Advice on painting this basket

last year

(note: couldn't cross post with other forums, had to start a new thread here)

I've had this lidded basket a very long time, I quite like it. This is my home office, and I keep items in the basket that I use (i.e. it's a functional basket, not just a decorative one). Problem is, the color of it doesn't look great against the new table DH recently made me. So, I thought I'd paint it.

But, the more I look at it, the more I wonder if that's easier said than done. Spray paint would be the easiest but how would that turn out with the flower medallions that have the basket color between the "petals". Tape off the medallions, spray, then go back with a teeny-tiny brush and fill in the gaps? Use a brush for the whole thing? If not spray paint, what type of paint (I am not a crafter, I'm clueless about this stuff...). Or buy something new and re-purpose the basket elsewhere.

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KW PNW Z8

last year

I quite like the color of that basket against the pretty wood as well as the wall color. It wouldn’t be as nice if it blended in to either because of a similar color. I think I can visually ”feel” the texture of the basket & I’m pretty sure paint of any type - spray or brush on - would ruin it and make it stiff & inflexible. My vote is to leave it as is.

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Comments (18)

Sherry8aNorthAL
last year
The color looks fine to me. Add something on the right to balance?
porkchop_z5b_MI thanked Sherry8aNorthAL
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Its a pretty basket, I would leave it alone and set it somewhere else, and find another that will work with your table. They are not difficult to paint. However, unless those flowers come off, I wouldnt even try. Its easier to find another basket and spray paint that if need be. A stiffer weave basket than what you have there, will also spray paint much nicer.
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porkchop_z5b_MI
Original Author
last year
I was thinking a deep green, something similar to the green leather notebook you see there.

Good point about teh texture, I hadn't thought of that.
Sherry8aNorthAL
last year
Add a deep green pencil holder on the right.
porkchop_z5b_MI thanked Sherry8aNorthAL
Rusty
last year
Personally, I think paint of any kind or color would completely ruin that basket. If it really bothers you that much, get something else to use for that purpose in that spot, and repurpose this basket somewhere else.

Or maybe a deep green (like the notebook) mat (Place mat? Doily? Scarf?) for the basket to rest on, breaking the direct contact of the colors. Although I think it goes quite nicely with the wood color and grain.

Rusty
porkchop_z5b_MI thanked Rusty
Olychick
last year
last modified: last year
If you like the basket, as is, I wouldn't risk painting it and ruining it. If it's not precious and you'd like it better a different color, then I'd watch some videos on youtube about painting wicker or baskets and give it a go. This woman recommends chalk paint and tho she is painting wicker, I think it would work the same on your basket. Another I saw suggested using painter's tape to cover things you don't want to paint, so you could wrap the flowers in tape and paint around them.

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/tOZZza4G6So

eta: how lucky to have a partner who can build beautiful furniture!
porkchop_z5b_MI thanked Olychick
Still trailing
last year
Set the basket on something. A smallish embroidered cloth or a placemat type piece . Or maybe something like a small runner on the table . Its a beautiful table and lucky you to have such a talented DH! 🙏
porkchop_z5b_MI thanked Still trailing
porkchop_z5b_MI
Original Author
last year
last modified: last year
"...and lucky you to have such a talented DH!"

"how lucky to have a partner who can build beautiful furniture!"

He recently took up woodworking as a hobby, he's learning and getting better with each thing he makes. Right now he's working on a set of closet doors. The table came out beautifully. I get credit for the staining, though :0)

ETA: A placemat under the basket is a great idea, should be pretty easy to find a round fabric placement in some shade of green.
HU-279332973
last year
I would not paint Raffia which it looks like this is. It is normally dyed. If you look inside perhaps those flowers could be wired on? Still I prefer natural and being older it might not take dye evenly. I think it looks just fine.

patriciae
porkchop_z5b_MI thanked HU-279332973
lucillle
last year
A beautiful table! I LOVE baskets and have quite a few. Yours is lovely, I suggest that you find another place for it and treat yourself to a new basket.
porkchop_z5b_MI thanked lucillle
Still trailing
last year
@porkchop_z5b_MI I expanded the photo to see the painting/ picture on the wall. Is that a pig snout??? 😂 Perfect match to the basket ! I would choose a color from that wonderful artwork for the placemat/ runner. Very charming. 🙏
porkchop_z5b_MI thanked Still trailing
porkchop_z5b_MI
Original Author
last year
"Is that a pig snout???"

Why yes it IS a pig snout! Here's the whole thing:
Olychick
last year
Glad to see the whole picture. the part I could see looked like a sports player with a helmet face down in the mud. But, I thought, "Naw, that can't be it."
porkchop_z5b_MI thanked Olychick
carolb_w_fl_coastal_9/10
last year
Skipping down to share that my favorite paint for baskets is metallic - silver especially. I've freshened up a number of shabby baskets that way. And I do prefer spray paint, since it goes on more evenly.

These aren't mine, but for illustration:

One thing I learned the hard way is to use a brush to carefully clean all the nooks and crannies, because if there's any dust, it will reveal itself and become permanent. You can even wash most baskets and let them air dry before painting.
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murraysmom Zone 6a OH
last year
I was going to say to get some textile to put underneath. I see that still trailing has already suggested it. I have a lot of crocheted doilies under things around my house and I really like those. I am in awe of people that can make things like that and every one is usually unique.

Be sure to come back with a picture of whatever you decide to do.
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nicole
last year
I'd leave the basket...enlist your hubby to install floating shelves.
porkchop_z5b_MI thanked nicole
Still trailing
last year
last modified: last year
@porkchop_z5b_MI Precious! Something fun on the table top you will know it when you see it. Try an etsy search I’m not sure what but it should tie in with those cute farm animals. ❤️

the crochet look it is smaller and the colors will go well I think .
porkchop_z5b_MI thanked Still trailing
floral_uk z.8/9 SW UK
last year
last modified: last year
Tastes differ but for me don't paint and don't add any clutter in the form of mats, doilies or knick-knacks. The simplicity of the natural wood is enough.
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Advice on painting this basket

KW PNW Z8

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