I recently found this really sweet wicker chair at our local thrift shop. It was a child’s version of the larger wicker chairs often used to decorate outdoor areas. They’re usually woven from natural materials such as cane, bamboo, rattan or willow and have a lovely natural quality. As soon as I saw this chair I knew Miss E would love it. I had found an Annie Sloan “recipe” on how to paint a wicker chair with chalk paint and thought this the perfect project to give it a try. 
Here is the before photo … it’s just the perfect size for little girls. As you can see the chair was in pretty good condition, but with just a little too much orange lacquer for my taste. 
As Miss E’s favourite colour is pinky purple she choose Henrietta, which we mixed with some Pure White to lighten the colour up a little. I then added some water – about one third so it’s fairly sloppy and easily applied to the woven wicker. 
I applied one coat of paint all over the chair with a fairly thick brush. The idea is to use just the tip of the brush and wipe over the top of the wicker to bring out the weave rather than try to get into all the nooks and crannies.
To create some interest … try to vary the density of the application by applying more paint on the areas where there is a different weave, such as along the edges of the arms.
However this is were I started to improvise and rather than wipe the paint on top, I began to work it into the weave (which you can see in the photo below). This changed the overall look … without the natural weave showing through the chair lacked interest and looked rather “dull”. 
To try and add some more interest I painted on some white chalk paint, starting with the diamond shaped lozenge on the back and the plaited weave down the arms. I also used a dry brush technique to paint white chalk paint over the rest of the chair, but I still wasn’t happy with the finished look. 
In the end, to create more of a distressed look I rubbed the chair with some fine sandpaper and then a damp cloth (which worked a treat!). While this produced the opposite effect to what Annie Sloan suggested, it did create some charm and interest that the chair needed. 
I liked to the matt finish of the wicker weave, so didn’t use a varnish or wax. For a relatively simple little project, I learnt heaps. By the end I was pleased with the overall look and finish of this cute little wicker chair. The biggest lesson I learnt from this project…
Sometimes Less Really is More!
I took this photo of the wicker chair next to one of my kitchen chairs to give you an idea of the size. 
Do you have any great tips or tricks for painting wicker? 
Here are some of my favourite chair makeovers from Pinterest.
Also Sharing:
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I am always jealous of the amazing finds people seem to get at thrift stores! I never have luck like that 🙂 What a great idea to re-invent this chair. It looks so nice in white!
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Thank you. I was lucky that day at the thrift store 😀Thanks for stopping by!
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What a great find and a fun project. It looks awesome–great job! 😀
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Thank you 😀
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what a cute chair makeover Jane! There is something about child size furniture that is so appealing.
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I love children’s furniture also … it’s so cute! Thanks for stopping by!
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Very nice job! It looks so much better white, nice and fresh!
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Thank you 😀
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Your makeover turned out great. Chalk paint is on my to-do list.
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Chalk paint is a recent discovery for me … I’m hooked!
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I have to say I normally hate these wicker chairs but your transformation has me thinking I may need some in my life! I think the distressing is perfect on this also.
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Thank you … I’m usually not a fan either, but the size of this chair made it really sweet 😃 Thanks for stopping by!
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This turned out so pretty! I love the soft color you mixed up and the distressing gives it lots of character.
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Thank you 😀
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Looks fantastic! I love the look of “updated” wicker chairs.
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Thanks … it’s definitely an improvement with a coat of paint. Thanks for stopping by 😀
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Just what I’ve been looking for! Pinned.
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Thanks for pinning 😀
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What a great find!! I can imagine that was tricky to paint. I love how even when things don’t go exactly as I planned, I learn something in the process, just like you said. Thanks for joining us at Dream. Create. Inspire. Link.!
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Thank you. The hiccups are all part of the learning curve 😀 Thanks for stopping by!
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I have a little wicker side table I am go to give a go at. It’s a thrift store find so if it doesn’t turn out the best just my time is relly lost. Your chair is adorable
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Thank you 😀 Good luck with the table! Cheers Jane
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Oh, just gorgeous! Can’t beat painted wicker and especially in that lovely color! Featuring this evening on The Painted Drawer Link party! Thanks for sharing!
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Thank you for the feature, I always enjoy linking up 🙂
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Great job…love the color!
Thanks so much for sharing at AMAZE ME MONDAY!
Blessings,
Cindy
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Thank you 🙂
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