How to Weatherproof Wicker Furniture?

The Short Version

To weatherproof wicker furniture, clean the weave thoroughly, let it dry completely, then seal it with a product suited to the material: a clear exterior lacquer or marine varnish for natural rattan and cane, and a protective exterior wax or acrylic sealer for painted wicker. Synthetic resin wicker does not need sealing at all, because the fibre is already waterproof, but its frame fixings and cushions still need attention. After sealing, the real protection comes from how you store and cover the furniture through the wet months.

Before you buy anything, work out which kind of wicker you own, since natural and synthetic behave in completely different ways outdoors.

Natural or Synthetic? How to Tell

Natural wicker is woven from plant fibres such as rattan, cane, willow or seagrass. Look closely at a cut end or the underside of an arm: natural fibre shows a fibrous, slightly hairy core and small variations in colour along its length. It absorbs water, swells, dries out and can eventually split or grow mould.

Synthetic wicker, often called resin or polyethylene rattan, is extruded plastic strand. It looks uniform in colour, feels slightly waxy and shows no fibrous core. It does not absorb water and is designed for outdoor use, though cheaper versions become brittle in prolonged sunlight.

The distinction matters because sealing natural wicker extends its life significantly, while sealing synthetic wicker achieves very little and can leave a sticky film that attracts dirt.

Weatherproofing Natural Wicker Step by Step

1. Clean the Weave

Vacuum with a brush attachment to lift grit from between the strands, then wash with warm water and a mild soap using a soft brush. Work along the weave rather than against it. Rinse with clean water, using as little as possible: soaking natural wicker is the fastest way to loosen the glue in its joints.

2. Treat Any Mould

Green or black patches are common on pieces that have overwintered outdoors. Wipe them with a solution of warm water and a small amount of white vinegar, then rinse lightly and let the piece dry. Sealing over live mould traps it under the film and it will spread underneath.

3. Dry Completely

This step takes longer than people expect. Natural fibre holds water deep in the weave, so allow at least 24 to 48 hours in a dry, airy place, out of direct sun. Sealing damp wicker traps moisture inside the fibre, which leads to cloudiness in the finish and rot in the core.

4. Repair Before You Seal

Push loose strand ends back into the weave and secure them with a small amount of exterior wood glue. Trim broken fibres flush with sharp scissors. Sand any rough splinters very lightly with fine abrasive paper. Sealing over a broken strand simply preserves the fault.

5. Seal the Fibre

For unpainted natural wicker, apply a clear exterior lacquer, spar varnish or marine grade varnish. Aerosols reach into the weave far better than a brush, but a brush is useful for working sealant into thicker areas such as legs and frame joints. Apply two or three thin coats rather than one thick coat, which will pool in the crevices and dry glossy in patches.

For painted wicker, an exterior paste wax or clear acrylic sealer protects the paint film without changing the colour much. Test on the underside first, since some sealers deepen colour noticeably.

6. Reseal Annually

Sealant on a woven surface wears unevenly because the high points of the weave take all the abrasion. A light refresher coat at the start of each season is far less work than a full restoration in a few years.

Protecting Synthetic Resin Wicker

Synthetic wicker asks for maintenance rather than sealing.

• Wash with warm soapy water and a soft brush, paying attention to the undersides where dirt collects
• Check the frame inside the weave, since many synthetic pieces are woven over aluminium or steel. Steel frames rust from the inside where you cannot see them
• Tighten bolts annually and replace corroded fixings with stainless steel
• Keep the furniture out of prolonged harsh sunlight where possible, as ultraviolet exposure is what makes resin strands brittle
• Apply an exterior plastic protectant with ultraviolet inhibitors once a season if the finish looks chalky

If strands have already snapped and started to unravel, individual repairs are possible but rarely tidy. At that point, replacement usually makes better sense, and our garden seating sets UK sale range includes weather resistant designs built for British conditions.

Storage Matters More Than Sealant

No sealant survives four months of standing water. How you store wicker through autumn and winter has a greater effect on its lifespan than any product you can buy.

• Move furniture into a shed, garage or covered area for the wettest months if you have the space
• Where storage is not possible, use breathable covers rather than solid plastic sheeting, which traps condensation against the weave
• Raise the feet off paving and soil using small blocks or feet, so the legs are not standing in run off
• Stack or tilt seats forward so rain runs off rather than pooling in the seat pan
• Never store wicker damp, and check on it midwinter for trapped moisture

Cushions should always come indoors. Even water repellent covers absorb moisture eventually, and a damp cushion left on a natural wicker seat will mark the fibre and encourage mould in both.

Sun, Not Just Rain

British gardens see less sun than rain, but ultraviolet damage still accounts for a great deal of fading and brittleness. Natural fibre bleaches and dries out, while synthetic strand loses flexibility. Positioning furniture where it gets some afternoon shade helps considerably, and a parasol does more than provide comfort for the people sitting under it. Our modern garden parasols UK range includes weighted base options suited to breezy sites.

When Wicker Is Better Suited Indoors

Some wicker was never intended for outdoor life. Fine cane furniture, tightly woven decorative pieces and painted vintage wicker generally last far longer in a conservatory, sunroom or hallway than on an exposed patio. If a piece has sentimental or design value, keeping it under a roof is the most effective weatherproofing available.

For genuinely exposed spaces, choose furniture designed for the job from the outset. We stock a wide range of outdoor pieces at Furniture in Fashion, including garden armchairs UK and garden storage UK sale options for keeping cushions and covers dry between uses.

Signs Weatherproofing Has Failed

• Fibres feel soft or spongy when pressed, which suggests water has reached the core
• The weave creaks loudly and shifts when weight is applied
• Grey or black speckling appears under the sealant film
• Strand ends lift and fray in multiple places rather than one
• Joints have loosened and the frame rocks on level ground

Isolated issues are repairable. Widespread softness across the seat and back means the fibre has degraded internally and no amount of surface sealing will bring it back.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can natural wicker furniture be left outside all year?

It is not advisable. Even well sealed natural wicker suffers from prolonged damp, frost and standing water. Storing it under cover through the wettest months makes a substantial difference to how long it lasts.

What is the best sealant for wicker furniture?

A clear exterior or marine grade varnish suits unpainted natural wicker, applied in thin coats and ideally sprayed to reach into the weave. Painted wicker is better served by an exterior wax or clear acrylic sealer that will not alter the colour.

Does synthetic rattan need sealing?

No. The strand itself is waterproof. Focus instead on washing it, checking the internal frame for corrosion, tightening fixings and using an ultraviolet protectant if the surface looks chalky.

How do I remove mould from wicker?

Wipe affected areas with warm water and a little white vinegar using a soft brush, rinse lightly and dry the piece fully in an airy spot. Always deal with mould before sealing, never after.

How often should wicker be resealed?

Once a season is a sensible rhythm for natural wicker kept outdoors, since the raised points of the weave wear first. A light refresher coat each spring is quicker than a full strip and reseal later.