How to Revamp Your Artificial Wicker Outdoor Furniture for Spring

With a chill in the wind and the last remnants of winter dwindling away, you'd be forgiven for letting your mind wander towards the arrival of spring and all the sunshine and fresh air it has to offer. This is the perfect opportunity to dust off your neglected outdoor wicker furniture and prepare it for the frolicking spring season of barbecues, brunches, and catch-ups over a brew or two. In this post, you'll discover a comprehensive guide on how to revamp your artificial wicker outdoor furniture to embrace the new season with vibrancy and style.

1. Clean It Right

The first step in revamping your artificial wicker furniture involves giving it a thorough clean. After all, it’s likely been tucked away for the winter and uncovered to dirt, dust, and the occasional critter using it as shelter.

A. Clear Out the Cobwebs: Begin by using a soft dusting brush to sweep off any debris or cobwebs that have collected. Use the brush to reach the crevices and underside of the furniture. A vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment can also work wonders on the tricky spots.

B. Scrub It Down: Mix a few drops of mild, eco-friendly dish soap into a bucket of warm water. Using a soft scrub brush, soap this mixture onto the furniture, scrubbing all the surfaces, nooks and crannies. If there’s stubborn grime, a toothbrush can come in handy for those hard-to-reach areas!

C. Rinse and Dry: Rinse off the soap with a garden hose, ensuring all soap residue is washed away to avoid discolouration. Once rinsed, let the furniture dry outside in the sun. Drying is an important step as moist wicker can encourage mould growth.

2. Inspect and Repair

Once your wicker furniture is squeaky clean, conduct a thorough inspection to identify any damage that may have occurred over time. This includes looking out for cracks, loose ends, and warped sections.

PVA glue is typically used for minor repairs. Apply a small amount to any loose ends and carefully press them back into place. Popsicle sticks or small spatulas can be used to apply glue to hard-to-reach areas. For larger damaged areas, you might need to consider professional repair or, in some cases, replacement.

3. Freshen Up with Paint

A fresh lick of paint can work wonders in reviving your wicker furniture’s appearance. You can either reapply the original colour to freshen it up or opt for a new shade to completely change the furniture's look. Make sure you use a suitable outdoor paint that can withstand the elements. Here's a step-by-step guide to ensure you get the best results.

A. Sand: Lightly sand your furniture to get rid of any old flaky paint and to give your new paint a good surface to grip on to.

B. Prime: Once you have sanded your furniture, apply a primer to help the paint adhere better. This step is optional, as some paints come with a built-in primer.

C. Paint: Choose an exterior grade paint specifically meant for outdoor furniture. Spray paint is generally recommended for wicker furniture as it ensures a smooth, even cover and reaches all the nooks and crannies. Make sure to apply thin, multiple coats rather than one heavy coat to prevent dripping or puddling. Allow each coat to dry before applying the next.

D. Seal the Deal: Once the paint is completely dry, finish off with a clear sealant spray to protect your furniture from weather and wear.

4. Cushion and Comfort

The final touch in revamping your wicker outdoor furniture is adding the comfort factor. Opt for weather-resistant cushions that can handle the unpredictable Aussie elements. Consider refreshing your existing cushions with vibrant outdoor fabric covers or investing in new ones. Mix and match colours, patterns and sizes to give your furniture a playful yet cohesive look.

Wrapping up

Revamping your wicker outdoor furniture need not be a daunting task. A bit of cleaning, repairing, repainting, and an inviting addition of cushions will give your outdoor space a fresh outlook ready to greet the spring season. So pop on your favourite podcast, roll up your sleeves and get cracking on restoring your outdoor wicker furniture's lustre and charm. After all, it's not just about the end result but also the joy and satisfaction garnered from the process itself. Cheers to many enjoyable spring days spent lounging on your revamped outdoor furniture!