Outdoor wicker furniture is a popular choice for patios, porches, and poolsides thanks to its casual, breezy aesthetic and comfort. However, the nature of wicker makes it prone to wear and tear from exposure to the elements. With some basic maintenance and repairs, you can keep your outdoor wicker looking fresh and extend its usable lifespan. This comprehensive guide will teach you everything you need to know about repairing common issues with outdoor wicker furniture.
Inspecting Your Wicker Furniture for Damage
The first step in repairing outdoor wicker is thoroughly inspecting it to identify any problems. Here’s what to look for:
Fading
Extended sun exposure can cause the color of wicker to fade over time. This is especially true for resin wicker in lighter hues. Look for obvious color loss and discoloration. Fading is largely a cosmetic issue that can be improved with a fresh coat of paint or stain (more on that later).
Brittleness
Wicker can become dry, brittle and prone to cracking after years outdoors. Check for splintering, peeling or cracking on the wicker weave itself. Poke gently at the wicker with your fingers to feel for weak spots and damage. Brittle wicker may need professional re-weaving beyond basic repairs.
Sagging
The supportive frame underneath wicker can bend, warp or sag from prolonged use. Sit on cushions and press down to check for sagging, especially on the arms, back and seat. Some sagging can be fixed by tightening or replacing connectors and hardware.
Mold/Mildew
Moisture is the enemy of wicker. Inspect hidden nooks and crannies for any growth of black or white mold and mildew. Wicker itself can develop dark moist spots. Mildew needs to be killed and removed to prevent spreading.
Broken Strands
Loose, broken or missing pieces of wicker weaving will need to be rewoven or patched. Check for damage by running your hand along the weave and pushing on it. Exposed sections of the structural frame could indicate whole pieces of wicker strip have come detached.
Thoroughly inspect all sides, cushions, crevices and undersides of the furniture to identify all issues needing repair. Make notes on the locations and severity of any damage before moving onto the next steps.
Cleaning Outdoor Wicker Furniture
Before making any repairs, it’s important to deep clean your outdoor wicker to remove dirt, debris, mold and mildew. Here’s how:
Remove Cushions and Accessories
Take off all removable cushions and accent pillows. Set them aside for separate cleaning later. Remove any decorative toss pillows, throw blankets or other accessories as well so the wicker is fully exposed.
Rinse Away Debris
Use a garden hose to spray down the entire surface of the wicker, including the inner and underside areas. The water pressure will help wash away built-up dirt, spider webs, leaves and other debris caught in the weave.
Scrub With a Soft Brush
Use a soft bristle brush and mild soap to scrub all areas of the wicker. Avoid abrasive brushes that could snag or pull the wicker fibers. Pay extra attention to smoother resin wicker which is prone to stubborn dirt buildup.
Treat Mold and Mildew
Mix one part bleach to four parts water in a spray bottle. Saturate any areas with mold, mildew or dark spotting. Allow it to sit for 10-15 minutes before rinsing clean. Repeat as needed for severe growth. Allow to fully dry in the sun.
Rinse and Dry Thoroughly
Rinse away any soapy residue using a hose or bucket of clean water. Be sure to drain away excess water from hollow spaces. Allow the furniture to dry completely in the sun for 48-72 hours before attempting repairs.
Thorough cleaning removes grime to prevent it from obstructing repairs. It also kills mold and mildew to stop further spread. Let the wicker fully dry out before beginning repairs.
How to Repair Fading Color
If your wicker has simply faded or discolored from sun exposure, restoring its color is straightforward:
Lightly Sand
Use 220 grit sandpaper to gently smooth the wicker and remove any loose flakes of old paint or stain. Take care not to abrade too much or you may damage the integrity of the wicker fibers.
Clean and Dry Again
Wipe sanded areas with a damp cloth, allow to dry, then wipe with tack cloth to remove residual dust.
Apply New Stain or Paint
Use spray cans of exterior stain or paint in the original hue or a new color. Apply multiple light coats to build up coverage, allowing drying time between coats. Paint will provide opaque coverage for severe fading, while stain can help rejuvenate color if the original finish is still somewhat intact.
Add Weather Resistant Top Coat (Optional)
For extra protection, apply a top coat of exterior-grade polyurethane, sealant or varnish. This clear protective layer resists moisture and prevents future fading/peeling.
With the right preparations and products, you can restore the original visual appeal of faded wicker very easily. Proper coating will also protect it from re-fading too quickly.
Fixing Sagging Wicker Furniture
The interior frames of wicker can warp or loosen over time, causing visible sagging. Here are some DIY solutions:
Tighten Hardware
Use a screwdriver to tighten up bolts, screws, nuts and other fasteners connecting the wicker pieces to the main frame. This may lift and realign pieces that shifted.
Add New Fasteners
If some connectors are broken or missing, install new screws, bolts and washers to re-secure wicker segments to the frame. Use rust-resistant hardware suitable for outdoor use.
Replace Broken Frame Components
Severely damaged wood, metal or plastic support pieces may need replacement. Unscrew damaged parts from the frame and take them to the hardware store to find matching replacements parts.
Add Additional Support
For furniture with cushioned seating, add extra support from below. Place plastic feet, risers or blocks under legs and joints to lift and reinforce the foundation.
Adjust Feet
If sagging is caused by sinking legs, rotate adjustable feet at the bottom to raise and level furniture. Add non-slip rug pads underneath legs as needed.
With some determined troubleshooting and new hardware, you can likely resolve common sagging issues in wicker furniture without calling in a professional.
Repairing Broken Weaving
Over time, sections of wicker can come unraveled or detached from the frame. Here’s how to fix common wicker weave damage:
Re-Anchor Loose Strands
For smaller affected areas, you can simply re-secure loose wicker strands back into place using hot glue. Push the strands back down into the intended position before applying the hot glue. Hold in place until the adhesive cools and sets.
Patch Bare Spots
If sections of wicker are missing, expose the frame then patch over it using strips of rattan or all-weather woven fabric. Cut patches slightly larger than the bare section, hot glue into place, then use a lighter to gently seal the cut wicker edges.
Weave In New Strands
Where wicker is unraveled but still partly attached, splice in new strands using a plastic threading needle. Stitch up holes working row by row just like sewing. Overlap broken and new strands by about 1-2 inches on each side of tears for the strongest hold.
Cover Larger Sections with Rush Webbing
For more extensive weave damage, rush webbing makes an ideal patch material. Measure and cut webbing to size. Use hot glue underneath and binder clips on top to hold webbing in place as the glue dries. Trim excess edges.
Professional Re-weaving For Major Damage
If the broken wicker is too extensive for easy patching, seek professional help. Wicker repair shops can recreate entire sections of woven furniture using the existing pieces as a template for shape and size. Although costly, re-weaving restoration is worthwhile for heirloom quality wicker with sentimental value.
With some simple tricks and materials, you can patch over small-to-medium holes and tears in wicker weave. But extensive damage may require sending the furniture out for professional repair.
Removing Mold and Mildew
Left wet or damp, wicker can develop unsightly and deteriorating mold, mildew, and dark spotting. Here’s how to tackle this common problem:
Mix a Disinfecting Solution
Make a spray using one part bleach and four parts water. For heavy growth, up the bleach ratio to 1:3. Spray or wipe this solution evenly over all affected areas.
Scrub and Let Sit
Use a stiff scrub brush on moldy spots after spraying. Allow the solution to penetrate for 10-15 minutes. Over time, this will kill mold at the roots and lighten staining.
Rinse Clean
Carefully rinse away all bleach solution using a garden hose or damp cloth. Bleach can degrade the fibers of natural wicker, so thorough rinsing after treatment is crucial. Allow to fully air dry.
Apply White Vinegar
For lingering dark patches or difficult mildew, spray with undiluted white vinegar after bleaching. The acidity further kills and removes stains. Rinse again after an hour.
Speed Drying
Place the wicker furniture in direct sunlight or use fans to accelerate drying after treating mold or mildew. Slow drying allows spores to reactivate and spread.
Repeat these cleaning steps as often as needed until all signs of mold and mildew have vanished. Catching and treating growth early provides the best results.
How to Weatherproof Wicker Furniture
To minimize future wear and prevent repeating repairs, apply weatherproofing products to fortify outdoor wicker furniture. Recommended options include:
Wicker Sealant
Clear wicker sealants are specifically formulated to protect both natural and resin wicker from moisture, mildew, salt air damage and UV rays without altering the look. Sealant soaks into the fibers for durability and repels water. Reapply annually.
Exterior Varnish or Polyurethane
Products made for outdoor wood also work well as a top coat for wicker. The offer similar protection against moisture, sun, and salt air. Can feel a little stiff if over-applied. Recoat every 2-3 years.
Auto or Marine UV Protectants
Aerosol UV resistance products made for car interiors and boats also work nicely. Spray on and allow to fully dry to add a UV barrier that resists fading, yellowing and brittleness. Reapply after heavy rains or annually.
Fabric Waterproofing Spray
This rain-repellent treatment works best for cushion covers. After cleaning, apply a coat and let fully dry. Repeated sprays restore water resistance and prevent mold, without affecting breathability.
Regular preventative weatherproofing prolongs the serviceable life of outdoor wicker significantly. It also cuts down on time-consuming restoration work.
Repair Cost Analysis
Before repairing wicker, consider a few cost factors:
- Type of Wicker – Resin is cheaper to update than natural fiber. But natural may be more worth salvaging.
- Extent of Damage – Small repairs may be DIY. Larger issues warrant professionals.
- Cost of Replacement – Compare repair costs to the price of new furniture.
- Sentimental Value – Heirlooms and antiques merit preservation.
Minor maintenance like cleaning, sealing and touch up painting are affordable for most. But extensive professional re-weaving can run several hundred dollars. Compare your particular repair costs to replacement prices for similar new outdoor wicker to make the best value decision. If wicker has sentimental worth, restoration may be preferable to replacement regardless of price.
Conclusion
Outdoor wicker is built to withstand some wear and tear. With proper care, common issues like fading, mold, sagging and broken strands can often be fixed with simple DIY methods. But pay attention to when repairs become too costly or challenging. In those cases, replacement furniture may make the most sense long-term. Regular inspection, cleaning and preventative weatherproofing are key to minimizing the need for repairs at all. By taking a hands-on approach to maintenance, you can add years of enjoyment to high quality wicker patio sets.
Frequently Asked Questions About Repairing Outdoor Wicker Furniture
How do you fix faded wicker furniture?
Faded wicker can be improved by lightly sanding, applying a fresh coat of exterior stain or paint in the original color or a new color, and adding a top coat of polyurethane or varnish for extra sun protection.
What is the best way to repair wicker?
Small wicker tears can be patched using hot glue, all-weather fabric, and by weaving in new strands. Larger sections can be replaced with rush webbing. Severe damage will require professional re-weaving.
How do you repair wicker on outdoor furniture?
Outdoor wicker is repaired through cleaning, re-staining faded areas, tightening joints and hardware, replacing broken frame parts, patching holes in the weave, removing mildew, and weatherproofing annually.
Does vinegar remove mold from wicker?
White vinegar is very effective for removing mold, mildew and discoloration from wicker. Spray vinegar on after bleach cleaning and rinse well. The vinegar kills lingering spores and residual staining.
How do you clean old wicker furniture?
Use a hose and soft brush with mild soap and water to deep clean old wicker. Allow it to completely dry in the sun afterwards. Treat mold stains with a diluted bleach solution, scrubbing and rinsing thoroughly. Finish by applying wicker sealant.
What is the best paint for wicker furniture?
The best paint for wicker is specially formulated acrylic, oil-based or enamel spray paints for outdoor wicker. Latex paint can crack. Primer helps new paint adhere to old finishes. Always test compatibility on an underside area first.
How do you restore faded wicker?
To restore faded wicker, lightly sand it first, clean away dust, then use spray paint or stain in the original color or a fresh new hue. Finish with a polyurethane top coat for extra UV protection. Adding a sealant yearly helps maintain color.
Can you power wash wicker furniture?
Power washing is not recommended for wicker. The powerful spray can damage the fibers. Instead, hose down gently, use mild soap and scrub by hand with a soft brush, then rinse clean. Repeat as needed until dirt is removed.
How do you fix sagging wicker furniture?
To fix sagging wicker, tighten all hardware connections to the frame. Replace any broken fasteners with new weatherproof screws/bolts. Add reinforcement blocks under legs and joints or adjust glides. If needed, replace severely warped or rotten frame parts.
Does WD40 restore wicker?
WD40 can help restore some suppleness to dried out wicker fibers. Spray a light coat and wipe away excess. But it’s not a replacement for penetrating outdoor wicker sealants that soak in better. Use WD40 as quick fix but treat with real sealant for best protection.