DIY Network

How to Repair Wicker Learn how to repair wicker chairs. From "Home Made Easy" episode DHME-156

Guest Allegra Bennett, editor of Renovating Women Magazine, outlines the steps to repair your wicker chairs.

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	Guest Allegra Bennett shares simple tips on how to repair your wicker furniture.
	Figure A
	Figure B

How to Repair Wicker

Materials:

bowl
water
glue
hammer
tacks
foam brush
wicker caning (comes in a hank)

Wicker refers to the act of weaving and isn't the materials themselves, but rather the action of doing the weaving on any one of a variety of materials. These materials include rattan, bamboo, willow or even fiberglass resin. Because wicker chairs are popular outdoor furniture, a little wear and tear is to be expected.

• The first thing you should do is cut a length of caning you are using and soak it in water for about 30 minutes. Soaking the cane in water makes it more pliable. After approximately 30 minutes it should be soft enough to begin.

  Note: You may have a little trouble tracking down the caning so make sure you call before going to a hardware or specialty store to see if they have what you are looking for.

• Pour a little water into a bowl and then add glue and stir it with a foam brush until it is the consistency of gravy (figure A).

• Spread the glue onto the area you will be repairing.

• Starting with a new piece of caning, nail a small tacking nail through the caning and attach it to the leg.

• Start wrapping the caning around the leg (figure B), and push it down snug as you go.

• Nail a tack at the end.

• Wait for the glue to dry and cure and then begin to repaint or spray paint the chair. Using the same color, spray paint the area in long fluid strokes. Just make sure you use even sweeps of paint to maintain a professional look.

RESOURCES :

When a Woman Takes an Ax to a Wall — Where is She Really Trying to Go?
0965617327
Allegra Bennett
March 2002
LPC Group

How to Hire a Contractor
0965617319
Allegra Bennett
September 2000
Renovating Woman

GUESTS :

Allegra Bennett
Editor, Renovating Woman magazine

When a Woman Takes an Ax to a Wall
Allegra Bennett
0965617327
March 2002
LPC Group

How to Hire a Contractor: A Homeowners Guide to Dynamic Contractor Relationships
Allegra Bennett
0965617319
September 2000
Renovating Woman

Website: www.renovatingwoman.com