Things You'll Need:
- Bucket with water
- Tack nails
- Reeds
- Wood glue
- Paint
- Varnish
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Step 1
Take a picture. The pattern of the weaving in a wicker piece is important, and you may need the reference if you begin to unravel the existing wicker.
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Step 2
Repair the frame. Don't begin weaving new cane onto the furniture if the piece is not structurally sound. Do any repairs on the frame before you attempt to add reeds to the piece.
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Step 3
Soak the reeds. Wicker reeds are available at many craft stores. Soak the reed in a bucket of water for 30 minutes or until the reed is flexible.
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Step 4
Secure the damaged ends. If the damage to the furniture has left broken ends you will not remove and replace with new reed, cut the ends neatly and secure the them with a drop of wood glue. Position the ends to hide them under other reeds or hide them with the new reeds.
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Step 5
Attach the new reed. Secure the starting end by tucking it into the existing canes and securing it with a drop of glue. You can also add a tack nail if the reed abuts the frame of the furniture, as in the caning around the leg of a chair. Weave the new reed into the existing pattern, referring to the photograph when necessary. You also can refer to the opposite side of the furniture if the two sides are symmetrical. When you reach the end of one reed, tuck the end between existing reeds and secure it with a drop of glue. Attach the new reed and continue until you repair the damage.
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Step 6
Coat with matching paint, varnish, or sealant. Paint with spray paint applied in long, even strokes that feather over the existing paint.
