Protect your Outdoor Rattan Set in order to last longer […]
Protect your Outdoor Rattan Set in order to last longer. In this article, we will continue to introduce you more ways to protect your outdoor furniture.
Caring for Rattan Furniture
The best way to care for both natural and resin Rattan patio furniture is to keep it clean and dry. Vacuum it periodically with a brush attachment to remove dust and pollen, as needed. Keeping Rattan clean extends its life because dust and other organic material can easily collect in the crevices of the weave and cause mildew, which leads to a breakdown of fiber and eventual decay (of natural Rattan). For the same reason, it's also important to clean up spills and stains as quickly as possible.
Although most Rattan patio furniture is designed to stay outdoors year-round, it can become brittle in very cold weather and more elastic when it is very hot. As a result, using the furniture during very cold or hot weather can lead to premature wear. Also, excessively damp weather can lead to mildew, particularly with natural Rattan.
All Rattan patio furniture will last longer and retain its color best if it is kept under a patio roof or other cover and is not exposed to direct sunlight. Sunlight can damage natural Rattan fibers and cause unraveling or cracking, and it is hard on paint. Resin Rattan also is damaged by direct sun, despite what manufacturers may claim; sunlight damages all plastic.
Repairing rattan furniture
Rattan furniture restoration isn't tricky, and by following the steps below, you can restore your furniture quickly. Here are the basic ideas you'll need to start refurbishing rattan furniture:
How to fix splits and cracks
Rattan can become dry, split and cracked over the years, but it can still often be saved. We recommend applying boiled linseed oil once a year for this purpose. Use a large paint brush and use as much oil as the rattan will absorb. Then just wipe the remainder away with a soft rag.
How to paint rattan furniture
We find that the easiest method is to use spray-paint. Clean the item and let it dry. First, apply a thin primer coat, and then 2-3 thin layers of your chosen colour. Be sure to allow the paint plenty of time to dry between coats.
How to refinish rattan
Another way to restore rattan furniture is to refinish it. As always, begin by cleaning the piece and letting it dry completely. Apply a 'liquid sander' as rattan is all but impossible to sand normally. If you are applying the same colour finish as before, use two thin coats and allow to dry again between coats. If you are using a different colour, you may need to use substantially more layers to get the desired effect.
So now you know the basic techniques you'll need to clean, maintain and even restore your rattan furniture. Keeping and occasionally refinishing your rattan garden furniture will significantly increase its life-span, and make your garden seem that much more welcoming to guests and your own family alike.
How to renew your outdoor rattan furniture
Make sure that your rattan furniture is clean and any possible damage already repaired.
If you apply oil to dirty rattan you will end up doing a bad job overall. I always say that cleaning things before you repair, renew and/or restore them should be the number 1 priority.
Apply the first layer of oil with a brush
You can do this with a roller or a spray gun if you have one too. Just make sure that you mix the oil first. But make sure that you do not apply too much of it. This will later have bad results. And another friendly reminder… Protect the floor before you start applying paint to your rattan furniture. You can use old newspaper. If you get any Linseed oil on your floor (and you will) then you will have a really hard time cleaning it afterward.
Leave to dry
I like to take my time and leave it overnight to dry or if I have applied oil in the morning, then it would be okay to apply the second layer in the evening. And make sure that there is no excess oil. If you are in a hurry, then I would say that 7 hours is the minimum amount of time it takes for the oil to dry.
So, now you know a bit more about rattan in general, and what to look for when buying rattan furniture. Choose wisely, though, as a good set of rattan garden furniture will last you many years! Inshare Furniture(Zhejiang) Co., Ltd has many years experience in outdoor rattan set, so if you interested our products, feel free to contact us. Have a nice day!
