No priming necessary. I paint baskets too, but I use semi-gloss spray paint.

Spray painting is actually easier than using a brush though.

All the baskets turned out great! It's a fun way to add color, isn't it?

Sometimes it's nice not to have a solid color but to get a color wash instead - depends on what you're after. If you want a solid look, it's tough to do with a brush - much easier to spray and you don't need a primer. For a color wash you can thin some paint down and brush it on - if it's not enough, let it dry and do another coat. If won't give you coverage in all the crevices but that's part of the charm of that look.

Wash the baskets in mild soap and water, then paint them. It's really easy.

If you want full coverage you have to spray or do a lot of tapping with the brush bristles.

Thanks all, sounds like I'll just "do it", a wash sounds very interesting anyway.

I just spray painted a few baskets yesterday, using a semi gloss white. One basket was a cream yellow color, the other natural. I found that light coats where some of the base color peaked through looked better, so start out with light thin coats, building up to what you think looks best.

Does anyone have pictures of their painted baskets? I was very determined to paint lots of baskets and put them on top of my kitchen cabinets. I put them all up there unpainted to see how they would fit, and now I think I might like them plain.

I can't decide what to do. :)