If your wicker furniture has suffered from wear and tear, here are some tips to help you fix it. Read through the article to learn more about round reeds, nylon webbing, and cleaning wicker strands. You can use the tips below to make your outdoor wicker furniture look new again. Once you have finished the repair, you can add new color and finish to the furniture.
Nylon webbing
Getting frayed pieces of outdoor wicker furniture can be frustrating, but don’t give up hope if it’s not too expensive. With basic tools and supplies from a craft store, you can easily repair a damaged wicker chair or table. This DIY repair method will also make your patio furniture look brand new again! Follow these steps to fix your wicker furniture:
To replace broken straps, you will need to first remove them. Usually, a screw is holding the straps in place. Then, you’ll want to measure the broken material and purchase new webbing. You should cut your new webbing longer than the old one, so it’s easier to fold it into “V” or triangle shapes. Once you’ve measured your new webbing, replace the straps with the new ones and re-secure them to the wicker furniture.
Round reeds
A common problem that may arise in a piece of wicker furniture is a loose reed. The loose reed should be tucked into the frame. Afterwards, the loose reed can be glued in place. Apply a small amount of wood glue on the loose ends of the reeds and hold them in place. You can also apply finishing varnish or olive oil on the repaired wicker furniture.
When doing the repair, you must know the length of the damaged reed. It is best to order one that is slightly longer than what is needed. If it is too short, you can use a paper clip bent into a wire tool. Once you have inserted the wire through the woven piece, you can buy a new replacement reed. You can find replacement reeds in 36-inch lengths.
Resin reed
Before replacing a reed, you should familiarize yourself with the weaving pattern of the piece. To ensure the success of your replacement, you should photograph the damaged section and take notes on the pattern and colors. You may need to find a reference photo online, if available, or take a photograph of the damaged area. To prevent damage to surrounding parts, be sure to replace only the reeds that show visible wear and tear.
If you notice loose wrapping, you can repair it yourself by tucking the loose end into the frame and applying wood glue. If the reed is not already woven in the piece, you can apply glue underneath the wrapping and hold it until the glue dries. You can also soak wicker fibers in water for a few minutes to make them more pliable. After gluing the reeds, you can remove them and apply a protective finish with a spray of olive oil or a finishing varnish.
Cleaning wicker strands
Clean the wicker strands before starting the repair process. You may need to soak the strands in water for a while, as this will make it easier to weave through the frame of the furniture. To repair the furniture, you may need to cut the broken reed and replace it with a new one. Synthetic resin wicker furniture captures the natural wicker look, but it can become stained and faded over time. To refresh the color of the wicker strands, you can use a spray paint that’s made for plastics.
Before cleaning wicker strands, you should first assess the damage. To clean it properly, take a soft bristled brush and scrub off any flaking paint. Apply a mild detergent to the strands to remove any dirt and grease. If the wicker is too dry, use a spray-on cleaner that is safe for woodwork. Keep in mind that wicker dries out in the sun and becomes brittle. Although spraying with water is often used to prevent cracking, this method can also damage the fibers and glue joints of the wicker.
Synthetic wicker strands
Fortunately, synthetic rattan strands are inexpensive and easily available for outdoor wicker furniture repair. Unlike a traditional wicker sweater, synthetic wicker will not unravel under normal use. After cutting the strand, measure the space where the strand has broken and weave a new sliver of synthetic wicker into place. Secure the new strand using epoxy or glue.
Because synthetic rattan is made from plastic, repairing synthetic wicker is relatively easy. While it does not require a special sealant, synthetic wicker furniture repair is not immune to mildew. Regularly dry the wicker furniture in the sun to prevent mildew from developing. If the strands are wet, apply linseed oil to the pieces. Linseed oil can also be purchased at art supply stores.
