Learn how to restore bamboo furniture that has been damaged by sun and rain. Repair rattan furniture – and protect it – for outdoor use!
Do you own bamboo or rattan furniture that has seen better days? Today, I’ll show you how to restore bamboo and repair rattan… and how to keep it that way, too!
Last year I found a set of 3 stackable bamboo side tables at a thrift store for less than $40. Sold! The set was on my deck – and holding a refreshing drink – by later that afternoon. Unfortunately, I didn’t take good care of my set… and they were in poor shape by late summer.
Disclosure: This page includes affiliate links.
What’s the Difference? Bamboo vs. Rattan
You might be wondering (I know I was!) what is the difference between bamboo and rattan? How can I tell which type of furniture I own?
Bamboo is hollow, while rattan is solid. Both materials have horizontal markings which makes them very similar in terms of the overall furniture design.
Luckily, this tutorial works for both bamboo and rattan furniture. So, even if you aren’t sure which material you own, you can still restore the furniture back to it’s original beauty!
You might also like: How to Decorate a Porch on a Budget
Restoring Binder Cane
Binder cane – on the other hand – is not quite as easy to restore. The binder cane does not sand well, because it breaks easily.
What is binder cane? Binder cane is the caning which is wrapped around bamboo or rattan furniture joints.
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In order to restore binder cane, you have several options:
- replace the worn cane with new binder cane,
- delicately (and patiently!) sand the worn binder cane, or
- paint the binder cane.
For this tutorial, I use the third option: paint the binder cane. I’m not at all patient when it comes to projects like this… so the second was certainly not an option.
How to Repair Rattan Furniture (Restore Bamboo)
Refinishing rattan furniture isn’t a quick fix. Expect to spend several hours on each piece. It requires time to sand adequately and taping around caning is tedious. However, it’s an affordable method to get a “like new” furniture set.
How to Repair Rattan Furniture (Restore Bamboo Furniture)
Learn how to restore bamboo furniture that has been damaged by sun and rain. Repair rattan furniture - and protect it - for outdoor use!
Materials
- Dish Soap
- Sand Paper
- Painter's Tape
- Durable Paint (ex: Exterior Paint, Door & Trim Paint)
- Beeswax Wood Conditioner
Tools
- Scissors
- Utility Knife
- Rags
Instructions
- Wash the bamboo or rattan furniture with dish soap and water.
- Once dry, sand down the glossy finish. Also, sand off any hard-to-remove dirt or grime that wasn't cleaned in step #1.
- Next, cut off any loose binder cane with scissors.
- Once the loose pieces are removed, apply painter's tape around the binder cane.
- Paint the binder cane in a durable paint, such as exterior paint or door and trim paint.
- Once the paint is dry to the touch, use a utility knife to cut between the painter's tape and cane. Peel off the painter's tape.
- Let paint dry 24 hours.
- Finally, wax the entire piece to restore the natural wood/cane and to protect the finish.
Protect Bamboo and Rattan Exterior Furniture
Once you’ve completed all of that hard work, make sure to protect rattan furniture. Last year, we bought outdoor furniture covers and were incredibly pleased with the quality (see my full review). It only made sense to buy furniture covers for our bamboo side tables from the same brand.
Like this exterior DIY project? Pin it to save it!
Merle Hompton
Wednesday 3rd of January 2024
Thanks for the tips! Restoring bamboo furniture always felt like a mystery to me, but your guide breaks it down so clearly. The idea of protecting and repairing rattan is so helpful, and I can't wait to try it on my own pieces. Your expertise is much appreciated – looking forward to giving my bamboo furniture a new lease on life! 🌿🔧 Refer to this related site link automatically removed
Christine
Sunday 9th of October 2022
I have some very valuable "pretzel" style rattan that was subject to both sun and weather, all the areas that were exposed , there is no finish and the rattan is grey with very small black specks in the grain, how do I get that original color and finish back?
Lora Green
Thursday 20th of October 2022
Hi Christine! Every year, after sun/weather damage, I apply a fresh layer of furniture polish (in the post, I list the polish that I've been using - it has a nice lavender smell). A cleaning, light sanding, and coat of polish will bring the natural color back to life. The black dots may be mildew, if they can't be removed with soap and water. Try a mixture of 1cup bleach and 1gal water applied with a toothbrush or scrub brush. Rinse when finished.
Janet
Sunday 26th of September 2021
I don't want to paint my antique cane chair seats. How can I restore the work down seats?
Lora Green
Friday 1st of October 2021
Hi Janet! I always love an antique cane chair! Try a light sanding followed with the wood conditioner recommended in this post. That will give them a fresh finish without paint.
Stephanie
Saturday 22nd of May 2021
What kind of wax did you use on the bamboo & rattan? Thank you
Lora Green
Sunday 23rd of May 2021
This beeswax furniture polish - https://amzn.to/34aaUL8 (affiliate link)