Leaving wicker furniture in its original state can eventually lead to discoloration, splinters and, in the end, very ugly furniture. If you own any wicker furniture, you should paint it at least once a year. If you have never painted wicker, there are a few simple steps you can follow to make the process easier.Preparing the furniture and painting areaPlan to paint your furniture on a sunny day. Even if you plan on painting indoors or in a covered area, the moisture in the air can make the paint tacky and take longer for it to dry. If the furniture is wet, move it to a dry area a few days before you plan on painting. Completely dry wicker is going to give you the best results. Lay down a tarp, newspaper or painting drop cloth under the furniture that you are going to paint. Use a face mask and goggles when spray painting, and keep the area well ventilated.Having the help of a friend or family member can make this process much easier, faster and a lot more efficient. Painting the furnitureSpray painting is the easiest method as it creates an even coat and is faster to apply. If you want to paint your wicker a dark color, you may want to first add a coat of primer. If primer is not available, you need to apply more than one coat of the actual color, waiting until each coat is completely dry before applying the next. If you want your wicker to have a natural look, you can just apply a clear coat and water-proofing spray. If you prefer to use a varnish, apply it with a brush, taking close care not to overcoat the wicker.Save yourself money and prolong the life of your wicker furniture. Paint your furniture at least once a year to maintain its beauty.