How to Repair Rattan Furniture: Fixes, Paint and Care

You can repair most rattan furniture at home with a few basic tools. Cut out the broken strand, weave in a replacement of the same type, secure the ends, then clean and, if you like, repaint the piece. Natural rattan needs a soak in warm water before weaving. Synthetic PE or resin wicker needs matching strands and a strong glue. Below you will find each step, plus how to clean, paint and look after the furniture afterwards.

TL;DR

• Identify the material first. Natural rattan is soaked before weaving. Synthetic PE or resin wicker is glued, not soaked.
• Cut back to sound material. Remove the damaged strand, leave about half an inch attached, and weave in a replacement slightly longer than the original.
• Clean before you paint. Brush off dust, wash with mild soap and water, let it dry fully, then prime and apply several light coats of outdoor spray paint.
• Protect the repair. Cover the set when it is not in use, keep it out of strong sun and let it dry before sitting on it.

Table of Contents

• 1. Work out what your furniture is made of
• 2. Gather your repair kit
• 3. Repair natural rattan, step by step
• 4. Repair PE or resin wicker
• 5. Clean rattan furniture before and after repair
• 6. Can you paint rattan? Yes, and here is how
• 7. Protect your repair outdoors
• What we think
• Choosing replacement pieces and finishing touches
• 8. Common mistakes to avoid
• FAQ
• Sources

1. Work out what your furniture is made of

The repair method depends on the material, so start here. Natural rattan is a climbing palm cane. It is flexible when damp and brittle when it dries out. Wicker is a style of weaving rather than a material, and it can be made from natural rattan or from synthetic strands. Synthetic versions are usually called PE rattan, poly rattan or resin wicker. They are designed to look like natural rattan while standing up to the weather, with better resistance to moisture and UV than the natural material, according to one repair guide.

A quick way to tell them apart:

If you are unsure, look at a broken end. A natural cane shows fibres. A synthetic strand looks like solid plastic, often with a hollow or flat profile.

2. Gather your repair kit

A rattan furniture repair kit does not need to be fancy. The list from Taskrabbit’s UK repair guide is a good checklist:

• Replacement strands (natural cane or synthetic, to match what you have)
• Superglue or wood glue
• Scissors or wire cutters
• A soft-bristled brush
• A bowl of warm water

For resin wicker, replacement strands are secured at the ends with epoxy or glue. Add masking tape to hold a strand in place while the glue sets, and a clean cloth for wiping off excess.

Matching the strand. Hold a loose piece of the original against the new strand. Check width, thickness and shape: round, flat or half-round. Colour matters less if you plan to repaint, but the profile should match so the weave sits flat. Buy a little more than you think you need. Mistakes happen, and a spare length is cheap compared with a second trip.

3. Repair natural rattan, step by step

Here is the process for a broken or unravelling strand in natural rattan.

1. Brush the area. Use a soft-bristled brush to remove dust and loose debris so you can see exactly where the damage starts and stops.
2. Cut out the damage. Use sharp scissors or wire cutters to remove the broken or frayed section. Leave about half an inch of the strand attached so the new piece has something to join.
3. Measure the replacement. Cut a new strand slightly longer than the one you removed. You can trim it later, but you cannot add length back.
4. Soak it. Soak the new strand in warm water for 20 to 30 minutes to soften it. Another guide suggests a longer soak of 45 to 60 minutes for a long length, so judge by feel: it should bend without cracking.
5. Weave it in. Follow the over-and-under pattern of the neighbouring strands. Work slowly and keep the tension even, or the repair will look puckered.
6. Secure the ends. Glue the ends to the retained stub, hold them with tape until set, then trim any excess.
7. Let it dry completely. Leave the piece somewhere warm and airy, but not next to a radiator or in harsh sun, which can dry natural cane too fast.

Tip: work on one damaged area at a time. If several strands have gone in the same spot, take your time to see the original pattern before removing more.

4. Repair PE or resin wicker

Synthetic wicker does not soften in water, so the method differs. Its strong point is that cracked sections are easy to isolate.

1. Cut back to solid material. Trim away the cracked or brittle part until you reach a firm edge. A repair fails at a weak edge, so it is worth cutting a little further than feels necessary.
2. Prepare a matching strand. Cut a replacement slightly longer than the gap.
3. Weave it through the pattern. The strand should follow the same path as the originals. A blunt tool, such as a flat screwdriver, can help you ease it under tight neighbours.
4. Glue the ends. Apply glue or epoxy to the end, press it against the existing strand and hold it. One PE guide suggests holding superglue in place for around five minutes, though always follow the instructions on the product you buy.
5. Tape and wait. Keep the strand taped in position until it is fully cured before sitting on the chair.

Work in a ventilated space when using glue, and follow the safety instructions on the label.

When the frame is the problem

Sometimes the weave is fine but the frame underneath has loosened or corroded. Wicker pieces are woven over a frame, usually metal or wood. If the frame has failed, the weave will keep sagging, whatever you do to it. Our guide to weatherproof garden furniture explains what to look for in frames that cope with sun, wind and frost, and it is worth reading before you decide whether a repair or a replacement piece makes more sense.

5. Clean rattan furniture before and after repair

Cleaning comes first. Paint and glue both grip better on a clean surface, and you will spot hidden damage once the grime has gone.

For everyday dirt:

• Use a brush or vacuum cleaner with a soft attachment to lift dust and debris out of the weave. Country Living reports garden specialist James Ewens recommending this approach, with mild soap and water for stubborn dirt.
• Wipe with a damp, not dripping, cloth.
• Leave the furniture to dry fully before use, ideally in a breezy, shaded spot.

For natural rattan maintenance: STIHL’s UK advice is to clean natural rattan at the start of the gardening season and to maintain it sparingly with a mix of water, linseed oil and a splash of turpentine, which helps keep the cane flexible and protected. Use it lightly and with good ventilation, and keep turpentine away from children and pets.

For dry or cracked rattan: Country Living also reports that a small amount of olive oil rubbed gently into cracked natural or poly rattan can improve its appearance and reduce splitting. The oil should be fully absorbed and dried before anyone sits on it, otherwise it can mark clothes and cushions.

Do not drench it. Natural rattan swells and weakens when saturated. Use as little water as you can, and dry the piece straight afterwards.

For cushions that sit on your rattan set, see our guide to garden furniture cushion care, which covers matching the cleaning method to the fabric and drying it properly.

6. Can you paint rattan? Yes, and here is how

Painting is the easiest way to hide a repair, refresh faded colour or update an older set. It works on both natural and synthetic wicker, as long as you prepare properly.

Spray painting wicker chairs

Spray paint reaches into the weave far better than a brush. Taskrabbit’s advice is to clean the furniture, apply primer, then use waterproof outdoor spray paint in several light coats, allowing the paint to dry between coats as the can instructs.

1. Clean and dry the piece. Follow section 5.
2. Work outdoors or in a well-ventilated space. Lay down dust sheets and mask any parts you do not want coloured.
3. Prime. Choose a primer suited to the material and the paint you have picked.
4. Spray in gentle sweeping passes. Hold the can at the distance printed on the label and keep it moving. Several light coats beat one heavy coat, which pools in the weave and drips.
5. Turn the piece. Check the underside and the inside of the weave for missed patches.
6. Let it cure. Leave it for the time on the can before use.

After replacing strands, you can also use outdoor spray paint to touch up the repaired area so that new and old match.

Brush painting

If you prefer a brush, one US guide to repairing and painting wicker suggests an oil-based primer applied with a natural-bristle brush, then two coats of oil-based paint, wiping up drips as you go. It takes longer than spraying but gives you control on small areas.

Painting outdoor wicker furniture

For pieces that live outside, choose paint labelled for outdoor use and check the label for the surface it suits. If the furniture is synthetic wicker, read the paint’s instructions about plastics before you start, and test on a hidden strand first so you see how it takes.

7. Protect your repair outdoors

A repair lasts longer when the furniture is looked after. The same Martha Stewart guide lists the basics: cover wicker when not in use, keep it out of strong sun, remove dirt and dust, and let it dry before use.

A simple routine:

• After rain: shake off standing water and let the piece dry in the air.
• Through summer: turn it out of the harshest midday sun where you can.
• Autumn and winter: cover it or move it under shelter. Our garden furniture care guide sets out simple habits by material, and the lifespan and care guide shows how small routines add up over the years.
• Each spring: brush, wash lightly, check strands and ends, and touch up paint chips.

What we think

We sell garden furniture to people who want their outdoor space to be easy to enjoy, and we know that most owners would rather mend a favourite chair than part with it. A loose strand or a faded finish is rarely the end of a set.

Our advice is to match the repair to the material, take your time over the weave, and give a repaired piece the same simple protection you would give any outdoor furniture: cover it, keep it dry and brush it down now and then.

When a set has reached the point where you want something new, we aim to make that easy too. Our range includes bistro sets, dining sets and other outdoor furniture, and our delivery and returns terms are designed to take the stress out of buying online. If you are weighing materials, our comparison of rattan and aluminium furniture for UK gardens lays out how each one behaves in British weather.

Peter

Choosing replacement pieces and finishing touches

Some repairs are small, and a freshened-up set simply needs the right setting. Planters, cushions and a few well-placed accessories can lift a patio that has been given a tidy-up. If your rattan is part of a dining area, our outdoor dining range has tables and chairs to complete the space. Browsing for a full set? The 6 piece garden patio furniture set is a good place to start, and our Great Gardens Online store has the wider selection of garden furniture and outdoor living products.

We offer free delivery on orders over £70, next-day delivery options and returns within 14 days.

If you have a smaller space, our guide to the best garden furniture for smaller gardens helps you pick pieces that fit comfortably.

8. Common mistakes to avoid

• Soaking synthetic strands. Water does nothing for PE wicker. Use glue or epoxy instead.
• Cutting too close. Leave a stub on natural rattan so the new strand has a join.
• Painting over dirt. Clean and dry first, or the paint will flake.
• One thick coat of spray paint. It drips and pools in the weave. Use several light coats.
• Sitting on it too soon. Glue, oil and paint all need their full drying or curing time.
• Leaving it uncovered all winter. Moisture and frost are hard on any woven furniture.

FAQ

Can you paint rattan furniture?

Yes. Clean it, apply a suitable primer, then use paint made for outdoor use. Spray paint in several light coats reaches into the weave best. Follow the drying times on the can between coats.

What is the difference between rattan and polyrattan?

Rattan is a natural cane, while polyrattan, also called PE rattan or resin wicker, is a synthetic strand woven to look similar. The synthetic type is designed to resist moisture and UV better than natural cane. Repairs differ: natural rattan is soaked before weaving, synthetic strands are glued.

What goes in a rattan furniture repair kit?

You need replacement strands that match your furniture, superglue or wood glue, scissors or wire cutters, a soft-bristled brush and a bowl of warm water. For synthetic wicker, add epoxy and masking tape to hold strands while they set.

How do you clean rattan furniture?

Brush or vacuum out the dust, then wipe with a damp cloth and mild soap and water for stubborn marks. Avoid soaking natural rattan, and let the piece dry completely before sitting on it or putting cushions back.

Sources

• Rattan furniture repair, Taskrabbit Blog (UK)
• How To Fix Resin Wicker Chairs, Hunker
• How To Repair Plastic Wicker Furniture, Home to Sight
• Kitchen staple you can use to restore rattan garden furniture, Country Living UK
• How to clean and care for rattan furniture, STIHL UK
• How to Repair, Paint, and Restore Wicker Furniture, Martha Stewart

Recommended

• 3 Garden Furniture Care Habits to Extend Life in the UK
• Garden Furniture Cushion Care: Match Fabric, Then Dry It Right
• Make Garden Furniture Last 30–50% Longer: Lifespans & Care (UK)