideal option that everyone is interested in when finding what color to paint rattan furniture. Depending on this color, your room will be calming, delicate, fresh, and even revitalizing. Hence, the adaptability of this tone in your rattan furniture is an even more significant advantage.

You can choose any color that is suitable for your home

What should I wear before painting?

• Nobody wants to see paint spilled all over their clothes when getting rattan paint. To begin with this process, you should dress in old clothes and prepare a face mask to avoid exposure to the pungent odor of primer. Moreover, Rowabi also recommends wearing safety glasses and covering your nose with a handkerchief rather than a mask.
• Preparing what you are wearing can help you avoid leaving paint on your clothes. At the same time, you could protect your body from paint's terrible scents and dangerous substances. Additionally, by doing this, you can maintain your body's hygiene and save time cleaning after painting.

Preparing what you are wearing can help you avoid leaving paint on your clothes.

Can you spray paint wicker or rattan?

• Yes, you can spray paint wicker or rattan furniture differently. Make sure to follow safety precautions when using spray paint.

Can you paint indoor rattan furniture?

• You can absolutely paint indoor rattan furniture as long as you use appropriate paint and techniques. You have more options available because indoor furniture doesn't face the same challenges as outdoor furniture. However, choosing an odorless paint is recommended to avoid impacting the indoor air quality.

Can synthetic rattan be painted?

• Yes, synthetic rattan can be painted using paint formulated for outdoor use on synthetic materials.

Do you need special paint for wicker?

• Indeed, the answer is both yes and no. Regular paint can be used, but using paint specifically designed for wicker and rattan surfaces ensures greater durability.

What is the best paint for rattan wicker?

• For the optimal paint choice for rattan wicker furniture, opt for outdoor paint specifically formulated for wicker and rattan surfaces. Acrylic paints or spray paints also intended for outdoor applications.

What paint color is rattan?

• Rattan naturally comes in various tones, including natural browns, pale beige after exposure, and ivory white after bleaching. However, rattan furniture can be painted in various colors to suit your preferences.

What color is natural rattan?

• Natural rattan is the natural brown collor, resembling the color of dried rattan fibers.

Do you need to sand rattan before painting?

• Lightly sanding rattan furniture before painting can help create a smoother surface and improve paint adhesion. However, it may not be necessary all the time.

Can you stain or paint rattan?

• Yes, you can stain or paint rattan furniture to change its color or refresh its appearance once every several months.

What is the best paint for wicker furniture?

• The best paint for wicker furniture is outdoor paint formulated for wicker and rattan surfaces, providing durability and weather resistance.

Conclusion

The article has answered for you the question “Can you paint rattan furniture?” and shows many tips to paint your item more effectively. You can choose the style and color of the painting depending on your style.

Whether you're considering refreshing your existing rattan pieces or embarking on a creative project, having painted rattan furniture can breathe new life into your decor. Rowabi hopes that the information in this article will be useful for you.