Rattan furniture, especially natural rattan, is terrific for your home. But when the furniture gets broken or damaged, it is not always so easy to repair or fix. We have outlined for you five easy steps to fix your rattan furniture.
One of the first things you must determine about your rattan furniture is what kind of rattan it is; whether it is a natural rattan or faux rattan. To repair, tuck the rattan furniture core under the chair or furniture piece and then glue it. We recommend gluing it twice. If you need to reweave sections, you can follow this same process.
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5 Easy Steps To Fix Rattan Furniture
If you find you have a rattan piece of furniture that needs repair, there are some steps you can take to try to repair the rattan furniture.
1. – Determine What Kind Of Material Your Furniture Is
Today, there are two significant types of rattan that are used to weave rattan furniture. Here are the two basic types of material:
- Natural Rattan – Natural Rattan is made and woven from the natural rattan vine. It can be incorporated using the inner or outer part of the rattan vine. If using the outer part of the rattan core, you will see the rattan is a natural color, and there are natural marks on the skin of the rattan. If your natural rattan is painted white or brown, it was woven using the inner part of the natural rattan.
- Faux Rattan – Faux rattan is a plastic rattan used for outdoor rattan furniture. Today, some faux rattans look so natural that it seem like genuine rattan. If you examine it closely or it has been certified for outdoor use, it would be faux rattan.
You must understand what kind of rattan you are repairing to know precisely what you need to do and how to repair your rattan furniture.
2. – Clean The Rattan Furniture
The first step to fixing any rattan is to clean it. You can spray it with water and clean it if it is faux rattan, then wipe it off using mild soap and water.
If it is natural rattan, you need to be more careful. You should clean the rattan with a damp cloth using mild soap and water.
It would help if you cleaned the dust and dirt between the weave. Make sure the rattan is completely dry before you start any repairs; if it is sunny, you can have it sit out in the sun to dry thoroughly.
3. – Tuck Loose Rattan And Glue
Most of the time, the rattan that needs to be repaired is a rattan strand that has come out. All you need to do is tuck that rattan back in and apply a small amount of glue.
Try to tuck it in on the underside or an area where you cannot easily see the repair. Rattan chairs are usually open on the bottom, so you can turn it over and try to tuck the strand under the chair or furniture piece.
If your rattan is for outdoor use, be sure to use glue that can be used outdoors as a good quality super glue.
Allow the glue to dry for at least 30 minutes, or follow the instructions on the glue package.
4. – Apply Additional Glue To The Area
Once the first glue coating has completely dried, you should try to apply the 2nd coat of glue. The second coat of glue will help ensure the rattan repair will stay and not come off.
5. – Replacing A Section
If you have a small section of the rattan that needs to be repaired as the wrapping on the feet, you must buy a similar rattan to fix it. If you need to repair a part like this, it can get tricky to find the same color.
It is also essential to understand what kind of rattan you have, whether a faux rattan for outdoors or natural. Natural rattan does not do well in all weather conditions.
To repair a section of the rattan, you can cut it, weave the small rattan pieces back, and then glue it. If your natural rattan was painted, you could try to add a small amount of paint to match. Then, add a layer of varnish for extra protection to your natural rattan.
If it is a natural peel rattan and you have the natural peel material, you should only need to apply varnish after you have glued the section.
Faux rattan should not be painted as it is a plastic material and does not require any varnish. Faux rattan is produced to be all-weather.
You can read our blogs about Faux Rattan,
Hand-weaving Faux Rattan In Vietnam, What You Need to Know by clicking here.
Can You Paint Plastic Rattan Or Faux Rattan Furniture? by clicking here.
It is possible to repair your rattan furniture if you follow these five easy steps.
If you are interested in seeing how Mondoro can help you with your rattan furniture and other home decor products – we would love to talk to you about how we can help you.
Find out more about how Mondoro can help you create, develop, and manufacture excellent home decor and furniture products – don’t hesitate to contact me, Anita. Check out my email by clicking here or become a part of our community and join our newsletter by clicking here.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How can I identify whether my rattan furniture is natural or faux rattan?
To identify the type of rattan, examine the material closely. Natural rattan has a more authentic and irregular appearance, while faux rattan tends to have a more uniform and synthetic look.
What are the common issues that can occur with rattan furniture?
Common issues include broken or damaged rattan strands, loose weaving, or detached sections. Identifying the specific problem is crucial before attempting any repairs.
What tools do I need to repair rattan furniture?
Basic tools for rattan furniture repair include glue suitable for rattan, clamps, small brushes, and replacement rattan strands if reweaving is necessary.
Can I fix broken rattan strands without professional help?
Yes, broken rattan strands can be fixed at home. Identify the broken ends, apply a suitable adhesive, and gently press the pieces together. Ensure the glue is appropriate for rattan to ensure a strong bond.
Is reweaving difficult for someone without experience in furniture repair?
While reweaving can be intricate, following step-by-step instructions can make the process manageable. Patience and attention to detail are crucial for successful reweaving.
How do I determine the right type of glue for rattan furniture repair?
Choose a glue specifically designed for bonding natural materials, such as wood glue or adhesive specifically formulated for rattan. Ensure it provides a strong, flexible bond suitable for furniture.
How long should I let the glue dry during the repair process?
Allow the glue to dry for the recommended time mentioned on the product label. Typically, this may range from a few hours to overnight. Avoid putting stress on the repaired area until the glue is fully cured.
Can I paint or stain the repaired rattan furniture to match the original color?
Yes, you can paint or stain the repaired area to match the rest of the furniture. Ensure the paint or stain is suitable for rattan and follows the manufacturer’s instructions for application.
What should I do if the core of my rattan furniture is exposed or damaged?
If the core is exposed, carefully tuck it back into place and secure it with adhesive. Applying the glue twice can enhance the bond and stability of the repaired area.
Are there preventive measures to avoid rattan furniture damage in the future?
Avoid placing heavy objects on rattan furniture, and be mindful of its weight capacity. Additionally, protect it from extreme weather conditions, as prolonged exposure to sunlight or moisture can weaken the material over time. Regular cleaning and maintenance can also extend the lifespan of rattan furniture.
Related Content
Care & Maintenance Of Outdoor Synthetic Rattan Furniture
The care and maintenance of outdoor synthetic rattan furniture are pretty straightforward. Use mild soap and water and a soft brush to clean your furniture at least once a year. With proper storage, you can be sure to add to the longevity of your outdoor synthetic rattan furniture pieces.
You can discover more by reading Care & Maintenance Of Outdoor Synthetic Rattan Furniture by clicking here.
Can You Paint Plastic Rattan Or Faux Rattan Furniture?
The short answer to this is that you should not paint your plastic or faux rattan furniture. The plastic or faux rattan material is not made or manufactured to be painted. If you paint on your plastic or faux rattan furniture, the paint will eventually peel and crack; the painting could also damage the furniture.
You can learn more by reading Can You Paint Plastic Rattan Or Faux Rattan Furniture? by clicking here.
How To Bend And Shape Rattan
Rattan can be bent and shaped in a variety of ways. The rattan must first be pliable so that it can be bent. Several methods are used to accomplish this. Once the rattan is pliable, it can be shaped in various ways.
By clicking here, you can learn more by reading our blog How To Bend And Shape Rattan by clicking here.
