Over time, chairs with wicker seats and backs can become damaged. These problems can range from minor splits in wicker fibers to a broken chair spoke.
Most repairs require reweaving new wicker to replace the broken section. Use replacement reeds in the same diameter and weave pattern as the original piece.
Cracked Rattan
Rattan is a popular material for furniture. It is lightweight and durable, making it ideal for sunrooms and conservatories. It is also easy to clean and maintain. However, as with any type of furniture, it can suffer from damage over time and needs to be repaired.
Cracked rattan is one of the most common problems with wicker chairs and can make them look very unattractive. You can repair cracked rattan by using super glue to join the pieces together.
This will fix the rattan together and make it look like new again. Be sure to use strong and quick-drying super glue so that it can hold the pieces in place for as long as possible.
You can also try boiled linseed oil, which will make the damaged strands look more natural. Boiled linseed oil will not actually repair the broken strand, but it will cause the rattan to expand, so that the cracks are less noticeable.
Alternatively, you can use epoxy resin to fix the broken strands. Epoxy resin is known for its strong adhesive properties and can be used to repair a number of household products, including rattan.
First, cut out the broken strand and dispose of it. Then, soak a replacement strand in water until it is soft. You can find replacement strands that match the colour of your chair at most craft stores.
Then, apply a thin layer of epoxy resin to the strand, covering the area that is broken. Sculpt the epoxy to look similar to the surrounding weave, and leave it to dry for at least 48 hours.
Once the strands are fully dry, you can then reattach them. Be sure to sand the sides of the strands and any attachment points before applying adhesive so that you can properly fuse them together.
This method is especially useful for repairing legs that have become loose. It will also fix a number of other common problems with wicker chair repair. You can also use this technique to fix splinters on the rattan pieces. This is a great way to keep your chair looking as good as new!
Loose Ends
Loose ends on a wicker chair are a common problem that can easily be fixed with the right tools. It is important to repair these types of loose ends as quickly as possible before they can get worse.
Steps 1
The first step is to inspect the wicker furniture closely for split fibers. If these are present, apply a dab of wood glue to the broken areas and press them back together. Secure the glued repair with masking tape until it dries completely.
Another problem that can arise with a wicker chair repair is a cane seat that sags. This can be caused by several different factors, but it can often be fixed with a simple wet cloth.
Steps 2
Before beginning any repairs, check to see if the sag is in the seating area or on tabletops or seat backs. If it is in the seat, then you can try to fix it by applying a wet cloth to the seat itself, without it touching the framework.
If the sag is on a tabletop or seat backs, then you can use wood glue to fix it. This will hold the sag in place and make it less noticeable.
Steps 3
After the sag has been fixed, you may want to reweave the entire area to make sure it looks nice and smooth. This can be done with replacement reeds that are made to match the original ones, and they will need to be at least 5 inches longer than the end of the section that is broken.
Steps 4
Once the new reeds are in place, you can start weaving them into the furniture. This can take some time, but it will eventually look new again.
You can purchase reeds at your local craft store in a variety of sizes and styles, including flat, round and half-round. You can also buy them in a variety of colors, as well as in several different thicknesses.
Soaking replacement reeds in lukewarm water for 30 minutes will help them become flexible enough to weave into the furniture, and you can secure them with wood glue if necessary.
Broken Reeds
If the reeds on your wicker chair repair are old and warped, they can become brittle and break off. Luckily, broken reeds can be repaired easily and inexpensively.
Steps 1
The first step is to buy replacement reeds. These are available in a variety of colors and styles, including natural rattan and resin. They are usually sold in lengths of more than 36 inches, which is longer than most people need to repair a damaged section.
Steps 2
You should also consider purchasing a few extra pieces of reed that you can use for future repairs. This will save you from having to buy reed all over again, and it will be a good insurance policy for your furniture.
Steps 3
When you’re ready to fix the reed, take some photos of the section that needs repair. This will help you figure out how to weave in the new reed.
Steps 4
Next, you’ll want to cut a piece of reed that is a good match for the original. You can find reeds in many different shapes and sizes, including full rounds, split rounds, and flat ovals.
If you’re unsure what size you need, try to match the pattern of the broken reed in the photo and then measure the broken area on the wicker furniture. This will allow you to get the right size reed for your chair.
Once you have a reed that’s a good match, remove the old damaged reed from the chair. This can be done by using a pair of wire cutters or similar tools.
Necessary
Then, back out the end of the reed you’ve removed so that it is aiming down away from the surface of the wicker. This will allow you to weave in a piece of the remaining reed over and under a few cross members at least four to seven times, more if necessary.
You can then secure the beginning of your reed to the framework with a small wood nail. Begin weaving the reed in the same way as you would during the construction of your wicker furniture.
Once the reeds are securely in place, you can add a protective coat of lacquer or shellac. This will prevent the reeds from drying out and keep your wicker furniture looking great.
Broken Legs
When wooden furniture in the home is used frequently, it can eventually wear down. Chair legs often get the brunt of the abuse.
A broken leg is a common problem that can quickly ruin a wicker chair repair appearance and functionality. Luckily, it’s easy to repair a broken leg and return your wicker chair repair to its original condition.
- You’ll need to inspect your wicker furniture closely to determine if it needs repairs. Examine the rungs, spindles and other parts for cracks or splits.
- If there is a broken rung or spindle, remove the piece and trim any protruding wood. Then, you can glue the split back together with wood glue.
- It’s best to use a small amount of glue to make this repair, as the large quantity could cause the repaired part to swell or warp.
- Apply a small amount of glue to each contact area on both the separated pieces of the rung or spindle, and then join the pieces carefully.
- After you’ve glued the broken part of the rung or spindle back together, clamp it firmly to ensure that it stays put. Let it dry for 24 hours, then remove the clamps.
- The next step is to rewrap the damaged fibers using a new strand of wicker. It’s important to do this in a way that the damaged fibers are covered by the new wrapping.
- This can be difficult because it’s so close to the old wrapping, so you’ll need a tool such as a flat toothpick or cotton swab to spread the glue and keep the wrapped area tight.
- Depending on the strand of cane that’s broken, you may be able to replace it with a new one. This is especially true for natural rattan and cane conservatory chairs.
You can also try to find a new piece of rattan or cane that’s the same diameter as the broken strand. Look for something like a broom handle or junk shop piece of wood that is similar in size. Alternatively, you can wrap a new strand of wicker around the broken strand of cane and then secure it with a tack. This will keep the strand from sliding or twisting and causing further damage to the chair.
