Don't throw out your old wicker furniture just yet! Restoring outdoor furniture is an easy project if done correctly. You can save money and restore old outdoor wicker furniture in a few easy steps. Restoring old wicker furniture is a great way to preserve and create heirlooms for your family.

The first step to restoring outdoor wicker furniture is to clean it. Weathered furniture tends to mildew over time so you need to start your restoring process by cleaning it first. Using water and a mild detergent spray the wicker furniture and scrub it with a sponge or scrubbing brush. Remove any dirt, mildew and loose paint.

If the wicker furniture has cushions that are old, throw them out and get new ones. Brand new cushions will help to give it a new, crisp, clean look.

After cleaning allow the furniture to dry completely. Simply drying with a cloth will not get the water out from in between the crevices. For best results set in the sun and allow the wicker furniture to dry in the sun.

After drying is complete, make sure that all dirt, loose paint and mildew have been removed and that it is completely dry. Using a sharp pair of scissors cut back any loose or frayed pieces of wicker that may have come undone.

Choose a nice color such as white or a color that goes well with your landscape and the cushions you will be using. A crisp white always goes well on outdoor wicker furniture. Spray paints work best when restoring old wicker because easily gets into the cracks and crevices and doesn't leave any unpainted areas. Follow the directions listed on the spray paint to insure proper application. Liquid paint can be applied using a brush but that requires a lot more work and lot of patience.

After applying a nice and even paint coat to the wicker furniture, allow it to dry and add another coat if necessary. Once the painting process is complete you are ready to move on the other next step.

The next step in restoring outdoor wicker is to add accessories. Replace the old cushions with new, clean cushions as mentioned above. You may also want to put a clear, protective cover over them to help them last longer as well. Old scarves can be tied around the arms or the back of the chair to add style and help coordinate the old wicker furniture with your design.

So the next time you consider throwing out the old, dirty, wicker furniture set, remember these easy steps to restoring it!

Learn more about this author, Stephanie Manning.
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