Repairing Guides

how to repair wicker

by Althea Kshlerin Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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How to Repair, Paint, and Restore Wicker Furniture

  • First, clean. Before you can assess a piece of wicker furniture for damage, Henry says you need to give it a good cleaning.
  • Repair and prime. Once your wicker furniture is clean and dry, the next step is to prep it for a paint job. ...
  • Apply paint. Now that you've prepped your piece of wicker furniture, Henry says it's time to paint it. ...
  • 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 ...
  • Maintenance makes a difference. No matter how well you repair or restore it, Henry says proper maintenance is essential to extending the life of your wicker furniture.

Steps to Repair Wicker Furniture
  1. Clean the wicker. ...
  2. Next, check for any loose ends. ...
  3. Check for loose wrapping. ...
  4. If you need to replace any broken pieces, the first thing you'll want to do is soak your replacement wicker fibers. ...
  5. Remove the broken piece of reed by cutting each end.
Jun 9, 2022

How to clean Wicker in seconds with wicker magic?

Wicker Magic is the easiest way to clean wicker. Just spray it on and your done no dusting! Makes Wicker look like brand new in seconds. Wicker Magic work...

How to reattach broken Wicker?

Stop the Wobble

  1. Tighten up wicker wrappings to stop the chair from wobbling. Inspect the chair to find loose wrappings.
  2. Apply wood glue to the back-side of the fiber using a flat-ended toothpick or the end of a cotton swab.
  3. Re-wrap the fiber tightly, then replace the tack by securing it in place with a tack hammer. ...

More items...

How to refresh dried out Wicker?

Vintage Rattan Furniture Refinishing

  • Care and Cleaning. Vintage rattan ages attractively, even more so when it's well cared for. ...
  • Stain and Sustain. Faded or damaged areas on a rattan piece are unsightly, but you can spot-repair them with care -- or entrust them to a rattan specialist for more ...
  • Paint and Protect. ...
  • Rattan Therapy. ...

How to restore Wicker?

Things You'll Need

  • Basket. Any size basket made of a porous wood product. Do not use a basket that has been coated with varnish or shellac. ...
  • Inexpensive, disposable paint brush. A 2 inch (5.1 cm) wide brush is a good size. ...
  • Waterproof tarp and newspapers to protect your work area.
  • Disposable gloves.
  • Wood stain. The color of your choice. ...

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What do you use to repair wicker?

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.

How do you fix ripped wicker?

0:132:18How to Repair Torn Wicker - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipHere are a few quick steps how you can repair that so here we've got a damaged this wicker strandMoreHere are a few quick steps how you can repair that so here we've got a damaged this wicker strand has been torn as you can see. So what we're going to do is we're going to take a spare wicker strand.

Can wicker be restored?

When wicker with a clear finish (lacquer, shellac or varnish) becomes dull, you can usually restore its luster by rubbing with a soft cloth dampened with furniture polish or lemon oil. Minor scratches can be disguised by rubbing with a wax-stick scratch remover, available at home centers and some furniture stores.

Can you glue broken wicker?

Broken wicker can only be reattached if it has either been pulled away from a larger part of the item, or if some of the winding has come loose. Wicker that is broken with pieces missing from between the weaves must be fully removed, and new pieces woven back into place.

Is it worth it to repair wicker furniture?

If your wicker furniture is of value to you – i.e. it's a family heirloom or it's a pricey antique piece—then you may want to consider doing some slight repairs. If you have a vintage piece, then care and repair will be essential to maintaining the longevity of your wicker furniture, even it if is in good condition.

How do you fix a broken 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.

Can you fix wicker outdoor furniture?

Although plastic wicker rattan is weather-resistant, the strips can get frayed or cut. You can repair the furniture by replacing the plastic rattan weave on your own with the right tools.

How do you restore outdoor wicker furniture?

0:553:33How to Restore Outdoor Wicker Furniture - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipRemove all cushions from your wicker chairs and sofas using a garden hose wash down the tops of allMoreRemove all cushions from your wicker chairs and sofas using a garden hose wash down the tops of all pieces. Turn the pieces over and wash down their undersides remove as much paint as possible.

How do I bring my wicker furniture back to life?

How to Refresh Dried-Out WickerVacuum the wicker thoroughly using a bristle attachment. ... Mix water with a mild detergent. ... Mix 1/4 cup of bleach in 4 cups of water. ... Place the furniture in a well-ventilated area, preferably outdoors on a sunny, breezy day.More items...

What glue works best on rattan?

Ideally, a clear or invisible glue works best on a rattan chair, but if it will be painted later, use a paint-friendly glue. Rattan weave is available at arts and craft stores or at cane and basket supply shops.

Can wicker baskets be repaired?

Fill in holes such as punctures with reed or caning of the same size, shape and color. Trim the damaged ends of broken fibers close to the basket so they are no longer noticeable. Cut fresh pieces of replacement material large enough to span each missing strand with a little leftover to tuck into the weave.

What glue will stick rattan furniture?

Step One: Cut out the broken strand(s) of rattan from your furniture and dispose of them. Step Two: Mix the 2-part epoxy resin glue. Step Three: Make sure that the replacement strand of rattan is longer than the strand you have cut out.

How To Repair Wicker Furniture: Reed Replacement for Missing or Damaged Wicker Furniture

Repairing wicker furniture seems difficult, and in some situations it is. This course, on the other hand, focuses on repairing lost or broken reed that is weaved in one direction and is not designed for very complex woven portions. Small repairs are simple, and performing them yourself may be a satisfying experience.

10-Step Procedure for Replacing a Missing or Damaged Reed

The first step in how to repair wicker furniture is to examine the damage that has to be repaired, and determine whether re-weaving would suffice. Determine the extent of the damaged or missing wicker reed if it is easily visible. You should have a clear idea of what repairs are required.

Summary For How To Repair Wicker Furniture

After replacing each broken or missing reed, the weaving should be tight but not too slack. It is sometimes unavoidable to have a loose weave in a repair, although it is far preferable to be loose than damaged or absent.

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 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 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 to attach wicker to a chair?

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. Do this for each loose strand you find.

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 spray resin on wicker furniture?

Place the wicker furniture outdoors or in a well-ventilated area. Spray a thin layer of resin-based primer over the entire surface of your wicker furniture. Let it dry for 2-3 hours. Hold the can 2–3 inches (5.1–7.6 cm) away from the furniture when spraying it. Wear a mask to avoid inhaling fumes.

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 ...

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 ...

What was the rocker made of?

However, the rocker was an excellent quality wicker piece circa 1890s-1910. It was woven with rattan reed on a hardwood, steam-bent framework that was still in perfect shape. The rocker was worth every hour and every dollar it cost to restore this precious family heirloom to its former glory!

What color is this little antique rocker?

This little antique wicker rocker still had its original yellow-beige paint, which the customer was going to have color-matched by a paint store and then repaint himself after my repairs were complete.

How to dry wicker chairs?

Flip the rocker upside-down to expose the bottom of the seat. Place the tea towels over the seat bottom so the towels touch only the wicker seat area, not any of the wood framing. If necessary, prop the flipped rocker up over another chair or the arm of a sofa to keep the seat bottom flat enough to hold the towels in place. Allow the towels to dry in place for 4 or 5 hours.

How to inspect wicker chair?

1. Inspect the chair from all angles, feeling it with your hands for any sharp edges. Wicker is made from woven plant fibers; during the building process, when one piece reaches its end, another is added, so you may run into the end of a piece of woven fiber.

How to stop a chair from wobbling?

Tighten up wicker wrappings to stop the chair from wobbling. Inspect the chair to find loose wrappings. Remove the tack holding it in place using needle-nose pliers. Unwind the wrapping fiber to remove slack from the wrapping.

What is wicker made of?

Inspect the chair from all angles, feeling it with your hands for any sharp edges. Wicker is made from woven plant fibers; during the building process, when one piece reaches its end, another is added, so you may run into the end of a piece of woven fiber.

Does wicker furniture need maintenance?

By Kathy Adams. Wicker furniture requires a bit of maintenance from time to time, especially a piece such as a rocker that is subject to constant movement. Over time, some of the wicker's fibers may split or separate, or the seat may sag a bit. These minor problems can be fixed at home without professional assistance.

How to keep wicker furniture moist?

Avoid prolonged exposure to the elements as well. To keep wicker furniture moist, use store-bought boiled linseed oil to nourish the reeds. Do not attempt to boil linseed, because it is extremely flammable. Advertisement.

Can you repair a wicker chair?

If your wicker chair is an antique, do not attempt to repair it unless you are experienced in wicker repair. While repairs may be pricey, you do not want to diminish the value of the piece with shoddy craftsmanship. Proper care and maintenance will extend the life and looks of your wicker chair.

Is wicker furniture a good alternative to wood?

Wicker furniture is a wonderful alternative to traditional wooden pieces because it introducing a lighter, more natural feel to your furniture selections. However, wicker furniture is more apt to break, bend and warp than most traditional furniture pieces.

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