Rattan webbing
Rattan webbing can be purchased as a whole rattan roll or by the meter. Thanks to its versatility, it is excellent not only for furniture restoration but also for creating new products. For example, it provides an attractive solution for making entryway walls, chair caning for radiator covers, decorating small furniture, or even as a rattan room divider. Check out our range of rattan roll UK!
Technical specifications of the TH-5/8-60-S rattan webbing
Material: rattan palm bark. Pattern: octagonal, density 8 holes / 5 inch. Width: 60 cm, with the weaving threads extending at least 2 cm beyond the nominal width on both sides. Roll length: 15.24 m (50 feet). Quality: S (superior) premium, strength: suitable for chair caning. This product can be purchased by the meter.
IMPORTANT: How to soak rattan material?
If you choose the 'S' superior quality, it is recommended to soak it in cold water for 15-30 minutes before use. This is necessary because the material softens slightly, making it easier to handle. It is important NOT to soak it in ordinary tap water! Ordinary tap water can cause the fabric to turn grey. Instead, use DISTILLED or DEMINERALIZED water. This way the material will not grey due to soaking.
What is rattan webbing made of?
Rattan is a natural material obtained from the outer bark of the rattan palm, native to Southeast Asian tropical regions. The use of the rattan palm in the furniture industry is eco-friendly, as the palm grows quickly. This vine-like palm can reach a solid trunk length of up to 300 meters, with its diameter barely changing. Fabrics made from rattan are strong and flexible, making them ideal for furniture. The perforated structure of the webbing has several functions. It is both aesthetic and practical: airy, elegant, and ensures ventilation, making it a perfect choice for radiator covers and perfect for chair caning. You can also buy it by the meter, but if you purchase an entire rattan roll UK, we provide a 10% discount on the price of the roll!
Thonet chair caning: what you should know
What does 'thonet bentwood chair restoration' exactly mean?
During restoration of a thonet bentwood chair, the damaged rattan webbing must be completely replaced; individual strands cannot be repaired. First, the damaged material is removed from the chair, then the new rattan sheet is soaked and fitted into the frame. The goal with thonet bentwood chair restoration is to return the chair to its original, like-new condition.
What tools and supplies are essential for restoring a thonet chair or rocking chair?
Primarily, you'll need a sharp cutter, scissors, wood glue, and special chair caning wedges for the restoration. Removing the old rattan panels can be done with a chisel and pliers, or you can perform this process with a router as well. The right tools are essential for precise and safe work with rattan material.
Possible uses of rattan webbing
Rattan is an extremely versatile material used for furniture restoration and making new products. It handles load well, so it is ideal for chair caning on seat surfaces. However, it is not only suitable for repairing chairs; you can also make radiator covers, rattan room dividers, or door panels from it. The perforated structure of rattan caning makes it ideal for radiator covers, as it does not block heat, ensuring effective heating while offering a decorative solution. It also functions well as a rattan room divider, as its lightweight material allows spaces to be divided simply and quickly. It is also an excellent choice as a door insert, fitting well in cabinets, dressers, and small furniture.
The history of the cesca chair made from rattan material
Marcel Breuer is an iconic figure of modern furniture design who carried forward the Bauhaus spirit in his creations. The cesca chair emerged in the 1920s, perfectly embodying the harmony of simplicity, functionality, and aesthetics. Its elegant style and comfortable design make the cesca chair extremely popular today. When restoring a cesca chair with rattan caning, it is important to preserve the original webbing structure. Careful restoration can extend the furniture’s lifespan and restore its original beauty. Consulting a specialist is recommended to preserve the chair’s historical and aesthetic value.
How to recane a thonet bentwood chair?
First, remove the old, damaged rattan sheets and prepare the new material. The new rattan panel should be soaked in cold water for 15–30 minutes, then carefully fixed into the frame of the chair. Soaking softens the material, making it more elastic and manageable, which eases stretching and fitting into the frame. Do NOT soak it in tap water but use DISTILLED or DEMINERALIZED water, because the material may grey! For fixing the rattan sheets into the groove, special wedge-shaped sticks called peg-doweling are used, which are also available in our webshop. The full drying time of rattan panels glued into the wooden frame is generally 24 hours. Do not allow the rattan material to dry out until the glue sets in the wooden frame, otherwise it will pull itself out of the groove. You can prevent this by leaving a damp cloth on the surface of the rattan panel, which prevents quick drying. If you purchase materials from us, upon request, we will share a detailed 20-minute video on thonet chair repair.
Painting rattan roll UK
The glossy front side of the rattan fabric has difficulty absorbing paint and stain. Solvent-based finishes are recommended over water-based ones, as water-based lacquers can cause the fabric to stretch. For best results, use coloring agents mixed into shellac or Beizen lacquer. Always test painting on a small piece before full surface finishing. After drying, check that the paint or lacquer is set and cannot be wiped off. Once a year, treat the back of the rattan panels with paraffin oil to prevent it from drying and cracking. With proper use and maintenance, the seat of a thonet bentwood chair can last for decades.
This product may also be known as chair caning supplies uk for cesca chairs and thonet bentwood chairs.
