Soaking Times:
Before Fitting, Bending, Weaving or Wrapping, Rattan, Cane or Reed,
you will first need to soak the material in warm water. This will soften the material and make it more flexible to bend or shape. For How long? See below: |
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Cane Binding or Flat Oval/Reed: Soak only for 5 to 10 mins. Any longer, the cane fibres will lift and can weaken the material.
Rattan Webbing: Soak up to 30 mins, then allow to rest for 5 mins before fitting. If you soak this material any longer, the rattan will darken and potentially weaken the material.
Rattan 8/10, 12/16 mm Dia: 1hr and up to 3 hours for larger dia. For long lengths, you could use a pvc pipe with screw end caps.
The best method for bending rattan is use steam. Once the rattan has soaked, and it's reasonably flexible, you can apply heat, which will create the water inside the rattan to turn to steam which will increase the flexibility and allowing you to shape the rattan.
The best method for bending rattan is use steam. Once the rattan has soaked, and it's reasonably flexible, you can apply heat, which will create the water inside the rattan to turn to steam which will increase the flexibility and allowing you to shape the rattan.
Round Core/Reed: This material is already reasonably flexible, but if you soak this for 5 mins for the small and up to 30 mins for larger dia,
it will be much easier to use when weaving or repairing wicker furniture.
NOTE: Do not soak the Reed/Spline when fitting with Rattan Webbing
it will be much easier to use when weaving or repairing wicker furniture.
NOTE: Do not soak the Reed/Spline when fitting with Rattan Webbing
