Material: Woven Natural Fibers
Revive tired natural wicker or rattan with a coat of classic white, or jazz it up with a gleaming coat of vermilion. Either way, the nook-and-cranny texture of the weave means one thing: It’s time to chuck the brush (unless you like gunky clumps of paint) and reach for the spray can. Because of the absorbent nature of the fibers, spray paint tends to dry more evenly on wicker and rattan than on other materials, which means accidental drip marks are less likely.
Step 1: If your piece has a clear topcoat or has been painted previously, give it a light sanding to help the paint adhere.
Step 2: Spray-paint the top of the piece (for the technique, see Step 2 of Makeover Your Coffee Table With Paint). Let it dry completely, which will take about an hour. Next, flip it over and do the same on the underside. Repeat the process as many times as you need to coat all the recessed areas. (The rattan chair shown here required four light, even coats.)

Shopping List

Three cans Krylon Interior-Exterior spray paint (comes in 41 colors; shown in Glossy White), $3 to $5 each, www.krylon.com for store locations.

One pack 220-grit sandpaper, about $4 at hardware stores.