Paint updates wicker with fresh summer style.

Wicker comes in all shapes and sizes. We love classic, clean lines that are easy to update with paint, subtle patterns, and new cushions. Before you get fancy, remember to prepare your wicker furniture with some basic steps. First, clean well with the sprayer of a garden hose so you have a fresh slate to work on. Then lightly sand and rub the piece with a tack cloth. Select a dominant color for the base of the wicker and an accent color for the pattern. Paint the entire piece of furniture first with the dominant color, let dry, and repeat for thorough coverage. Fill your supply box with the following items before starting any of these projects:

Wire Brush
Use to remove loose paint from the piece.

Primer
We love Zinsser Bulls-Eye 1-2-3, available at most home centers. Coat your wicker pieces with primer first to ensure a perfect finish.

Exterior Latex Paint
This paint dries quickly and can be used for the base and accent coats. A quart usually costs $10–$15.

Painter’s Tape
Mark off the patterns on the furniture with this tape. A roll usually costs $3–$5.

Paintbrushes
Have on hand inexpensive hair (not foam) brushes (disposable ones run $1–$2) in various sizes. We used a 3-inch brush to base-coat our pieces and 1-inch, 1.5-inch, and 2.5-inch brushes to paint patterns.