Before you start dyeing your rattan/wicker furniture, it’s good to move the piece outdoors in a shaded or covered area.
Make sure you do not allow direct sunlight on the furniture as it can damage it.
Turn over the furniture piece and place it on a tarp cloth.
Cover the nearby things that you don’t want to spray with plastic or masking paper.
Now, follow these steps…
Step 1 – Clean
Vacuum the furniture to remove the dust.
In a large bucket, prepare the solution with warm water and mild soap.
Then wet a piece of rag and wipe down the furniture thoroughly to remove any dirt and grime.
If there are any molds on the furniture, add half a cup of bleach to the solution.
And then using a toothbrush scrub and clean the furniture including all the crevices between the weaves.
After getting the furniture cleaned, allow it to dry for some time.
Step 2 – Sand
Gently sand the piece of wicker with 80-grit sandpaper.
If there is any thin paint layer, varnish finish, or lacquer scuff lightly to remove them.
Alternatively, you can use liquid sandpaper which is easy to soften varnish or lacquer.
After you have sanded the surface, wipe it clean with a damp rag to remove the sanded dust.
Remember if your furniture has a heavy layer of paint, varnish, or stain, you won’t be able to dye it well. In that case, it’s better to repaint or over it.
Step 3 – Prepare the dye
Now it’s time to prepare your dye solution for spraying.
There are dyes that are water-based (soluble in water) and solvent-based (soluble in alcohol).
You can pick the one you like based on the color tone you desire to have – solvent-based wood dyes have more varieties available.
Mix the dye by following the specific instructions provided on the product label.
Then strain the mixture with a nylon filter or a strainer to filter out any undissolved solid particles.
Transfer the prepared dye solution to a spray bottle and test the nozzle by spraying on a piece of cardboard – for better finishing and results you will need to get a fine mist.
Step 4 – Spray the dye solution
Start by spraying the underside of your furniture evenly.
The dye will get soaked up quickly and you rarely need to wipe over the excess of it.
After the dye seems to be dried, turn over the piece and spray the top nicely.
If you desire, apply the second coat after allowing the first coat to dry completely.
Step 5 – Finish your project
After the coats of dye are completely dry, it’s good to spray the piece with a coat of two of polyurethane finish or clear lacquer.
This will add a good glossy finish along with an enhanced layer of protection.
