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.
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.
Is it worth repairing 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.
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 outdoor wicker 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.
Can wicker furniture 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.
How can you tell if furniture is wicker?
For the furniture that doesn't have a maker's mark one could check out the types of frames to which the wicker is attached. Some are hardwood and some are willow or softwood and they tell a story of their origin. The quality of the weaving and the finish are also indicators of the specific manufacturer.
How do you restore old rattan furniture?
To restore rattan that has been neglected, rub just the suds from a gentle cleaner or oil soap swished in water on the furniture with a soft cloth. Use only the suds to avoid damaging and splitting the fiber by wetting it.
What's the difference between rattan and wicker?
“The difference is that rattan is a material, whereas wicker is the style and method of weaving,” Zoe explains. “Wicker can be woven from rattan as well as many other natural or synthetic materials, which is where the confusion often lies.”
Can rattan furniture be repaired?
Not to worry—both wooden and synthetic rattan are easy to repair, and both can be fixed in the same way. If your furniture only has a few loose ends or wrappings, refer to the first method in this guide. If some sections of your furniture need a little extra TLC, skip ahead to the second method.
What can I do with old wicker furniture?
If your wicker furniture has seen better days, transform it into whimsical but useful accents for your home or garden.Stenciled Beauty. 1/11. ... Horticultural Headboard. 2/11. ... Garden Baskets. 3/11. ... Rolling Bin. 4/11. ... Unlikely Companions. 5/11. ... Recycled Stand. 6/11. ... Flower Seats. 7/11. ... Storage Trunk. 8/11.More items...
How do you make wicker look new?
0:062:43Re Coating Wicker - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipClear coat so this one is a flat finish you can choose satin or gloss I guess but sauce is going toMoreClear coat so this one is a flat finish you can choose satin or gloss I guess but sauce is going to just show any imperfections a little bit more. So I prefer a satin or a flat.
What is the best paint for wicker?
Which paints are best for painting wicker furniture? You can use chalk paint, mineral paint, milk paint, urethane, or even oil-based paint on wicker, rattan and woven furniture.
Can u spray paint wicker furniture?
The key is to thoroughly clean wicker furniture before you begin painting to ensure the new color adheres properly. Spray paint is the best way to paint wicker furniture for a consistent finish, but this project can get messy.
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 ...
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.
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.
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.
Do you need to paint wicker after staining?
If you are staining and not painting, you should seal the stained reed with a clear acrylic paint after its stained and dry. You won’t need to paint or seal if your wicker is natural and untreated. Go to your hardware store and buy the smallest amount of stain you can find.
Can you fix a furniture piece that is from a matching set?
If the furniture piece is from a matching set or just one you really like, you will most likely want to pursue fixing it rather than replacing it. A reasonable solution in such a case is to do it your self and save your damaged piece from the scrap pile. It’s a bit tedious but worth while and definitely doable.
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 ...
How long does it take to restore wicker furniture?
It may take days or months to completely restore your wicker piece depending on the severity of the damage, shop scheduling, and other factors. Ask for a receipt, a work order, or job order, something proving you left the item in their care. And also ask for an estimated time of completion and pickup.
What is wicker furniture?
What really is “ wicker furniture ” and what all does that word encompass? The word “wicker” is used to describe any woven furniture (or basket) that’s made with pliable materials.
What is wicker baby carriage?
Wicker baby carriage made in a shoe motif. If your wicker repair shop does appraisals ask them what qualifications and certifications they have to back up this service. For a competent and valid appraisal, the person giving it should be a certified antique wicker appraiser.
What is a wicker chair made of?
This chair is made entirely of wood with a handwoven hole-to-hole cane seat applied to the frame. It is frequently referred to as a “wicker seat” by the general public, but in reality should be referred to as a handwoven cane seat chair.
Can you make an antique?
You can’t make an antique and if you try, it’s simply a reproduction.”. Try everything you can to care for wicker and preserve those fine antique pieces; repair, restore and refurbish. Sometimes all you need is to paint your wicker furniture or to clean it up; treasure your family heirlooms and flea market finds!
Is wicker a plant?
But many times “ wicker ” is mistakenly thought of and referred to, as an actual plant or material itself. The word “ wicker ” actually refers to the “act of weaving” with pliable fibers. Or, it’s the final woven end product such as a wicker table, chair, couch, lamp, or buggy, but it is not an actual weaving material.
1. Clean the Faux Wicker Patio Furniture
In some cases, you may only need to clean and repaint your furniture pieces. According to HGTV, this is best done using a pressure washer, as long as you don't get the tip of the pressure washer too close to the furniture. Mildew, dirt and flaking paint are washed away. Wait for the furniture to dry before priming and repainting.
2. Remove Broken and Frayed Ends
Cut off a broken, jagged or frayed end of a resin strip with a box cutter or sharp manicure scissors – useful for getting into a tightly woven spot. Pull the damaged strip out of the weave.
3. Cut a New Resin Strip to Fit
Cut a new resin strip to replace what you removed. The new strip should be longer than the original – you'll trim it later.
4. Apply a Quick-Set or Non-Quick-Set Epoxy
Paint or squeeze non-quick-set resin epoxy in the empty space where the new strip will be woven. Use a small, disposable hobby paintbrush to work the epoxy into the weave. If you are using quick-set epoxy, skip this step.
5. Weave the Strip Into Place
Starting from the back or underside of the furniture, poke the new resin strip into the open space and weave it through the piece, following the pattern of the original, advises Supreme Polytech. Use a pair of needle-nose pliers to work the strip in and out of the plastic weave.
6. Glue the Ends Together Before Trimming
Glue the ends of the new strip in place with more epoxy. Trim them to connect with the existing strips, if possible. Or tuck the raw ends in and under the weave so they are not visible from the front of the piece and secure them with epoxy.
7. Touch Up the Section as Necessary
Allow the epoxy to set and harden according to the manufacturer's instructions. Touch up the repaired section to match the rest of the piece, if you were not able to find the identical color replacement strips. Badly damaged pieces with substantial repairs may require a complete repainting. Use paint designed for plastics and outdoor durability.
