If you’re unable to find anyone willing or able to do wicker furniture repair, or the repairs would be cost-prohibitive, it may be worth your while to make the effort yourself. This is especially true if the piece you’re working on has sentimental value.
Start by soaking replacement reeds to make them more pliable. Then, slip the new reed into place and apply wood glue to the end, as shown here.
Clean Wicker Furniture Restoration
If you want your wicker furniture to look as good as new, the first thing you need to do is clean it. Wipe down all the surfaces, including the back and bottom of the piece. You can use a damp cloth or sponge, but make sure you get into all the little nooks and crannies.
- Put on a dust mask to avoid inhaling fine dirt and mold spores. Once you’ve cleaned the piece, let it dry completely before moving on to painting.
- If the wicker isn’t in too bad of a condition, you can give it a fresh coat of paint. But if the chair is wobbly or the plastic legs are cracked and broken. It’s probably time to buy new furniture.
- Before you start spray painting, make sure the wicker is free of dirt and mildew. You can use a brush to scrub away any loose dirt, but be careful not to damage the delicate weave.
- After you’ve brushed the surface, wipe it down with soapy water to remove any remaining dirt or grime. If the wicker has mildew or mold, add a cup of bleach to the wash water and use it to clean the pieces.
- After the wicker is clean, you can apply a sealant to help protect it from future damage. But be careful not to use a sealant that will leave the surface sticky. Instead, choose a polyurethane or varnish that will leave a smooth finish.
- You can also stain wicker furniture restoration to give it a more natural look. If you’re going to stain the furniture, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper preparation and application.
- Once the wicker is stained, you can either leave it to age naturally or apply a clear acrylic topcoat for protection.
Repair
Depending on how often you use your wicker furniture restoration, it will need repairs at some point. A chair or couch will need to have any loose reeds fixed, while a table might require a new weave for the legs and arms. If your wicker is stained or weathered, you may want to repaint it with a fresh coat of color. Before you start making any repairs, though, dust off the piece and wipe away any dirt or debris with a dry cloth.
The best type of paint for wicker is oil-based because it will last longer and be more durable. You can brush the paint on, but spray painting is quicker and more efficient and will allow you to reach any tight nooks and crannies.
To begin, choose a spot that’s free from clutter and distraction. Put on a pair of gloves and a mask, too, to protect yourself from the paint fumes. You’ll need a good quality natural-bristle paintbrush and a can of spray paint.
Using natural-bristle brush
If you’re using a natural-bristle brush. Apply two coats of the paint, letting each one dry for 24 hours between coats.
If you’re repairing damaged reeds, you’ll need to first soak the replacement reed to make it more pliable. Then, remove the broken reed and cut each end at an angle. Weave the new reed into your furniture, starting from the underside of the piece. Be sure to leave a little extra reed for weaving and trim the ends as necessary.
When the piece is done, let it sit and cure for a few days before sitting on it or covering it. You should also treat the reed with linseed oil to help preserve it, which can be purchased at art supply stores.
Wicker is a generic term for any flexible plant material that’s used to weave baskets or furniture. While it’s most commonly woven from rattan, it can be made of other plant fibers as well. While it’s a popular outdoor furniture style, wicker is becoming more and more popular indoors as well. Its versatility and affordability mean that it’s an excellent choice for seasonal and holiday decorating.
Prime Wicker furniture restoration
When the weather turns warm, outdoor decor is a great way to show off your style. Whether it’s a wicker planter like the one Brooke from Restore Decor & More made or a simple porch decoration, outdoor items are a great addition to any porch. However, these eye-catching decorations can often be extremely expensive when purchased in stores. With just a little bit of time and diligence, you can create an equally appealing decoration at home for a fraction of the cost.
To make sure your furniture lasts, it’s important to select quality materials for frames, upholstery and tabletops. Based on your area’s climate and surrounding habitat, certain materials may be more suited than others for your needs. For example, salt air can cause the metal to rust, drastic temperature changes can crack wood and humidity plays havoc with natural wicker. Check out our Consumer’s Guide to Outdoor Furniture Materials to find the best options for your environment.
Paint
Once the wicker is clean, you’re ready to apply a coat of paint. Whether you’re using spray or brush, it is important to work outdoors and on a warm day when the humidity is low. You should also put on a pair of disposable gloves and use a dust mask to protect your respiratory system.
Start with a light coat and let dry before applying another. If the piece of furniture is dark, you may need several coats of paint to get full coverage. Before each coat, walk around the piece to make sure that you’ve covered every spot.
If your wicker is in good shape, painting it an eye-catching color can elevate your outdoor decor and make it the focal point of your backyard patio.
Paint a Wicker trunk
You can even paint a wicker trunk an eye-catching color to use as an outdoor storage unit for chair cushions or pillows. A series of wicker baskets painted in different colors and placed on the ground makes a fun showcase for trailing plants in your outdoor garden.
If a wicker piece of furniture is damaged, you can repair it by threading replacement reeds into the piece. The best place to find replacement reeds is probably from where you bought the furniture, but if they don’t have the same type, size, and color as your wicker, you may need to visit a wicker dealer to acquire the supplies.
It’s a good idea to treat your wicker furniture restoration with an olive oil finish. This will help it maintain its pliability and prevent mildewing. This can be done by rubbing the wicker with a soft cloth dipped in an olive oil solution.
Once your wicker is painted, you can enjoy your outdoor furniture all year round. If you’re worried about weathering, consider purchasing a protective cover for your furniture. This will keep it looking new while protecting it from the elements. In addition to protecting your furniture, a protective cover will save you the time and effort of cleaning and repainting it annually. It’s a smart investment that will keep your wicker looking good for years to come
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