How to Repair a Wicker Wire Furniture

Broken Wicker Strand

• 1

  Inspect the wicker strand to determine where it is broken. Cut the broken wicker wire or strand off from at an angle and slide it out of the furniture frame.

• 2

  Measure the length of the strand you removed, plus 2 inches. Cut a new length of wicker strand to the length and soak it in water for 15 to 20 minutes. Pre-soaked strands are pliable and easy to weave.

• 3

  Insert the tip of the replacement strand through the frame and weave it following the original pattern or that of the surrounding strands, using tweezers if necessary. If required, dab some glue onto the side of the damaged section and press the end of the replacement strand over it. Pull the strand taut as you extend it over and under the surrounding strands.

• 4

  Trim the replacement strand using sharp scissors and butt its end so it falls at the same level as the remaining strands. Apply waterproof glue to the strand and allow it to dry for the time specified on the label.

Missing Wicker Strand

• 5

  Immerse the replacement strand of reed in a container of water for 15 to 20 minutes. Use more strands than you need to make up for damages during the installation process.

• 6

  Cover the part of the wicker furniture where strands are missing with a moist rag or cloth for 30 minutes, to make the surrounding strands pliable.

• 7

  Tuck the end of a replacement strand into the gap and begin weaving it over and under the remaining strands. Continue the process of weaving strands into the gap until it is completely covered. Apply a bead of glue to the end of each replacement strand and secure it to the frame of the furniture. Allow the glue to dry before using the wicker furniture.

Cracked Wicker Strand

• 8

  Pour a small amount of linseed oil in a microwave-safe container and heat for 10 seconds. Immerse the tip of a paintbrush in the oil and spread it over the crack on the wicker strand. Overlap the oil over the crack by several inches all around.

• 9

  Immerse the tip of the paintbrush in the oil and apply it over the crack again. Continue applying oil over the cracked strand until it fails to absorb more oil.

• 10

  Dab a dry paper towel over the oiled section to remove excess. Allow the wicker chair to dry for 24 hours before you can use it.