How Can I Protect the Top of a Wicker Table?

Wear rubber gloves and eye protection. Mix a bucket of hot water with 1/2 cup of household bleach. Scrub the wicker table with a stiff brush and the bleach water. Allow the bleach to sit on the wicker if the table has a lot of mildew spots. Turn the table upside down, and scrub the underside as well. Rinse the entire table after 10 minutes. If there is still mildew, apply more bleach water to the spots and allow the bleach to sit another 10 minutes. Rinse, and let the table dry for 24 hours.

Sand any painted glossy areas of the table lightly if you are going to repaint the table. This will allow the new paint to adhere to the wicker.

Position the wicker table over plastic sheeting in a place that has a moderate temperature and is not in direct sunlight. Select a spray paint for wood surfaces in the color you want. Spray paint the wicker using long, even strokes. Keep your spray can an equal distance from the wicker to create a uniform coat. Thin coats are better than thick coats.

Spray the top and underside of the table. Allow each coat to dry for at least 30 minutes. Spray as many coats as necessary to achieve the look you want. Matte paint creates a more natural finish, while glossy paint looks shinier and more painted.

Spray a nonyellowing clear coat finish over all surfaces of the table to further protect the table from the elements.