Rattan furniture is a beautiful and durable addition to any home. However, like any piece of furniture, it is susceptible to wear and tear. If your rattan furniture is starting to look a little worse for wear, don't despair! With a few simple repairs, you can restore it to its former glory.
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Fixing Rattan Furniture
In this blog post, we will show you how to repair rattan furniture. We will cover a variety of repairs, from fixing broken strands to refinishing the entire piece. So whether your rattan furniture is just starting to show its age or it is in need of a major overhaul, we have the tips and tricks you need to get the job done.
What Is Rattan Furniture Made From?
First, it's good to know about the material you are dealing with.
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Natural Rattan
Authentic natural rattan comes from four similar plants that are climbing vines belonging to the palm family. Natural rattan furniture is durable, tough and hard-wearing, but it is not weatherproof. It does not fare very well in UV light or wet weather, so it is better to keep this material in your living room or conservatory.
If used as outdoor furniture, it will soon become brittle and will break easily.
Synthetic Rattan
This is typically made from PU, PVC or PE (polyethylene), with PE being the hardest of the three. However, all of these materials are generally much tougher than natural rattan as they can withstand UV rays and damp conditions.
While synthetic rattan garden furniture is the ideal choice for use outdoors, it can also be used indoors as well.
How to Repair Broken Rattan Strands
One of the most common problems with rattan furniture is broken strands. This can happen for a variety of reasons, such as wear and tear, exposure to the elements, or even just rough handling. If you have a broken rattan strand, don't worry - it's pretty easy to fix.
To repair a broken rattan strand, you will need a few supplies and the right tools:
- A sharp knife
- Fine nosed pliers
- A replacement rattan strand that matches the colour of your furniture (make sure you measure accurately and allow extra length to play with - excess strand can be cut off later)
- Epoxy resin or waterproof super glue (or wood glue)
- A small brush
- Small scissors
- Sandpaper
Source: https://www.pexels.com/photo/torn-white-fabric-6010254/
Before you start work, move the item to a well-ventilated area as you will be using super glue or epoxy resin, both of which give off powerful fumes.
Brush the furniture to dislodge dirt from hard-to-reach crevices. Clean the surface with warm water and mild detergent to remove any dirt that might stop the glue from being effective. Wring out the cloth so it's not too wet and wipe down the furniture with a dry cloth afterwards to remove excess water.
Soak The Replacement strands - For Natural Rattan Only!
Soak the new rattan strands in a large bowl of lukewarm water for about an hour beforehand. This makes them easier to work with and they will tighten as they dry, forming a good, taught surface. This is not necessary for synthetic rattan as it is non-porous.
Replace The Broken Strands
First, use the knife to cut away the broken strand (or strands). Then, apply a small amount of glue to the end of the new rattan strand. Next, insert the new replacement strand into the hole in the furniture, and press it down firmly. You may need to use the pliers to weave the strand through. Let the glue dry for about five minutes before you weave the other loose end through. Cut off any excess material and apply the glue, then push the trimmed end into the frame.
Finally, use the brush to smooth out any excess glue.
Once the glue has dried, sand the area lightly to smooth it out. Repeat this until all the damaged strands have been replaced.
You may then want to apply a coat of varnish to protect the repaired area.
Source: https://stock.adobe.com/uk/images/travail-du-cannage/275975801
Fixing Loose Strands
Rattan sometimes looks damaged although the 'holes' are often caused by rattan strands that have moved out of place, and you can tighten these using a flathead screwdriver. Slide the screwdriver beneath the strands and lift them up, the hole will magically disappear!
Repair Loose Wrappings
The wrappings are the long rattan strands that wrap around the frame and legs to provide strength and keep everything in place. Loose ends can cause the joints to come apart and make the furniture weak.
When you find a loose end, pull it tight and weave it through the other strands (if necessary), then wrap it around the leg or frame. Apply super glue and tuck the glued end under the strand beneath.
Source: https://pxhere.com/en/photo/1142839
Repair A Broken Section
For a damaged section that's a bit bigger, you may be able to use epoxy resin: simply knead the resin over the broken rattan strand, making sure it blends in with the surface, and leave it to cure overnight by which time it will look like new!
How to Refinish Rattan Furniture
If your rattan furniture is starting to look dull or faded, you can give it a new lease of life by refinishing it. This is a relatively easy project that can be done with a few simple supplies.
To refinish rattan furniture, you will need:
- A sanding block
- Fine-grit sandpaper
- Rattan stain or paint
- A paintbrush or soft-bristled brush
- A clear varnish
Source: https://stock.adobe.com/uk/images/abrasive-materials-sandpaper-texture/101427638
First, use the sanding block to lightly sand the furniture. This will help the stain or paint to adhere to the surface. Then, wipe away any dust with a damp cloth.
Next, apply a coat of stain or paint to the furniture. Be sure to follow the instructions on the product label. Once the stain or paint has dried, apply a coat of clear varnish to protect the finish.
Source: https://www.pexels.com/photo/green-throw-pillow-on-brown-woven-armchair-9261261/
How to Protect Rattan Garden Furniture
Once you have repaired or refinished your rattan furniture set, you will want to take steps to protect it from further damage, especially if it spends a lot of time outdoors. Here are a few tips:
- Store your outdoor furniture in a dry place when not in use long term.
- Avoid exposing your furniture to direct sunlight continually.
- Use a water-repellent spray on your furniture to protect it from spills and moisture.
5 Seat Grey Rattan Corner Sofa and Coffee Table
With a little care, your rattan furniture will last for many years to come.
The best way to ensure that your rattan furniture lasts well is to invest in the best quality. Head to the Homesdirect365 online store, where you'll find over two hundred top-quality rattan garden furniture and indoor furniture items!
How To Repair Rattan Furniture is available on Homes Direct 365 Shabby Chic
from Homes Direct 365 | Blog - Feed https://www.homesdirect365.co.uk/blog/2023/04/how-to-repair-rattan-furniture/
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