Can Rattan be painted? Here's how to succeed

Can you paint rattan furniture?

Here’s how to get professional results.

Give rattan a new lease on life and a color that stands the test of time and turns heads.

Why paint rattan?

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

The good news?

If you found an old rattan furniture piece on Tori or in a Buy Nothing group, all is not lost, even if its finish is worn. Restoring old or secondhand rattan furniture is an eco-friendly choice, and with our instructions you can bring rattan cabinets, headboards, shelving units, and other furniture back to life. 

Painting rattan is an easy, quick, and affordable way to refresh furniture without buying anything new. With Frenchic paints, the result is beautiful, durable, and above all safe for indoor use too.

How to prepare rattan before painting

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

2. Let it dry completely.
Rattan is a porous material that absorbs moisture, so don’t paint a damp surface.

3. Protect the surrounding area.
Since rattan has lots of gaps, thin paint and the right brush are key.

The brush and paint are the secret to successfully painting rattan

1. Use a soft-tipped, flexible brush (e.g. a round synthetic brush). It’s a good idea to have a couple of different painting tools on hand. A small roller with a 10 or 15 mm nap is also a good, quick option for the first coat. If you have a lot to paint, try out the tools first.
2. Choose a water-based, durable paint, such as  Trim Paint or Al Fresco.
3. Trim Paint is perfect for indoor use – easy to use, quick-drying, and self-leveling
4. Al Fresco is also suitable for outdoor use – UV-protected and weather-resistant.

Painting rattan step by step

1. Stir the paint well
Frenchic paints are highly pigmented, so stirring ensures an even color.

2. Apply a thin coat
Rattan absorbs paint, so a thin, dry brush works better than a wet one.
Let dry for 1–4 hours, depending on the paint range you’ve chosen.

3. Apply the second coat
Two thin coats of paint give you a durable, beautiful finish that won’t clog the rattan weave.

4. Finish lightly
If you want a smoother finish, you can sand the surface lightly once it's dry.
For outdoor rattan, you can finish with a matte Finishing Coat.

Color recommendations - trends and classics 

Rattan looks stunning in many shades. Here are the professionals' favorites:

Tip: If you're painting several pieces of furniture, use the same color family in different shades. The result will look considered and thoughtfully put together.

Painting rattan for outdoor use

If you use the furniture on a balcony or patio, remember:

• Choose paint from the Al Fresco range, which withstands moisture and UV light.

• Protect furniture from rain: even though the paint is durable, rattan itself doesn't tolerate constant moisture.

• For shine or extra protection on high-traffic surfaces, use Finishing Coats: Finishing Coat or Tuff Top Coat

Common mistakes to avoid

🚫 Don't paint a dirty or moldy surface. Don't apply thick coats: they can clog the weave.

🚫 Don't forget drying time: always allow enough time between coats.

Painting rattan furniture at a glance

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

Remember to save this rattan painting checklist

Rattan painting checklist:

• Check the condition of the surface, thoroughly wash off mold and dirt, and let it dry

• Choose the right paint range: Trim Paint, Lazy Range, or Al Fresco

• A full-bristled, shaped brush reaches easily between the woven strands

• Apply at least two coats

• Let each coat of paint dry completely before applying the next; read the instructions on the paint can

• Add protection if needed, such as a matte Finishing Coat

• Refresh the rest of your decor to complement the new shades

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

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

• A more durable finish

• A personal style and a unique shade

• A cozy, natural atmosphere
  

Refresh and beautify your old rattan furniture and bring it into a new era with color.

Explore shades and tools: frenchicpaint.fi

For bold home dreams - A passion for interiors, colors, and atmosphere