How to Repair Wicker Seat Chairs
- Repair a sagging seat that is in otherwise good condition by shrinking the seat materials back into place.
- Inspect the chair for split fibers or places where some of the fibers stick up around the frame. ...
- Wiggle the wrappings around parts of the frame, such as where the chair seat and back or legs meet. ...
How to clean old wicker?
Method 1 Method 1 of 3: Washing Wicker Furniture
- Wipe with a damp cloth or sponge. Use a soft cloth and water to gently wipe down all surfaces of wicker to remove dirt and retain shine. ...
- Wash cushions separately. Remove any cushions or other material that is not made of wicker and clean separately.
- Hose down outdoor wicker furniture. ...
- Let the wicker dry. ...
How to refinish wicker furniture?
resin wicker furniture is also very easy to clean and is constructed mainly of aluminum frame making it extremely light weight. If a quality purchase is made, this can last for decades as it is resistant to fade and cracking. Resin furniture can also be refinished by painting it in your favorite shade of color by using a high quality spray paint.
Can wicker furniture be repaired?
Wicker furniture can be a lovely addition to your home if you are able to maintain it properly. It's easy to do basic repair, or you can use simple replacement reeds to do larger repairs! Your wicker furniture will stay in top shape if you clean it frequently and take good care of it. Scan the furniture for loose ends.
How to repair wicker furniture?
Method 2 Method 2 of 3: Replacing Broken Reeds Download Article
- Remove broken strands of wicker. Use heavy-duty scissors or an exacto knife to cut loose strands out of your wicker furniture.
- 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.
- Remove excess water from the reeds. ...

Can wicker be repaired?
You fix it of course! Repairing wicker furniture is actually quite easy and doesn't take much time at all. In this guide you'll find easy tips, tools and tricks on repairing everything from your wicker table and chairs, to your sofa and other wicker furniture accessories.
Can you fix a broken wicker chair?
Wicker furniture can get damaged over time, but you can easily repair it with some wood glue and loose reeds. If you have loose ends on your wicker furniture, first, apply a drop or 2 of wood glue to the bottom of the reeds.
How do you fix a hole in a wicker chair?
Examine the wicker for minor splits or protruding edges of fibers that can be corrected with glue. Apply wood glue to ends of split pieces using a small artist's brush, then press the glued ends together. Secure the glued areas with painter's tape until the glue dries.
What glue works best on wicker?
Spread a generous amount of wood glue onto the areas where the wicker will be reattached. Use an invisible or clear type of glue. On twisted areas, untwist the wicker slightly so that the glue penetrates between the twisted strands.
How do you fix an outdoor wicker chair?
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 do I fix rattan wicker?
Step One: Scrub clean. Using your soap and brush, give the rattan a good scrub. ... Step Two: Clip Off Broken/Damaged Rattan. Using your scissors or wire cutters, trim away any damaged or broken rattan. ... Step Three: Choose and Soak. ... Step Four: Measure and Cut. ... Step Five: Tuck and Glue. ... Step Six: Paint (optional)
How do you fix a small hole in a cane chair?
Apply wood glue, following package directions, carefully to the back of the patch. Position the patch, face up, over the hole. Line up the cane pattern to match. Press the patch lightly into place.
Is wicker and rattan the same?
“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.”
What material is wicker?
Natural wicker is made from a variety of vines, grasses, and plants. Wicker furniture is sometimes referred to as rattan furniture, as the rattan plant is a commonly used material. Outdoor areas and coastal-style homes are popular settings for wicker furniture.
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.
What is the best wood glue?
The 6 Best Wood GluesGorilla Wood Glue.Titebond 5004 II Premium Wood Glue (Our Top Pick)Titebond 1413 III Ultimate Wood Glue.Elmer's E7010 Carpenter's Wood Glue.GLUE MASTERS Professional Grade Cyanoacrylate “Super Glue”FastCap 2P-10 Super Glue Adhesive.
How do you fix cane furniture?
0:075:31How To Restore Cane Furniture with Linseed Oil - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd well to try and fix that up I've heard linseed oil is really good for furniture. And outdoorMoreAnd well to try and fix that up I've heard linseed oil is really good for furniture. And outdoor furniture.
How do you fix a broken rattan?
Loose strands of rattan or cane can just be glued back into place with Superglue. If there are pieces of weave missing, replace with new material, usually available from a craft outlet. Cut the old strands out back to good cane.
How do you fix a cane chair?
2:5818:34Repairing a Cane Chair Seat - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBut i've done it before and it's actually not complicated to do at all. So the first thing we'll doMoreBut i've done it before and it's actually not complicated to do at all. So the first thing we'll do is cut into the chair here into the cane seat. Just to get it out and to make more. Room. And next
Is wicker and rattan the same?
“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.”
How to replace wicker in a chair?
Replace broken fibers within the wicker's weave, such as in part of a cane seat, using replacement material of the same thickness, type and shape. Trim the broken ends of the old wicker on the underside or backside of the chair where they are less noticeable. Weave the new material by aligning it with the old, trimmed piece, copying the weaving pattern. Trim the end of the new piece on the underside or backside of the chair once you've replaced all the damaged material.
How to fix a broken chair frame?
Apply a dab of wood glue to breaks in the fibers, using the flat end of a toothpick as an applicator. Press the broken fibers back together for a moment, then allow them to dry completely. Apply glue to the ends of fibers that have come away from the frame, then push them back into place with a toothpick.
How to wrap a chair frame?
Wiggle the wrappings around parts of the frame , such as where the chair seat and back or legs meet. If the wrapping feels loose, un wind a few inches of the exposed end. If it is tacked in place, pull the tack up with needle-nose pliers. Apply wood glue to the underside of the loose wrapping; then wrap it back in place tightly. Replace the tack by hammering it in with a tack hammer or small mallet. If you're completely replacing the wrapping, soak the fiber in water for 10 minutes; then wrap it over the appropriate area, tucking the loose end in place. As the fiber dries, it shrink s and tightens.
How to trim reeds to point?
Trim new reed or caning material to a point with a craft knife if weaving, as it will be easier to thread in and out of the existing weave with a pointed tip.
How to fix a sagging chair?
Repair a sagging seat that is in otherwise good condition by shrinking the seat materials back into place. Flip the chair over, then soak a cloth or hand towel in water, wringing out most of the water. Place the wet cloth over the seat bottom, adjusting or folding it so it does not touch any part of the chair frame.
How to keep a chair from stretching?
Place the wet cloth over the seat bottom, adjusting or folding it so it does not touch any part of the chair frame. Allow the cloth to dry in place overnight, or until it's completely dry. Remove the towel and allow the seat to cure for at least several days before sitting in it; otherwise, it may stretch again.
When pulling a new cane or reed, should you wear eye protection?
Wear eye protection when pulling new or old cane or reed to avoid eye injury.
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 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 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 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.
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.
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.
How do I paint wicker furniture?
"For raw wicker, I recommend sticking with an oil stain." If you're using spray paint, slowly spray each section of the furniture lengthwise from top to bottom, and allow to dry for 24 hours before spraying on a second, but lighter coat.
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.
How to get a replacement reed?
In order to acquire the correct replacement reed, you might need to take a sample from the damaged reed or from a piece of reed that has excess sticking out from a concealed place under the furniture. If you can acquire a sample you can show the vendor, you have a better chance of getting the right replacement or one close enough you can live with from them.
Is it hard to repair wicker furniture?
Repairing wicker furniture sounds hard and in some cases it can be. However, this lesson concentrates on replacing missing or damaged reed that is woven in one direction and not intended for highly complicated woven sections. Small repairs are very easy and doing it yourself can be a very rewarding experience. Once you get the feel for it, it’s not bad at all and it does however, take a little patience.
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.
How Can I Repair a Resin Wicker?
To repair your resin wicker furniture, you will need a few tools. You will need new resin wicker strips, manicure scissors or box cutter, and plastic epoxy. Optionally, you will want to match the wicker color with matching paint or spray paint.
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 epoxy a weave?
With the help of a paintbrush, apply the epoxy in the empty space and insert the new strip in the weave. Lastly, connect the strips to the epoxy.
What to do if resin strips are loose?
If the resin strips are loose, you can reattach them with glue. You can use resin epoxy.
How to insert a new strip?
To insert a new strip, you will need a resin epoxy. Take a small paintbrush and paint the empty space of the pattern.
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.
What are the benefits of rattan furniture?
Another benefit is that it is lightweight, making the furniture, like plastic rattan tables and chairs, easy to move.
How to fix wicker furniture that is bent?
If there is no frame damage, proceed to the next step. If the frame is bent or scratched, straighten it back into place and repaint any damage with an outdoor metallic paint that matches the original color .
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. ...
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.
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 ...
Can you paint wicker?
This will only be needed if the resin strips you added are a different color than the rest of the chair.
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 round wicker weave?
Frequently any type of round plant material such as willow or round rattan reed is referred to as having a “wicker weave” though.
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.
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.
Can you make another antique to take its place?
And remember, you can’t make another antique to take its place, a reproduction is just that, a reproduction.
