Wicker is a weaving style, not a single material, so the first job is working out what your piece is made of. Once you know that, the rest of the work is simple: clean gently, repair broken strands, and refinish in thin coats. Most wicker can be restored at home, but how you treat it depends on the material.
What your wicker is made of
Wicker describes the weave. The material underneath can be:
- Natural reed or rattan
- Willow
- Paper fiber, such as the twisted kraft-paper chairs in the style of Lloyd Loom
- Resin or other synthetic material, often used outdoors
A simple test helps tell paper fiber from natural reed. Look at a frayed strand. Paper fiber untwists like paper. Natural reed splinters like wood.
The material decides how you can treat it. Paper fiber cannot be soaked or reshaped with water the way reed can, so it gets only a damp cloth. Natural reed tolerates a light rinse. Resin does not soak or weave like reed, so check the manufacturer’s advice and test any method on a hidden spot.
For a related piece in the same family, see how to restore old cane furniture, which explains how cane and wicker differ.
Clean first
- Vacuum the piece with a brush attachment to lift loose dust from the weave.
- Scrub with a soft brush or toothbrush, warm water and mild soap. Work into the tight corners where dust collects.
- Rinse natural reed lightly with a hose or a damp cloth. For paper fiber, use only a damp cloth.
- Do not use a pressure washer. It splinters reed and shreds paper fiber.
- For mildew, use a dilute white vinegar solution or an oxygen-bleach solution, then rinse. Test on a hidden spot first.
- Dry the piece fully. In shade with good airflow, plan on 24 to 48 hours before you paint or use it.
Repair broken strands
Replace broken strands with new reed or rattan, following the existing over-and-under pattern:
- Soak the replacement reed for 10 to 30 minutes until it is pliable.
- Weave the new strand in, following the original pattern as closely as you can.
- Tuck the ends in and glue them with wood glue. Avoid hot glue, which does not hold well over time.
- Secure the ends with small brads if needed, then trim.
A leg wrap that has come loose can be rewrapped with soaked binding cane. Tack it at the top and the bottom so it stays put as it dries.
If a repair takes a lot of strands, or the seat has blown out, a professional re-caner may be the better option. For cane seats, see how much it costs to have a chair recaned.
Refinish in thin, even coats
Old wicker often has several layers of paint. Stripping the whole piece is rarely a good idea, and it can damage the reed.
- Sand lightly with fine-grit sandpaper, around 220 grit, or a scuff pad. That is enough before repainting.
- For paint, spray thin coats over a primer. Brushing fills the weave and causes drips, so spraying is usually the better choice. See is it better to spray paint or brush paint wood furniture.
- For an even finish, let each coat dry before you add the next one.
- Work outdoors or in a well-ventilated space, and wear a respirator when you spray.
For a natural finish, you can stain or oil the piece instead. Stain keeps the look of the natural material, while paint hides it.
Oil and natural finishes
Opinions differ on oil. Some sources suggest boiled linseed oil thinned with mineral spirits, to rehydrate natural wicker. Others say oil-based polish does not moisturize wicker and simply collects dust. Test a hidden spot first, and keep any oil coat very thin. Oily rags can catch fire as they dry, so lay them out flat until they are completely dry.
For outdoor pieces, look for a clear coat rated for UV exposure to protect the finish from sun.
Keep it in good shape
Keep natural wicker out of constant sun and rain. Very dry air can make reed brittle, so avoid placing it near heat sources that dry the air. Dust it regularly, because dust collects in the weave and wears the fibers over time.
Your questions answered
Can a broken wicker be repaired?
Yes, for minor breaks. A few broken strands can usually be replaced one at a time. A seat that has blown out, or a frame that has collapsed, usually needs more work than a home repair can handle. In that case, a professional re-caner is the better choice.
Can I repair synthetic wicker the same way as natural rattan?
Not exactly. Resin wicker does not respond to soaking and weaving the way reed does. Some repairs use heat or a plastic-specific adhesive, but overheating can melt or discolor the resin. Check the manufacturer’s advice, and test any method on a hidden spot first.
Is it better to paint or stain wicker?
Stain keeps the natural look of the material. Paint hides the weave and can peel over time. If you paint, use a primer and thin spray coats, and avoid brushing because it fills the weave. If you stain or oil the piece, test on a hidden spot first.
Safety
Pre-1978 painted wicker may contain lead paint, so test before sanding or stripping. Wear a respirator when you spray paint, and work outdoors or in a well-ventilated space. Keep oily rags flat until they are dry, and use a stripper only in a ventilated area, following the label.