Is it possible to paint rattan furniture?

Here's how to succeed like a professional.

Give rattan a new life and a shade that withstands time and glances.

Why is it worth painting rattan?

Rattan is trendy again – and no wonder. Rattan as a material is long-lasting, ecological, and practical.
This natural material brings warmth, texture, and bohemian softness to the home.
Still, many rattan furniture pieces end up in storage because their color is orange, yellowed, or uneven.

Good news?

If you found an old rattan piece of furniture on Tori or the Roskalava group, the game is not lost even if its surface is worn. Restoring old or otherwise used rattan furniture is an eco-friendly act, and with our instructions, you can bring rattan cabinets, headboards, shelves, and furniture back to new glory. 
Painting rattan is an easy, quick, and affordable way to renew furniture without new purchases.With Frenchic paints, the result is beautiful, durable, and above all safe for indoor use.

How to prepare rattan before painting

1. Clean thoroughly.
Remove dust, dirt, and grease with a lightly dampened microfiber cloth and mild detergent. A soft root brush is a good cleaning tool.
If the surface has wax or varnish, lightly sand the surface with fine sandpaper (e.g., 180).

2. Let dry completely.
Rattan is a porous material that absorbs moisture – so do not paint a damp surface.

3. Protect the surroundings.
Because rattan has many gaps, thin paint and the right brush are key.

Brush and paint – the secret to success in painting rattan

• Use a soft-tipped, flexible brush (e.g., round synthetic brush). It's good to have a couple of different painting tools. Also, a small 10 or 15mm nap roller is good and quick for the first coat. If you have a lot to paint, test the tools first.

• Choose a water-based and durable paint, such as Frenchic Lazy Range, Trim Paint or Al Fresco.

  • Lazy Range or Trim Paint is perfect for indoor use – easy, fast drying, and beautifully leveling.

  • Al Fresco is also suitable for outdoors – UV protected and weather resistant.

Painting steps for rattan – step by step

1. Stir the paint well.
Frenchic paints have rich pigment, so mixing ensures an even shade.

2. Apply a thin coat.
Rattan absorbs paint – a thin, dry brush works better than a wet one.
Let dry for 1–4 hours, depending on the paint series you choose.

3. Add the second coat.
With two thin coats of paint, you get a durable, beautiful surface that doesn't clog the rattan weaves.

4. Finish lightly.
If you want a smoother finish, you can lightly sand the surface once it has dried.
For outdoor wicker, you can finally add a matte Tuff Top Coat.

Color recommendations – trends and classics 

Rattan looks stunning with many shades. Here are the professional favorites:

Tip: If you paint several pieces of furniture, use the same color family with different shades. The result looks thoughtful and compositionally polished.

Painting rattan for outdoor use

If you use furniture on a balcony or terrace, remember:

• Choose Al Fresco series paint, which withstands moisture and UV light.

• Protect furniture from rain – although the paint is durable, the rattan itself does not like constant moisture.

• You get gloss or extra protection on surfaces with heavy wear with Finishing Coats: Finishing Coat or Tuff Top Coat

Common mistakes to avoid

🚫 Do not paint dirty or moldy surfaces. Do not apply thick coats – it can clog the weaves.

🚫 Avoid spray paint – it doesn't always adhere as well and isn't very environmentally friendly. Paint consumption can be surprising with spray paint. Spray painting requires careful protection.
🚫 Don't forget drying time – always allow enough time between coats.

Painting rattan furniture in a nutshell

✅ Clean and dry
✅ Sand lightly
✅ Choose a water-based, durable paint, like Frenchic 
✅ Finish and admire

Remember to save this rattan painter's checklist

Rattan painting checklist:

• Check the surface condition, wash off mold and dirt carefully and let dry

• Choose the appropriate paint series: Trim Paint, Lazy Range or Al Fresco

• A brush with dense bristles and shaped handle gets well between the weaves

• Paint at least two coats

• Let the paint layers dry completely before the next one, read the instructions on the paint can

• Add protection if needed, for example a matte Tuff Top Coat

• Update the rest of the interior around new shades

Save this list before painting and make your rattan the centerpiece of your decor!

When you paint rattan furniture with high-quality Frenchic paint, you get:

• For a more durable surface

• For an individual style and unique shade

• For a cozy, natural atmosphere
  

Renew and beautify your old rattan furniture and update it  with colors for a new era.

Explore the shades and tools: frenchicpaint.fi

For bold home dreams - Passion for interior design, colors, and atmosphere