Although rattan furniture is beautiful, it’s not immune to damage. Fortunately, most of the damage that rattan experiences can be repaired without having to purchase replacement pieces.
Start by cleaning your rattan furniture thoroughly. Gently wipe the surfaces to remove dirt that could stick in glue or varnish and leave an unattractive rough surface.
Identifying the Damage
Rattan furniture adds a natural and elegant touch to your living space. It’s durable, versatile, and low-maintenance, but like all furniture, it can wear down or break over time. Fortunately, both natural and synthetic rattan is easy to repair with items you already have lying around the house.
Often, damage to rattan furniture comes from pests. Ants, termites, and other insects can chew through the woven fibers and cause major damage to your furniture. However, regular inspection and maintenance can prevent pest infestations. Vacuuming your rattan furniture can help keep it clean and free of pests, and planting flowers that repel insects such as roses, tulips, and alliums can also be helpful.
By Cleaning
Before attempting any repairs, it’s important to give your rattan furniture a thorough cleaning. This will remove dirt and debris that can make it difficult for the glue or plastic epoxy to stick. You can even use a garden tool to sweep away any loose dirt or debris.
Next, find out what areas need repairing and gather the necessary tools. You will need scissors (manicure or box cutters are best for detail) and a plastic glue, preferable one that dries fast. A quick-set plastic epoxy with a precision applicator tip is the best option for this job. Next, use the adhesive to glue the damaged rattan strips back in place. Be sure to hide the cutting under weaving rattan to avoid showing it.
Repairing Loose or Broken Strands
Rattan furniture repair is long-lasting and sturdy, but over time the strips of weave can loosen or become cut or frayed. This can affect the appearance of the piece and, if left unattended, could lead to further damage. Luckily, this is a fairly easy problem to fix with super glue and the right tools.
Start by identifying any strands that have come loose or are broken and then carefully putting them back into place. Be sure to check all the corners and edges of your chair or table for these problems. It’s also worth taking a look at the legs of your furniture to see if any have become loose or worn. Loose legs can cause the furniture to wobble and may be causing a scuffing mark on your floor.
Next, prepare your replacement rattan by soaking it in lukewarm water for 30 minutes or so. This will soften it so that it’s easier to work with. Once it’s ready, apply a dot of super glue to one end of the new rattan strip and then tuck it under a vertical supporting strand of rattan. When you’ve done this, allow the glue to set before using your rattan furniture repair again.
Repairing Cracks or Holes
While rattan garden furniture is typically low maintenance, it can still be broken or damaged. It can be due to a number of factors including your dog chewing on it, kids grabbing at the edges and snapping sections, or extreme weather damage. Luckily, both natural and synthetic rattan are relatively easy to repair and can be restored back to their original condition.
When dealing with cracks or holes in your rattan furniture, the first step is to clean the area and then dry it. Then, apply a thin layer of super glue to both sides of the crack or hole and then hold them together for a few seconds until it sets.
Gluing Process
This may take some time, so make sure you allow the gluing process to complete before using your rattan furniture. You may also want to consider applying a coat of varnish afterward. This will provide extra protection from future scratches or marks and will give your rattan furniture a glossy finish that will enhance its appearance.
The legs of rattan furniture repair are one of the most commonly damaged parts of this type of furniture. This is because they have to support the weight of the piece, so they are often subjected to significant pressure. To prevent this, you should use furniture pads or adjustable leg levelers on your rattan furniture. This will help distribute the weight evenly, and it will also protect your flooring from scratches or marks.
Getting a Manufacturer’s Warranty
The first step in getting your rattan furniture repair is to contact the manufacturer. This can be done through their website or by contacting the dealer from which you purchased your furniture. If you have a warranty, this process will be much easier. Most warranties cover only defects and not performance issues, but it is always worth checking.
If you don’t have a warranty, the next best thing is to find an authorized repair retailer or to do the repairs yourself. This will be a lot cheaper than buying a new piece of secure outdoor furniture. Many rattan manufacturers have a network of retailers, so it shouldn’t be too difficult to find one in your area.
Submit warranty claim
When submitting a warranty claim, be sure to include all of the details of the issue, including a photograph and proof of purchase. Also, make sure that you contact the manufacturer right away to let them know about the issue.
The warranty excludes damage caused by freight/shipping, failure of the product resulting from unreasonable or abusive use, acts of nature, lack of proper maintenance, freeze damage, mildew, fabrics or vinyl straps that stretch or fade, glass breakage, and glides. This warranty is only valid for the original individual purchaser under normal residential usage and will not apply to commercial, contract, or other non-residential applications, clearance items or display models.