0
0
If you’ve been looking for an easy way to repair your worn-out wicker furniture, this article is for you. In it, we’ll explore some common mistakes beginners make and provide some tips to avoid them!
Before you get started, it’s important to take a close look at your piece. This will give you an idea of what repairs it might need and which supplies you’ll need to make them.
1. Check the Frame
Wicker Furniture Repair is a natural material that looks pretty, but it can be difficult to maintain and keep looking its best. The tight weave can make cleaning challenging, but with a little care and attention, your wicker pieces will last for years to come.
First, take a look at the frame of your Wicker Furniture Repair to assess how well it holds up. This will help determine whether you need to repair it or purchase new replacements.
If the frame is sturdy, you can likely fix the problem on your own with some specialized wicker or wood glue. You can find this type of glue at many hardware stores.
It’s also a good idea to replace any loose ends in the reed wrapping that’s starting to unravel. To do this, simply take the reed wraps out of the legs and arms, then add a small dab of glue beneath the old wrapping and insert the new one. Once the glue dries, you can secure it with a few tacks.
2. Cut a length of Replacement
Next, cut a length of replacement reed that’s at least 36 inches long. Be sure to use the whole length; otherwise, you’ll waste reed.
Then, thread the replacement reed through the furniture, starting at a point near the back that’s less visible and weave it all the way in until you get to the point where you started. Once you’re done, apply a drop of wood glue to the ends and tuck them in to hold the reeds in place.
Once you’ve done this, you can start to wrap the reed around the leg and arm in the original position. Depending on the type of wicker you have, you may need to glue the reeds down with some additional tacks or paint them with a color that matches the rest of the furniture.
Finally, to maintain the reeds’ health, you can oil them with a mixture of lemon or orange oil every so often. Some types of rattan may require more frequent oiling than others, so it’s best to check with an expert.
3. Check the Seating
Often, the seating of a wicker furniture piece can become loose and worn out. This can happen due to wear and tear or damage caused by water. If you notice that the seat of your wicker furniture has become loose or worn, it is time to take it in for repair.
The type of wicker furniture you have will determine the best way to repair it. For example, outdoor wicker furniture is usually made from synthetic materials and treated with resin to make it more durable. This means that the repairs on outdoor wicker will be different than those needed for indoor furniture.
If you have a wicker chair or sofa that is upholstered with rattan, examine the upholstery for any loose ends that may be protruding from the fabric. These stray pieces can be fixed with wood glue to hold them back in place.
This process works especially well if you have a chair that is designed with a tight weave. However, it can also be done on furniture that has a loose weave. The key to this fix is to find the loose ends and apply a drop of wood glue to the base of the strands.
Once you have a strand or two of wood glue, pull the strands together and fold them back into the wicker pattern to fix them. Repeat this process for each stray strand you come across.
When you have completed the repair, wipe it down with a clean cloth. Be sure to use a soft cloth that won’t scratch the rattan. You can even use a chamois leather brush to help remove any stains.
If your wicker furniture has broken reeds, this can also be repaired with new reeds. The easiest place to buy reeds is the manufacturer where you bought your Wicker Furniture Repair. It is more difficult to obtain replacement reeds from a resin reed vendor.
If you need to replace a reed, be sure that it is the same thickness and type as the original one. This is important because it can affect the durability of your reeds. You should also try to find replacement reeds that match the color and pattern of your original reeds.
4. Check the Reeds
If you have a wicker piece that is a bit damaged, one of the first things to check is the reeds. If the reeds are damaged, you will need to replace them with new ones. This is a fairly simple task that can be completed by yourself.
The type of reeds you will need will depend on the material of your wicker furniture. If you have a natural wicker piece, it will be easier to find replacement reeds. However, if your wicker furniture is made of resin, you will have more difficulty finding replacement reeds.
Once you have found the reeds that need to be replaced, remove them from the furniture and soak them in water for 30 minutes. This will help make them more pliable so they can be easily manipulated and wound back into place.
Next, use a pair of wire cutters to cut off the damaged reeds. Leave about a 2 inch length of the original reeds tucked under the surface – this will help to secure the new reed.
Take a piece of the replacement reed and begin to weave it over the original reeds. Repeat the process with each damaged reed until the entire area is covered. If you have a painted wicker piece, you may want to paint the new reeds before you complete this step to ensure they blend in with the existing finish.
After you have completed this step, you will need to secure the tips of the replacement reeds with carpet tacks. Tacking them in place will keep them from splitting when you push them into the wicker frame.
The reeds in your wicker furniture are often used to create a musical sound. Some reeds are stronger than others, and this can change the way that they produce their sound.
If you need to repair a damaged reed, it is best to consult the manufacturer of your Wicker Furniture Repair for instructions on how to obtain replacement reeds. If you can’t locate the manufacturer, you will need to contact a wicker dealer that can obtain the proper materials.
5. Check the Hardware
While wicker is a durable and stylish material, it can also be hard to repair. It’s worth checking your woven furniture for any signs of damage that need to be fixed before it becomes a huge project.
If you notice your wicker piece has loose hardware, replace them as soon as possible. It’s also a good idea to examine the legs of chairs and tables to see if they’re holding the frame properly. If they’re loose, tighten them up to keep them in place.
For a small hole in the wicker, a quick and easy fix is to glue it down with a two-part epoxy specially formulated for wood. Then, hold the repair in place with painter’s tape until it’s dry.
You may need to do this for broken reeds on any woven piece, but it’s especially important for outdoor furniture with aluminum frames and synthetic wicker that’s made to withstand the elements. It’s also a good idea for new pieces that have been exposed to the weather and need some protection from the sun, rain, snow, and dirt.
It’s also a good idea for woven rattan or wicker patio furniture with wood frames that can rust, warp, and deteriorate over time. If you have a wood frame, make sure to treat it with a stain or sealant so it’s resistant to the elements.
6. Cleaned wicker
Once your wicker is cleaned, apply a coat of oil-based primer to the surface of the furniture using a natural bristle brush. This will help the paint stick and will also prevent drip marks.
After the primer has dried, apply a coat of polyurethane to the restored area. This will seal in the reeds and protect your furniture for a longer period.
If you’re unsure how to fix your wicker, or just want to get some expert advice, call a furniture repair or restoration professional. They’ll be able to tell you how to repair your wicker piece and what materials will work best.
It’s also a good idea to ask your restoration person for a receipt or job order, something that shows you left the furniture in their care. They may also be able to provide a price estimate for their work.
4. Using a Splint Lace
One of the more difficult and time consuming chair caning techniques involves weaving strand cane through a series of holes drilled into the outer perimeter of your chair frame. This process is often referred to as “hole-to-hole” or “strand hand caning,” and it’s usually reserved for high-quality chairs, such as antique Edwardian furniture.
Ideally, the repair expert will start by removing any old cane from the seat of your chair and then measure each drilled hole on both sides to determine the correct gauge or size of strand cane to use. This will help ensure the strand cane weaved is evenly spaced and won’t cause any damage to your chair frame.
Once the strand cane is woven, you’ll want to cover the entire seat surface of your chair with a wide binding cane. This will help cover the drilled holes and give your chair a finished look.
You’ll need to make sure the binding cane fits snugly against the chair’s frame, so you can’t pull it out while you are working on it. A small bit of glue will hold the binding cane in place.
The binding cane can also be pushed in a little bit earlier than the strand cane so that the reed doesn’t get too tight or saggy while it’s drying. This can make it easier to complete the chair weaving process and prevent bumps that can prohibit the reed from sliding in easily.
Whether your project is a vintage heirloom, or a flea market find that needs a touch up, you can weave a new seat for your chair using flat reed. The process takes a little practice, but the results are satisfying and practical.
5. Using a Splint Cord
If you have a chair that has a very complex wov pattern or you’re working on an old wicker furniture piece, you may want to consider using a splint cord instead of a splint cane. A splint cord can be more flexible and less prone to slipping than a splint cane, which is ideal for repairing complex wov patterns.
To make a splint cord, remove the ends of a strand of reed cane and soak it in water. Soak the cane for about ten minutes. Periodically replace the strands in the water to keep them fresh and ready for use.
Next, soak the splint in a bucket of cool water. This will help it to become pliable and flexible enough for tamping into the drilled holes on your chair. If you’re working on a round seat, begin tamping from the center back.
After the splint is completely soaked, press a 1/8” bead of animal hide glue or any white, water-soluble glue into the center of each drilled hole. Don’t use any carpenter’s yellow glue, as the yellow will clog your splint cane and make it difficult to remove later.
Then, place the splint over your patient’s arm and hook the thumb hole around their thumb and mould the plastic around their forearm and through the curvature of their hand. Repeat this procedure with the splint placed on their other arm.
Once you’ve finished tamping the splint cane, you can proceed with weaving your new woven cane. Follow these steps to complete your first traditional strand chair caning project
Thanks for visiting numerouspost
