The Care Of Canework
The cane strips used for weaving
panels is the outer layer of the Rattan Palm, a prolific climbing plant of the Far East.
It is strong but, coming from a living plant, it does need treating with consideration to
achieve the many years of service it is capable of.
The dry conditions from central
heating, etc., is no friend of canework. The cane will dry out to a brittle condition and
then the individual strands can snap very easily.
Several things can be done to reduce
this problem:
Try to arrange your cane furniture
as much as possible away from the direct heat of radiators, fires and air ducts.
If it is a particularly valuable
piece, consider having a humidifier, as one should with any fine old furniture.
If any strands break have them
repaired as soon as possible for, as each strand goes, it puts added strain on the next
one.
About once a month, treat the cane
as follows:
Sponge or fine-mist spray the
panels with tepid water, protecting the surrounding wood and upholstery
Remove any excess moisture and
allow the panel to dry fully in free air
Do not accelerate the drying with
a hot air blower
Do not use the panel until quite
dry
The cane can sometimes become loose
or sag. The monthly water treatment will re-tighten the strands but again make sure it is
properly dry before using the seat again.
New cane work will mellow to a
lovely warm brown colour in only a few months and in this natural state will last far
longer than if it was painted.
Sometimes the panel has to match
existing ones and so some colouring is necessary. Paints, varnishes and lacquers should be
avoided at all costs as they seal the strands making them brittle and the intermeshing
inflexible which results in early strand failures. Of the wood dyes, only the spirit-based
have the ability to adhere to the glossy surface of the cane and should be applied
sparingly.
Children's feet or any localised
pressure will easily break the seat. A spread load is quite safe.
If you have any questions about the
care of your canework please feel free to e-mail
us.
Badgers Sett Ltd
16 Sackville Street,
Thrapston,
Northamptonshire. NN14 4NZ
Telephone: 01832 732637
Mobile: 07947 745230
E-mail: badgerssett@aol.com
Website:
www.badgersset.co.uk
© Badgers Sett Ltd, 2008.
All rights reserved.
Errors and Omission Excepted. |