A while back, I found some dilapidated wicker chairs at a thrift store for $5 each. Since we had recently moved into our new home and needed lots of furniture for inside, money was tight for anything outside. So, I thought, how hard could it be, right?
A disclaimer is in order here… this job is not for the faint of heart! We have a saying in the South that applies: I almost ‘bit off more than I could chew’! 
These chairs were covered in flaky white paint and I had no idea how to remove it to get ready to repair and repaint them. I googled and found some tips. First, I attacked them with a wire brush. That got some of the paint off, but not much, and it took some pretty hefty elbow grease.
Then I thought a pressure washer would be best. Did I have a pressure washer? No. But sweet hubby gave me his blessing, saying that it would certainly be handy to have one. So we purchased a pressure washer. It did help to remove the peeling paint, but it can also fray the wicker if washed at too high a pressure.
(Always use caution when using a pressure washer! Wear protective eye gear and never point at yourself or anyone else).
After removing the flaky paint, I also needed to repair some of the wicker that was coming apart on the legs. I took wood glue and re-wrapped the loose pieces and glued them back to the leg. Inserting push-pins helped hold in place while the glue dried.
Soaking the loose wicker to make it more pliable.
Applying glue to leg.
Wrapping the damp wicker tightly around the leg.
Securing with a pushpin till dry.
Because the only support under the seats was rotten cardboard, I needed to insert a new seating support. I found some stiff pieces of bracing (aka… a mysterious something that would do the trick) in the garage that I managed to criss-cross under the seats. After the repairs were made, the chairs had to dry out for a few days. (Remember, they got pretty wet from the pressure washer).
Extra support under the seat.
Knowing that I wanted to use black enamel paint, and also knowing that raw wicker soaks paint up like a sponge, I decided to spray a coat of Rustoleum™ primer on the chairs first. After they dried, I tried to spray with black enamel paint, but it was taking far too much paint. So I did it the old fashioned way, and bought a can of black enamel paint and brushed it on.
This ‘rusty’ color of Rustoleum™ primer was on sale! 😉
The black enamel paint… going on!
With the addition of some weatherproof cushions, the chairs are finally finished!
This wicker chairs DIY redo was more difficult than I had anticipated, and it took some perseverance. I also spent more than I had planned to, if you count the pressure washer purchase! But we sure do enjoy them on our front porch!
What DIY projects are you in the middle of?
Hugs to you!
*Additional Disclaimer: I am in no way a professional wicker refinisher!*
Make sure you research and find out how to pursue any wicker refinishing project.
