Caning is a rattan weaving technique that gives a warm, natural look to furniture, and can be adapted to all styles of decoration.
The different types of caning
This traditional weaving technique first appeared in the 18th century and exists in 3 forms:
1- 6-strand French cane, which is the most common and is generally used to make the seats of antique chairs;
2- Solid caning (without holes);
3- Non-diagonal cane (with a simpler pattern).
To maintain the natural colour of rattan, it needs to be cleaned and nourished (with natural wax, for example).
Relooking furniture with cane
Cane is easy to handle. Soak rattan in water for 10 to 30 minutes before handling: it bends easily and can be used to cover cupboard doors, drawers or to make any type of decorative object.
To give a piece of furniture a makeover, follow these 6 steps:
1- List the equipment and materials you need to customise the furniture (hammer, pliers, wood saw, scissors, ruler, etc.);
2- Measure the furniture and cut out the cane to be fitted;
3- fit the cane and fix it in place with staples
4- use champlats to create a beautiful finish; to do this, cut the ends of the champlats at 45° to each other. The longest side of the strip should be equal to the height of the doors. Fix them with wood glue around the door, making sure that the cane does not protrude. Allow to dry using clamps.
5- Fix the hinges by adjusting the position of your door once it has been fitted.
6- Add your own personal touch (colour, handle, shape of moulding, etc.) to make the piece unique.
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