Repairing Guides

how to repair synthetic wicker furniture

by Jazmyne Emard Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
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Steps to Repair Wicker Furniture

  • Clean the wicker. ...
  • Next, check for any loose ends. ...
  • Check for loose wrapping. ...
  • If you need to replace any broken pieces, the first thing you’ll want to do is soak your replacement wicker fibers. ...
  • Remove the broken piece of reed by cutting each end.
  • Measure out a length of reed and rewrap the damaged area, holding the reed in place with tacks. ...

More items...

Full Answer

How to buy and restore wicker furniture?

Repair and prime. Once your wicker furniture is clean and dry, the next step is to prep it for a paint job. Carefully inspect the item for damaged reeds, and glue any broken pieces back into place with wood glue and let it dry. After you've completed any repairs, Henry says to apply an oil-based primer using a natural bristle brush.

How to clean and care for wicker furniture?

How to Care for Wicker Furniture and Rugs

  • Keep Your Wicker Clean. The best way to keep your wicker looking nice for years is to clean it regularly with a trusted wood cleaning product, like TriNova® Wood Cleaner.
  • Remove Mold from Your Wicker Rugs or Furniture. Knowing how to care for wicker furniture and rugs means knowing how to deal with mold or mildew. ...
  • Protect Wicker from Extreme Weather. ...

How to care for your wicker furniture?

Things You'll Need

  • Soft bristle brush
  • Smaller detail brush or an old toothbrush
  • 2-3 microfiber cloths
  • Gentle dish soap
  • Bucket
  • Warm water
  • Hair dryer (optional)

How do you clean mold off of wicker furniture?

  • Even when dealing with light mold, be sure you wear gloves, an air mask, and googles. Light mold still produces harmful spores.
  • Mold thrives on moisture. ...
  • To improve the mold fighting power of the sunlight, mix equal parts water and white vinegar and lightly spray the furniture in the morning when placing it outside.

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Can plastic wicker be repaired?

Glue the damaged strips of the wicker furniture with plastic glue. Replace old strips with new plastic wicker strips after cutting them with a scissor. Using a pair of needle-nose pliers, weave the end of the strip in the backside to repair and attach the strips. Optionally, paint the new section to match the color.

How do you fix plastic wicker on outdoor furniture?

How to Fix Faux Wicker Patio FurnitureClean the Faux Wicker Patio Furniture. ... Remove Broken and Frayed Ends. ... Cut a New Resin Strip to Fit. ... Apply a Quick-Set or Non-Quick-Set Epoxy. ... Weave the Strip Into Place. ... Glue the Ends Together Before Trimming. ... Touch Up the Section as Necessary.

How long does synthetic wicker furniture last?

10 to 15 yearsSynthetic (or Resin) wicker is a much more versatile option than natural wicker. This option can be used indoor or outdoors. With proper care, synthetic wicker can last 10 to 15 years, or even longer. You will be replacing the cushions before you are replacing your furniture set.

How do you keep plastic wicker from cracking?

Clean your synthetic wicker using mild soap and warm water to remove dirt and minimize the risk of stains. Apply a safe, non-toxic sealer to protect against cracks, chalkiness or fading. Cover or store in a dry place when not in use for extended periods of time.

How do you fix a synthetic rattan?

How to repair Rattan StrandsTake some epoxy resin, you can buy this here.Take a small amount of the Epoxy Resin and cover the break of the strand.Sculpt the epoxy using a small took to look similar to the surrounding weave.Leave to harden for at least 48 hours.

What is synthetic wicker material?

Synthetic outdoor wicker is a fiber made from resins and extruded to resemble natural fibers and materials. It is built to be completely weather and solar resistant so the outdoor furniture lasts longer and looks the same as when new.

Can synthetic wicker furniture be left outside?

Polyethylene resin wicker is resistant to the effects of UV rays, water and snow, making it a great example of patio furniture that can be left outside during the winter.

How can you tell if wicker is synthetic?

Natural wicker may fade in the sun and get wet during rain, being permeable may cause the fabric to give in, on the seating area. Natural wicker is best used indoors. Synthetic wicker is infused with UV Inhibitors that prevent fading in the sun. Synthetic wicker won't break, chip, or scratch and it's stain resistant.

What is the plastic wicker furniture called?

Resin wickerResin wicker, also known as all-weather wicker, is manufactured predominantly for use in outdoor patio furniture. It is meant to look like natural wicker, but is made of a synthetic material, generally polyethylene.

How do you restore plastic rattan furniture?

RESTORE FADED PLASTIC FURNITURE First step is to clean any debris, cobwebs or general muck from the plastic furniture's surface. Secondly, use a suitable plastic restorer and spray it onto the plastic furniture, rubbing it in with a clean, dry cloth. You will find this restores the faded plastic back to new!

How do you restore brittle wicker?

If the wicker becomes brittle, drenching it with water helps restore it. * Rush, sea grass or fiber (twisted paper) should only be wiped now and then with a damp cloth. * Vacuum wicker regularly with the brush attachment. * For in-between dusting, try a soft, slightly dampened paint brush.

Can you spray polyurethane on wicker furniture?

Protecting your wicker furniture with polyurethane is a finishing touch, perhaps after you've repaired broken sections and restored the luster of the furniture with several coats of paint. You can purchase polyurethane in a water-based or oil-based form, and both will protect and add durability to your furniture.

How do you restore plastic rattan furniture?

RESTORE FADED PLASTIC FURNITURE First step is to clean any debris, cobwebs or general muck from the plastic furniture's surface. Secondly, use a suitable plastic restorer and spray it onto the plastic furniture, rubbing it in with a clean, dry cloth. You will find this restores the faded plastic back to new!

How do I fix unraveling rattan?

To fix unraveling cane, use the same method of steaming and clamping. After the pieces are cool, unwrap the cane, apply a little adhesive, and reclamp. This may be enough to hold it. If not, add a hidden staple at the end of the cane.

How do you fix a resin chair?

Apply plastic welder's glue or epoxy between any cracks or scratches, using a putty knife. Add a piece of fitted plastic to any sections that have wide splits or sections missing in the furniture. Place glue on all sides and onto the open sections, and fit into place. Hold for a few minutes, and allow to dry.

Can you paint plastic wicker?

I know it seems wild, but yes, you can paint plastic wicker furniture and make it a whole new color. The key to any successful project is getting the right supplies. We used Krylon® Fusion All-in-One™ for a few reasons: it adheres to pretty much any surface, it's durable, and it's great for outdoors.

Step 1 - Determine The Full Extent of Damage

Check the piece of wicker furniture over carefully to see if the frame is damaged as well as the wicker weaving. If there is no frame damage, proce...

Step 2 - Clean The Chair

Glue will adhere best to a material that is free of dust and debris, so be sure to thoroughly clean your furniture before you conduct repairs. Rins...

Step 3 - Use A Resin Epoxy to Re-Glue The Loose Wicker Strips

You can re-glue the resin strips if they were just pulled loose from the weave. Obtain resin epoxy at a building supply center. If you're unsure ab...

Step 4 - Buy New Resin Strips and Reweave Them

If the strips are shredded, broken, or frayed, you will need new resin strips to replace them. Try to first obtain these from the manufacturer so t...

Step 5 - Paint If Necessary

Once the epoxy has had ample time to cure, you can go through and use paint to retouch your wicker. This will only be needed if the resin strips yo...

How to fix loose resin strips?

If the resin strips are loose, you can reattach them with glue. You can use resin epoxy. Dip the tip of the strip in the epoxy and hold it in the weave for a few seconds. If the strips are cut or frayed, you will need to repair them differently.

Why is plastic wicker furniture durable?

Plastic wicker furniture lasts for a long time because they are durable and weather resistant. If you clean the furniture regularly, it will give you a nice look that outlasts regular wicker furniture. Another benefit is that it is lightweight, making the furniture, like plastic rattan tables and chairs, easy to move.

How to match furniture color?

Try to match your furniture’s color or you will have to do a touchup with matching paint. Then, you will need a pair of needle-nose pliers. For the finishing touch, you will need a paintbrush and a similar colored paint. Spray paint will also do the job to match your color or redo the color of your furniture.

How to insert resin strip?

To insert the new resin strip, start from the back of the furniture. Insert the new strip in the open space by following the original pattern. Take a pair of needle-nose pliers. In the end, you will need to weave the end of the strip on the backside of the furniture.

How to repair a chair that is woven?

First, remove the damaged strips. The strips can be long, and you need to pull the whole strip. Take a new strip and soak it in warm water for at least 15 to 20 minutes.

Can you paint wicker furniture?

You can paint the new section so that it matches with the rest of the body of the furniture. If the furniture is severely damaged, you might need to do more work and paint the whole thing. Following the above steps, you will be able to repair your plastic wicker furniture by yourself.

Is plastic wicker good for outdoor furniture?

Outdoor furniture made with plastic wicker is trendy because of the weave design that gives a comfortable lounge experience. The sturdy rattan-like weave adds a refined feel to your garden, patio, and backyard. Although plastic wicker rattan is weather-resistant, the strips can get frayed or cut.

What to use to protect wicker furniture after cleaning?

Finishing matters. If you aren't applying some kind of varnish or seal to protect your wicker furniture from future damage after cleaning and painting it, Henry says you should start now. "A clear varnish or polyurethane topcoat is the best to use," she says.

What is wicker furniture made of?

Credit: Addie Juell. No matter how well-made your wicker furniture may be, over time it can start to show signs of wear and tear. "Natural wicker is made of one of several plants including rattan, willow, reed , and bamboo ," says Jane Henry of Jane Henry Studios, ...

Is it safe to keep wicker furniture outside?

And while synthetic wicker furniture pieces, as well as ones finished with a waterproof sealant, are okay to keep outside, Henry says that doesn't mean they're safe from effects of the elements. "Sun damage can cause wicker to become discolored and brittle," she explains. " Moisture damage can lead to rotting, and exposure to ...

How long does it take for wicker to dry?

Avoid touching the furniture for 30 minutes so the glue can fully dry. If you have a section on your wicker that’s broken, first, use an Exacto knife to cut out the damaged strands. Then, soak replacement reeds in warm water for 30 minutes to make them flexible.

How do I fix a wicker chair?

Use wood glue to fix them. Apply a drop or 2 of wood glue to the bottom of any loose ends that are sticking out. Carefully tuck them back into the wicker pattern by pulling the strands together. Hold down the glued pieces for several seconds to allow them to bond to the chair.

How do I remove wicker furniture?

Remove broken strands of wicker. Use heavy-duty scissors or an exacto knife to cut loose strands out of your wicker furniture. Carefully snip through damaged strands near the underside of arms, legs, or other parts of the piece. gently pull out the damaged strands to avoid damaging other parts of the wicker.

How to fix wicker furniture that is damaged?

2. Soak replacement reeds in warm water for 30 minutes to make them flexible. Select the replacement reeds you need to fix your damaged wicker furniture. Place them in a large container full of warm water. Let them sit in the water for 30 minutes.

How to replace reeds in wicker?

Weave the replacement reeds into the wicker furniture. Thread a replacement reed into the furniture, starting from a point near the back that is less visible. Using pliers or your fingers, gently weave the reed in an out of the wicker. Follow the pattern of the wicker for the best results.

How to clean a reed from a reed?

Remove excess water from the reeds. Remove the reeds from the water and place them on a pile of clean paper towels. Gently press on the reeds with another paper towel to drain out excess water. Continue pressing on them with fresh paper towels until no more water comes out.

How to get loose ends out of wicker furniture?

1. Scan the furniture for loose ends. Examine your wicker furniture to spot any pieces poking out. Do this in a well-lit area, or use a map lamp or flashlight to see things clearly. Use your hands to feel for loose ends in place that you may not be able to examine easily close up.

How to re-glue resin?

You can re-glue the resin strips if they were just pulled loose from the weave. Pick up some resin epoxy at a building supply center. If you're unsure about what you need, ask a store employee about what will work best for the task. Coat the end of the loose strip in glue and press it back into place for several seconds. This should give it a good hold for the adhesive to cure completely, but make sure you don't use the furniture before this has at least a full day to dry.

What to do if your resin strips are broken?

If the strips are shredded, broken, or frayed, you will need new resin strips to replace them. Try to first obtain these from the manufacturer so they will match the existing ones. If you can't, purchase the closest color you can find. Touch-ups can be made later for a more seamless look.

What to do with resin wicker outdoor furniture?

Eye protection. Dust mask or respirator. Adequate vetilation. Although resin wicker outdoor furniture is built to resist most weather conditions, it can still suffer accidents at the hands of people and pets. Sitting in a chair incorrectly can put a strain on parts not meant to handle the weight, and standing on them can potentially loosen pieces. ...

How to repair a damaged resin strip?

Cut away the damaged resin strip with a box cutter and pull it out above the cut. Trim a piece of resin strip to a length that is a little longer than what you cut away; it's easier to adjust a piece that's too long than one that ends up too short.

Can sitting in a chair cause damage?

Sitting in a chair incorrectly can put a strain on parts not meant to handle the weight, and standing on them can potentially loosen pieces. Additionally, if you have a teething or nervous chewing dog, there is no limit to the amount of damage they can do. However, all is not lost. Here are some tips on how you can repair damage to your resin ...

How to weave a reed?

Its important to remember two things: 1 You will need more length than the linear distance between start and finish of your weave because the weaving action takes up more reed than you might otherwise expect. 2 Leave at least an additional 2 inches excess at the end of each side of the new reed so that it can’t pull out the you put the finished ends tucked under the surface where they can’t be seen.

How to keep a reed in place?

Back out the end of the remaining reed so that the end is aiming down away from the surface. Leave at least 1-2 inches of the original reed tucked down under the surface. To keep a piece of reed in place properly, the more you weave it in the better it holds. So, if you can, try to remove enough original reed so that you can weave back in a pice over and under the cross members at least four to seven times, more if you like. In small areas you may have no other choice but to use a short weave over and under 2-3 cross members. In those cases, you might have to live with it being a little loose when you weave the new piece in. But its perfectly acceptable as long as the woven piece does not fall out.

What material is used to replace wicker reeds?

Wicker can be manufactured using natural or synthetic resin materials. Whether you use natural or resin reed, the style and size of the reed can vary and so can the colors. 3.

How long do you soak wicker reeds in water?

Note: Natural wicker reed will need to be soaked in water for at least 15 minutes to make it flexible enough to bend prior to weaving. 10. Stain and Seal Natural Wicker. If you are repairing a natural wicker product, you will need to stain or paint it to match your finish.

Is wicker reed easy to repair?

If that does not work, you will need to talk to a wicker dealer that can obtain repair supplies. Natural wicker reed is rather easy to acquire whereas resin reed is more difficult because there are so many different vendors with many different types, sizes and colors.

Can you repair wicker furniture?

In most cases you will have repaired your wicker furniture with great success and you will feel pretty good that you learned how to repair it yourself and be surprised how good it looks. Recognize that the new piece of reed will generally withstand the same wear that the original did.

Is it better to have a loose weave or loose weave?

Summary. After you have replaced each piece of damaged or missing reed, the weave should be tight, not too loose. Sometimes its indvitable to have a loose weave in a repair, but it much better to be loose than broken or missing. In most cases you will have repaired your wicker furniture with great success and you will feel pretty good ...

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