How to Repair Wicker Furniture
Wicker furniture has long been a popular choice for home furnishings. Its durability and versatility make it a great choice for any room. But like any other piece of furniture, it requires regular maintenance to keep it looking great.
First, determine whether the wicker is indoor or outdoor. Indoor wicker should be oiled frequently to maintain its appearance.
Reeds
Examine your wicker furniture repair for areas of loose or missing reeds. Loose ends can be corrected by carefully folding them back into the reed pattern and gluing them in place. Depending on the finish of your wicker. You may need to touch up the color with spray paint after the repairs are made to ensure that it blends in correctly.
When you find a reed that is broken, soak it in water for about 30 minutes to make it more pliable before you attempt to straighten it and weave it back into your furniture. If the reed is very stiff, you can use a wire tool to straighten it before weaving it back into your furniture.
Before attempting to replace the reed, try to find a similar reed that is close in size. Color and style to the damaged one. You can often find replacement reed by contacting the vendor from whom you purchased your wicker furniture repair or a local wicker dealer that can obtain supplies for you.
Once you have the reeds you need, re-weave them into your wicker furniture using the original weaving pattern. After you have woven the reeds in, apply wood glue to the tips and tuck them down into the weave for extra support. If you have carpet tacks, you can secure them to the reeds while waiting for the glue to dry.
Caning
The materials used to make wicker furniture repair are usually flexible, making them easy to repair. But it’s important to remember that if the pieces aren’t taken care of correctly, they may not last very long. And that can end up costing you more money in the long run.
For example, the reeds that hold the frame together might become loose over time. If this happens, it’s important to make a repair right away before the situation worsens. And while reeds can be replaced with new ones, it’s often much easier to simply weave them into the existing pieces.
The exact type of reed that needs to be repaired will depend on the piece itself. For example, a chair might need reeds for the seat and back, while a table might require replacement for the legs. In either case, it’s important to choose replacement materials that closely match the original reeds.
To do this, buy new prewoven caning that’s a size larger all around than the groove where you want to install it. Soak it in warm water to make it pliable, then use a narrow wood wedge to tap it into the groove. You can also use the same technique to repair a wicker basket or other decorative project. It’s a great beginner restoration activity, and Van Dyke’s has all the caning supplies you’ll need.
Glue
Glue is one of the most essential tools for conducting wicker furniture repair. It is available at any craft store or home improvement center. Before applying the glue, the furniture piece should be cleaned with a cloth and water. This will remove dirt and debris, making it easier to see and locate the damaged strands or strips. If a strip is loose, the end should be cut off and replaced. It is important to use a pair of needle-nose pliers when doing this to make sure that the strip does not break or get caught on another strand. Once the new strip is woven. It should be secured on the backside with the glue and tucked in so that it cannot be seen from the front.
Whether the wicker furniture is indoor or outdoor will also determine the repair materials and steps needed. For example, an outdoor wicker couch will need a different type of glue than a resin wicker table. However, both types of wicker furniture repair can be repaired in a few easy steps. First, examine the wicker furniture and note the areas that require repairs. For example, a sofa may need to have its broken legs repaired. This is simple to do and can be done with a bit of wicker glue. After the repair, the furniture should be rinsed and dried.
Paint
Depending on the type of wicker furniture repair and the location of the piece in your home. Some areas of the finish may need touch up or repainting. Over time UV rays from sunlight and strong winds can cause loose paint to flake. Applying a fresh coat of paint helps camouflage these flaws.
Using the right repair materials for the specific type of wicker you have is important for making your repairs. You will need wood glue for reed fibers that snap or break, and also to tighten the wrapping material that holds larger strands together.
You can find the necessary supplies at most craft stores. Although basket and wicker supply retailers usually carry a wider selection of replacement reed fibers to choose from.
If you are attempting to replace an existing reed. Look carefully at the end of the damaged reed for clues on its shape and width. You will need to purchase replacement reed in the same shape and size, to restore the weaving structure of your wicker furniture.
Before applying a new coat of paint, a thorough cleaning is needed for the wicker to properly adhere to the surface. You will need a stiff brush and possibly a dust mask to remove any mold or mildew that is forming on the surface.
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