Key Takeaways -

• Regular oiling of rattan furniture enhances its durability and appearance, preventing dryness and brittleness.
• Choose the right type of oil based on your furniture's needs.
• Ensure even application of oil and allow sufficient time for absorption to maximise protection and aesthetic improvement.
• Properly maintained rattan furniture offers long-lasting style and comfort, rejuvenating your outdoor space.

Do you enjoy using rattan furniture? It's popular because it's stylish and lasts long. Rattan has been a favourite choice for both classic and modern homes.

We will show you how to keep your rattan furniture looking great with oil. We'll explain why oiling is good not just for its appearance, but also for its durability. Get ready to learn how to make your rattan furniture last longer and keep looking new.

Whether you're a designer, a homeowner, or just someone who loves outdoor furniture, rattan is a great choice. Keep reading to find out how to use oil to restore and maintain your rattan pieces.

Should You Oil Rattan Furniture?

Before we discuss the steps of restoring rattan furniture with oil, let's first discuss why it's important to do so. Rattan is a natural material that can dry out and become brittle over time if not properly maintained.

This raises the question: Can you treat rattan for outdoor use? Oiling is indeed an effective treatment. Oiling helps to prevent rattan from drying out, preventing it from becoming weak and breaking.

Moreover, oiling also enhances the appearance of rattan furniture. It restores its natural shine and colour, making it look new again.

Step 1: Preparation for Restoration

Cleaning the Furniture

Dust and Debris Removal

Start by removing any loose dirt from your rattan furniture. To clean rattan furniture, use an upholstery attachment on your vacuum to gently suck up the dust. For tighter spaces and crevices that the vacuum can't reach, use a soft brush to carefully dislodge and sweep away debris.

Deep Cleaning for Mold and Stains

If you spot any mould or stubborn stains, it's time for a deeper clean. Mix a mild detergent with water and gently scrub the affected areas. For more persistent mould, apply a bleach solution carefully to the spots.

Make sure to rinse the areas well with clean water afterwards to prevent any damage from the cleaning solutions.

Repairing Damage

Trimming Broken Pieces

Inspect your rattan furniture for any broken or damaged pieces. Use wire cutters or sharp scissors to trim away these sections carefully. Removing these parts prevents further damage and prepares the furniture for restoration.

Sanding the Surface

Once the damaged parts are removed, sand the furniture lightly with 120-grit sandpaper. This step smooths the surface and prepares it for further treatment, ensuring that the new finishes adhere well and look smooth.

Replacing Missing Cane Strips

If gaps exist where cane strips are missing, you can create makeshift replacements. Use materials like plastic straws or cardboard that match the texture of the original rattan. Cut these to size and secure them in place with hot glue, ensuring they blend seamlessly with the rest of the furniture.

Step 2: Selecting the Right Oil

Just because you see the word "oil" doesn't mean any oil will work to restore rattan furniture. Different oils have different properties, and some may not be suitable for your restoration purpose. Here are three popular oils that work well for rattan:

Lemon Oil

Lemon oil is a great choice if you're looking for a quick fix that leaves your rattan furniture shining like new. It dries quickly, which means you can enjoy your refreshed furniture sooner. Plus, it adds a nice shine that enhances the natural beauty of the rattan, making it look well-maintained and vibrant.

Olive Oil

Olive oil is a readily available and effective option for restoring rattan furniture. It acts as a natural moisturiser, penetrating the rattan to prevent dryness and brittleness. Its accessibility and moisturising properties make it a practical choice for regular maintenance.

Boiled Linseed Oil

Boiling linseed oil is unmatched for deep restoration. It penetrates the rattan fibres deeply, providing long-lasting protection and durability. This oil is especially useful for furniture that is excessively dry or has been neglected.

It rejuvenates and protects the rattan from the inside out, ensuring prolonged life and resilience. But can you use linseed oil on rattan that is not boiled? No, because unboiled linseed oil can cause the rattan to become sticky and attract dirt (1).

Step 3: Applying the Oil

Initial Application

Applying Oil Evenly

To begin applying oil, use a clean cloth or soft brush to distribute it evenly on the rattan furniture. Ensure every corner is covered, applying oil generously for complete coverage.

It's important to work the oil into every part of the furniture, as this will help maintain its durability and appearance. But, how do you restore rattan furniture with linseed oil? Is it different from using lemon or olive oil?

Yes, boiled linseed oil is thicker and requires more effort to rub in, so make sure to work it into the rattan with a clean cloth.

Absorption and Wiping Excess

Allowing Time for Absorption

After you've applied the oil, let the furniture sit undisturbed for a while. This waiting period allows the oil to deeply penetrate the fibres of the rattan, which is crucial for effective restoration.

Letting the oil soak in not only enhances the protective qualities of the oil but also ensures that it nourishes the rattan thoroughly.

Wiping Off Excess Oil

Once the oil has had enough time to absorb, check the furniture for any excess oil that hasn't soaked in. Use a clean, dry cloth to gently wipe off this excess.

Removing the surplus oil is vital as it prevents any sticky residue from forming, which can attract dirt and dust, ultimately making your furniture look unkempt.

Step 4: Drying and Additional Coats

The drying time for oil applied to rattan furniture can vary depending on the type of oil used. Generally, you can expect it to take anywhere from 2 to 5 days. It's important to allow the oil to dry completely in a well-ventilated area to ensure the best results.

This waiting period ensures that the oil fully sets and provides the intended protection and finish to your furniture.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Old Rattan Garden Furniture Should Be Before An Oil Treatment?

There is no specific age requirement for when rattan garden furniture should first be oiled. It is more important to consider the condition of the furniture rather than its age. New or old, if the rattan appears dry or brittle, it would benefit from oiling.

Regular maintenance, including oiling, can begin as soon as you notice any signs of wear or to simply enhance its appearance and durability from the start.

Is Orange Oil Good for Natural Rattan Furniture?

Yes, orange oil is good for natural rattan furniture as it acts as a natural conditioner that can help clean and rejuvenate the surface. Orange oil is gentle, effectively cleans, and leaves a pleasant citrus scent.

It also penetrates the rattan fibres to restore moisture and maintain the furniture’s natural flexibility and strength.

What Is the Best Oil for Wicker Furniture?

The best oil for wicker furniture, which includes natural rattan, is typically boiled linseed oil or tung oil. These oils are favored because they penetrate deeply into the fibers, providing a durable protection while enhancing the furniture’s natural grain and color.

They also help to preserve the furniture's strength and longevity, making them excellent choices for both maintenance and restoration.

Can You Condition Rattan?

Yes, you can condition rattan furniture. Conditioning rattan helps to keep it supple and prevents cracking and splitting due to dryness. Using a conditioner or a specific rattan oil can replenish the natural oils lost over time, especially if the furniture is exposed to sunlight or air conditioning.

This treatment not only improves the furniture's appearance but also its lifespan.

How Do You Polish Rattan After Oiling It?

To polish rattan after oiling it, start by ensuring the oil has completely absorbed and dried. Use a clean, soft cloth to gently buff the rattan's surface in circular motions. This process will bring out the natural shine and remove any excess oil residue.

Conclusion

In conclusion, restoring your rattan furniture with oil significantly enhances its appearance and extends its lifespan. Through meticulous cleaning, repairing, and oiling, you can revive worn furniture, giving it new life.

Choose from lemon oil for quick shine, olive oil for moisture, or boiled linseed oil for deep nourishment. Apply the oil evenly, allow it to absorb properly, and remove any excess to prevent stickiness.

These steps ensure that your rattan furniture remains stylish and durable, bringing renewed beauty and comfort to your living spaces for years.

Sources -

1. https://www.furnitureclinic.co.uk/blog/raw-vs-boiled-linseed-oil/