Use spray primer to seal wicker before repainting

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 27/07/2003 (8270 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

DEAR Debbie: Can you please advise me if it’s possible to paint rattan furniture? I have quite a few pieces. They were what I think is called pearl white, but after a few years in storage are now yellowish. I want to freshen them up for a new summer place we are building.

–Margaret B.

DEAR Margaret: Whether you are renewing a wicker chair that you’ve found in a yard sale, or painting new rattan furniture to seal it for the out of doors, it’s an easy job to make these pieces look great. Brush off any loose dirt with a broom. Use spray primer to seal the wicker. It is simpler to cover all sides of the weave with a spray, but protect yourself and the surrounding area as the paint is airborne. Apply a coat of fresh white latex or acrylic paint in your choice of finishes. Semi-gloss is tougher than a flat finish.

DEAR Debbie: I have some Anaglypta wallpaper which I will be framing into panels on my walls with trim to create a French Provincial look. I plan to use a monochromatic colour scheme of soft yellowy cream walls with white trim. What is the best technique to highlight the beautiful detail of the embossed wallpaper? I’d prefer the finished room to feel fresh and elegant rather than worn and antiqued.

–Miranda B.

DEAR Miranda: What a fantastic idea. I absolutely agree that you should keep the embossed paper fresh and cheerful. This is what I would do. First, apply a coat of white latex paint to the Anaglypta. (If anyone is not aware of this type of paper, it is a thick embossed patterned paper that is supposed to be painted. You can either apply solid colour or highlight the pattern with paint.) Once dry, pour some of your creamy coloured wall paint onto a plate. Take a standard flat kitchen sponge and dip it flatly in the paint, covering the surface of the sponge. Dab off the excess on paper towel, and gently wipe the paint over the Anaglypta as if you were cleaning a window. The creamy colour will remain on the top of the raised pattern and highlight the paper’s design.

DEAR Debbie: I want to do my small bathroom over in a Victorian style. There is ceramic tile on one side of the room. It’s white with an olive green design. The floor is hardwood. If possible, I’d like to work around the tiles. Please help.

–Kathy G.

DEAR Kathy: Victorian colours were usually dark and moody. If it is true Victorian style that you want, then try picking out the olive from the tile and paint the walls in this deep green. Add some red accents such as red towels and fittings. Put your lights on a dimmer switch to enable you to recreate the sultry atmosphere of this period when you soak in the tub surrounded by candles.

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Ask Debbie is produced by Debbie Travis and Barbara Dingle. Please e-mail your questions to askdebbie@painted-house.com. Check out Debbie’s Web site www.painted-house.com. and watch Debbie Travis’ Painted House on W, and Debbie Travis’ Facelift on HGTV. For more ideas look for Debbie’s newest books, Kids’ Rooms and Bedrooms.