How to Revive a Cane Seat

Made from the bark of the rattan tree, cane becomes brittle, cracked and eventually breaks if allowed to dry out. The solution to the parching problem? A stiff drink--for the chair. Give that thirsty cane a shot or two of boiled linseed oil and you'll have a supple, solid seat.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Coil Of Replacement Cane
• Paintbrushes
• Towels
• Paint Or Finish
• Paintbrushes
• Towels
• Paper Towels Or Rags
• Boiled Linseed Oil
• Towels
• Paintbrushes

Repairing cracks

1. Brush boiled linseed oil onto the entire seat with a paintbrush.

2. Allow the oil to absorb. The sheen will dull slightly as the dry reed absorbs the oil. (This is a fast process that will take anywhere from several seconds to several minutes.)

3. Once an area looks dull again, add more boiled linseed oil until no more is being absorbed, then wipe off the excess oil with paper towels or a rag. Remove excess oil from the seat's cracks and crevices using a dry paintbrush.

4. Let it dry for 24 hours.

5. If needed, apply a new coat of paint or a clear coat of finish.

Replacing a split strand

6. Place wet rags or towels atop the split strand(s) in the seat to soften it for removal.

7. Allow the moisture to penetrate for 30 minutes, then remove the entire strand by pulling it out of the weave. If the strand is stapled or tacked on, cut it off as close to the surface as possible.

8. Soak a new cane coil (available at hardware and home supply stores) in water for 30 minutes to 1 hour to soften.

9. Insert the new cane strand into the seat where the old strand was removed. Twist the strand's ends together to anchor the strand for weaving.

10. 

    Weave the new strand into the seat holes using an up, over and under motion (see A). Keep the cane very damp while weaving to keep it pliable.

11. Finish weaving with the strand under the chair.

12. 

    Twist the strand's ends together (see B). Allow the seat to dry and tighten before using.

Tips & Warnings

• To extend the life of cane furniture, apply boiled linseed oil whenever a surface appears dull or brittle.
• Do not boil linseed oil at home--it's highly flammable. Purchase boiled linseed oil at a hardware or home supply store.
• Be sure to safely dispose of rags or paper towels used for wiping up linseed oil-- away from heat or flame. For extra safety, dilute the used rags or paper towels with water prior to disposal.