How to Stain Rattan Cane Seats

Rattan cane seats are a form of wicker furniture. The seat is sometimes covered with a cushion, but they can be attractive bare. If the seat of your rattan chair has peeling paint, or is simply unattractive, you can stain the cane to the shade you prefer. Stripping the seat of any existing paint will give you a bare canvas. Cane can absorb stain unevenly, so you will skip the common step of wiping off excess stain.

Wet cloth
Paint stripper
Paint brush
Toothbrush
Wood stain
Paint stirrer
Shellac

Instructions

- 1
  Wipe the seat with a damp cloth to remove any dust. If the seat is painted, apply a chemical paint stripper according to the package directions and let it sit as instructed. Scrape the paint off with a paintbrush.
- 2
  Turn the chain upside down. Stir the wood stain with a paint stirrer so the color is distributed evenly.
- 3
  Paint the stain onto the cane seat's bottom first, using even strokes that overlap. Turn the chair over and paint the top of the seat. Let the stain sit for 30 minutes. Do not wipe the stain.
- 4
  Apply another coat if you want a darker finish. Paint the bottom of the seat, then the top. Let it dry 24 hours, then paint on a coat of shellac onto the bottom and top of the seat. Let it dry for 24 hours.

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