The way to Restore Wicker

The way to Restore Wicker

Wicker is a natural material that’s been used to make furniture for decades, from ornately curlicued and patterned Victorian chairs and tables to sleeker and more contemporary furnishings. Totally restoring antique wicker is best left to professionals because reweaving is complicated and time consuming. But more contemporary wicker that’s suffering the consequences of weather, wear and aging can be restored at home with very little fuss.

Dissolve a couple of squirts of dish soap or other degreasing cleaner to a small bowl or basin of warm water. Stir it with your fingers until the water is sudsy.

Soak a lint-free fabric in the warm, soapy water and wring it out until the fabric is barely damp. Wash the furniture thoroughly, rinsing and wringing out the fabric as soon as you’re able to observe any visible dirt on it. Let the wicker air-dry completely.

Turn tables or seats over and analyze how the legs are held into the frame. If the legs or arms are loose, tighten the hardware that’s holding them in place. If you notice any lost nails or wood screws, replace them.

Paste down any broken reeds with a two-part epoxy especially formulated to work with wood. Hold the mend in place with painter’s tape until the epoxy is totally dry. Add 30 to 45 minutes into the recommended drying time if you live in a damp climate or it is raining.

Paint your wicker furniture with spray paint if it is already painted and requires a new coat. Use a fantastic quality spray paint that has a primer built in. Let the first coat dry thoroughly before adding another coat.

Seal your restored wicker with a polyurethane top coat to keep it looking fresh for a longer time. Make certain the sealer is compatible with the paint you used, if you painted your own lipstick.

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