How to Fix a Broken Rattan Wicker Coming Off of a Chair

Jardin Wicker
6 min readJan 20, 2023

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When your rattan wicker chair breaks or comes apart, it can be a stressful event to get it fixed. It can be a challenging and expensive project if you do not know where to begin or what you are doing. There are several tips and tricks to make the repair rattan process simpler. These tips will help you to get your rattan back in shape and keep your chair looking its best.

Cleaning rattan

Your rattan and wicker furniture can be maintained in a variety of ways. If you follow the proper maintenance procedures, your rattan wicker furniture will last many years. In addition to keeping it clean, you might also want to get some tips to protect your investment. You can do this with a few simple steps.

The first step in cleaning your rattan wicker is to remove any dust or other debris that may have been collected over the years. This is especially important for rattan furniture that was used outdoors. Dust and dirt can accumulate quickly and make your furniture look dirty. Once you’ve removed the dust, use a soft brush to clear any nooks and crannies.

Next, you should try to find out what precisely the stain on your rattan wicker is. Some individuals think that rubbing a paint with anything that can loosen it is the best approach to remove it. However, this is often a fool’s errand. One alternative is to apply a coat of boiled linseed oil. It will help prevent the stains from coming back and adds a layer of protection to your wicker furniture.

Another option for cleaning your rattan is to spritz your cushions with vinegar and water. This will keep your wicker looking good and help it maintain its elasticity. After you’ve done that, you should dry it off. Unless your wicker has been painted, you’re likely to be able to get it dry in a couple of hours.

You can also try rubbing alcohol to remove stains. Just be sure that you don’t overdo it. Doing too much damage can make your rattan wicker look worse than before you started.

Another thing to do is to wipe your wicker with a damp cloth. This is a common practice for rattan wicker. A microfiber cloth is a better option because it is less likely to get caught in the weave. To remove any loose dust, you can also use a feather duster.

While the proper maintenance methods will help extend the life of your wicker, a thorough cleaning can do a lot more. Aside from making your rattan wicker look brand new, you can keep it looking good for longer by removing the significant buildup that will occur over time.

In addition to the steps above, you might consider using a hose to remove any accumulated grime. However, be careful not to do this while your rattan is wet. Even though a hose is an excellent cleaning method, a pressure washer can be damaging.

Last but not least, a hair dryer is probably a wise option to hasten the drying process. Ideally, you should give your furniture 24 to 48 hours to dry.

Removing rotten reed

If your rattan wicker furniture has a damaged reed, there are a few easy steps you can take to fix it. However, if the damage is extensive, you might need to call a professional.

  • The first step to fixing a rotten reed is to remove it.
  • You can use a pair of wire cutters to do this. Next,
  • You should cut the ends off of the reed so you can pull them off the wicker. This is also the time to assess the damage.
  • There may be several things you need to look at: the reed itself, the weaving pattern, the type of reed, and the size of the reed.
  • Once you have identified what you need to do, you will want to look at the repair instructions.
  • These will usually tell you which tools to use and how long to work.
  • When ready to repair the rattan wicker, you must soak the replacement wicker fibers in water for about 30 minutes.
  • Using a reed that is at least one-third the length of the damaged reed is recommended.

Once you have the replacement reed, you will need to weave the new reed over the damaged reed. Be careful not to twist the new reed too tight. Otherwise, it will not hold properly. Also, remember that the new reed will be a different color and diameter than the reed that was initially on the wicker.

To fix the wandering weaves, clean the area with a mildew-removal solution. You can use hydrogen peroxide and water or vinegar and water. Ensure that you wear protective gear to not breathe in fumes.

You will then need to replace the missing or damaged reed. In most cases, you can choose from a variety of reeds. Some reeds are made of natural or synthetic resin. Others are manufactured from reed and other materials.

It is a good idea to gauge the reed’s diameter before beginning the wicker repair. You can then purchase a reed in lengths of about 36 inches. After you have chosen a reed, you will need to take a picture of the damage so you can have it in case you need to show the vendor.

Once you have measured the replacement reed, you want to soak it in water. Ensure you wash the reed for at least fifteen minutes to give it time to absorb the moisture. You should not brush the solution very fast during the soaking process, as this could cause drip marks on the wicker.

After a few minutes, you should have the reed saturated and ready for you to start the weaving process. Be sure to leave a couple of inches of the reed tucked under the surface of the wicker. You can also wrap a tack around the reed to secure it.

Replacing rotten reed with a new reed

Replacing rotten reed with new reed on rattan wicker from a chair can be an easy way to give your furniture a fresh, new look. But you may have some problems getting the suitable replacement for your wicker. If you want to get started, there are a few steps you should take first.

First, you should remove the old reed. This can be done using wire cutters. Leave about a half-inch of the reed attached under the surface to prevent the new reed from pulling out.

Next, soak the reed in water for at least fifteen minutes. The reed should be flexible, but not so much so that you will have trouble weaving it into the furniture. After soaking the reed, it is time to start incorporating. Be sure not to cut the reed too short or too long. However, if you end up with too little length, you can quickly fix this with a few sandpaper strips.

Once you have a reed length, it is time to weave it into the wicker. The weave should be loose enough to allow the reed to tuck underneath the wicker. You will also need a wire tool to help you get the reed into its correct position.

You must re-weave the reed at least four times to cover the damaged area. When you are finished, you can secure the new reed with a tack or a tack nail.

You must choose whether your repair rattan chair will be natural or artificial before you can move forward. In order to get the best results, it is essential to keep your reeds in good condition. Wild reeds are somewhat simpler to find, Natural reeds are a little easier to obtain, but resin reed is harder to find.

If you plan on doing a more giant repair rattan wicker, it is a good idea to purchase a new reed with a length of at least 36 inches. Unlike a single reed component, this length is long enough to go around the legs of the furniture.

Whether using a natural or synthetic reed, you will need to get it soaked in water for at least fifteen minutes before weaving it. If you use a natural reed, you can also use a soft-bristle brush to clean off tough stains.

If you are repairing the natural wicker, you can use an oil-based primer. Be sure to apply the primer with a natural bristle brush, and brush it slowly over each section. Avoid touching too fast, or you can end up with drip marks.

To repair rattan wicker cracks, you can use boiled linseed oil. Linseed oil is combustible, so be careful when using it. Alternatively, you can paint the wicker with clear acrylic spray paint. Painting can be a very effective method for sealing the wicker, giving you an equal finish.

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