Repaired Basket
Having a collection of wicker items is great; you can display them anywhere in your home and they are very versatile as well. A wicker basket is especially useful to have around your home. It can be used as a laundry basket, a fruit basket, storing your stationary or your magazine collection, just to name a few. But what happens when your basket needs to be repaired? Repairing these baskets is easier than you think.
Wicker items are durable and will last for years if properly looked after. Whether you have a piece of furniture or a wicker basket, chances are they might need some minor repairs at some point. Wicker is a fiber made mainly from plant materials and sometimes plastic or twisted paper. It is weaved around a frame made out of aluminum, wood or plastic and the result is a light weight basket. To repair these baskets some weaving will be involved; you can buy a basket repair kit as well to make your job a little easier. To repair an area you will need to carefully select the matching material; sometimes it might not be available anymore, making your task a little more difficult. You will need a pair of side cutting pliers, a flat screwdriver and a soaking bucket. Soak the wicker overnight; you can also use warm water to speed up the process. This will soften the wicker, making sure it’s pliable. Cut out the damaged area that needs to be repaired. Carefully weave in the new pieces, using the screw driver to help part the wicker. When completed the newer piece might be slightly lighter than the rest; this can be corrected with a few coats of varnish.
If your wicker basket has been painted and you want to give it a fresh look again, you can easily do so. Use a liquid stripper to remove the old paint; no special liquid is necessary. The wicker will become somewhat soft when damp but will return to normal again as soon as it dries. Leave it to dry for at least 24 to 48 hours. Use a spray can to paint your basket; it allows you to reach all the corners to ensure you don’t miss a spot. You can apply a clear lacquer as well to give it a polished look. Repairing your basket might be a bit time consuming, but the end result will be well worth it.
Tags: large wicker basket, white wicker basket, wicker basket, wicker baskets, wicker picnic baskets, wicker storage basket