To repair a chair leg where the wicker wrap has come loose, cut a piece of wicker cane and soak it in water for about 30 minutes (Image 1) to make it more flexible. Apply a dab of glue under the end of the loose wrap, then insert the end of the new strand and tap it into place with a small thumb tack (Image 2). Wrap the length of the new cane snugly around the leg (Image 3) and add a dab of glue where it ends. Secure the end with another tack and cut off any excess cane (Image 4).
The technique for replacing a missing or broken cord on the body of a wicker piece is similar to that described above. Soak a piece of rattan strand in water for about 30 minutes. Using a utility knife, cut off the protruding ends of the old strand (Image 1) and, if possible, glue the end to the bottom of a crossing piece of cane.
Once the new strand has softened, cut a section slightly longer than the length of the piece being replaced. Put a small amount of glue inside the woven strands. Place one end on the woven wicker, next to the broken strand, and begin weaving the new piece in the same pattern as the old (Image 2), using a pair of needle-nose pliers to help if necessary. Once the new strand is in place, cut off any excess and tuck the end under an intersecting piece.
Once you have completed the repairs and the glue has dried, spray paint the repaired areas to match the rest of the piece. Apply a light coat of spray paint, carefully blending into surrounding areas and using even paint strokes for a professional look. For pieces that will be used outdoors, use an outdoor enamel spray.
