CHAIR

Natural Stand Cane

FAQ- How much cane do I need to cane my chair?  Generaly speaking 1/3 hank will do an average size side chair. Of course this will vary according the experience of the caner and the size used (the smaller sizes supper carrage thru- fine would be more.

FAQ- Is the binder cane (the cane that covers the holes) provided with the cane? No because the size of the binder will varie ever with the same size cane. It is best to measure the diameter of the hole and order the binder separate. Also many chairs do not us binder.

FAQ – Should I put a finish on the cane when the job is done? Yes in most cases for three main reasons. First to change the color to match or be more asthic, Second to make it where longer. Third to protect from damage from light and moisture. Also it is a good idea to finish top and bottom of the seat. 

FAQ – What finishes are best? Generally speaking varnish and urethanes are best because they are flexable and less likely to crack. Some lacures dry hard like glass and will crack when flexed.

Plastic Cane

FAQ – Can I put a finish on plastic cane? Generaly speaking no because most finishes do not stick this is unfortunate because the sun does cause it to get brittle after awite and it could be prevented.

Natural Binder Cane

FAQ – How do I attach the ends to my furniture to start the job? Wire nails work well perticulary if you soak the binder first. Also you can glue the undersided to the surface to be wrapped and can be held in place with a hose clamp.

Natural Rush

FAQ – Natural material do I need to soak before using? – No soaking is not need
When normal rush weaving, as it will shrink when it dries. 

FAQ – What finish works best when the job is done? Varnish and Urethane is best because generally speaking they dry with a more flexible finish and tend not to crack or break like Lacquers will. Also you can mike a stain with them to tint and give a better look.

FAQ  - Will the Natural Rush change color when it ages? Yes it will turn a variegated tan color after about 2 years – this process will go faster in the sun.

Twisted Seagrass Cordage

FAQ – Can I dye the seagrass to change it color? Yes most of the time darker colors work out best. Water Soluable dies work best but you must die in hot water. Be sure to rence completely to remove all residue. Of course follow all precausions listed on the label or provided in instructions.

FAQ – Why do they call it seagrass does it come from the sea? No when it grows the top seed part is very flexable so wind the wind blow across it it looks like the sea.

WICKER

BASKETRY

WOOD

RAFFIA

BAMBOO/RATTAN

Rattan Poles With Skin

FAQ- Where does rattan come from?  Rattan is made from a plant in the palm family of plants which grows around the equator and is commercially grown and harvested according to the properties which make it uniquely suitable for many purposes.  Because it is solid and durable (less likely to split than bamboo) and will hold a shape when bent into a shape it is ideal for rattan furniture and other decorative items where a natural look is desired.        

FAQ – How do I cut these poles with the cleanest cut? You can cut rattan with the same cutting tools that you us on wood. Carbide blades work best at high speeds.

Rattan Poles Without Skin

FAQ – How do I finish these poles? Like the natural rattan with skin you can apply most finishes that will work on wood but with this important difference, because these poles have the outer skin removed they are more porous and may take the stains much darker than desired. The best way to apply liter stains is to apply a sanding sealer first then lightly sand then apply stain or finish. Of course it is always a good idea to experiment on you scrap pieces first.

28" Rattan Poles

FAQ – How can I make these poles last longer with heavy usage? There are many ways and ideas. First keep them out of the sun the ultraviolet tends to break down the skin and weeken it. Second a light finish perticulart on the end grain keeps the moisture out which allows for dryrot and keeps mold and meldew from occurring. Also keeps infestations of pests out.

Weaving Rattan

FAQ- Should I put a finish on my project made with weaving rattans? Yes by all means protect it from the sun and moisture damage.

FAQ- How long should I soak weaving rattans before useage? This varies greatly however because they have the skin still on them they do need to be soaked longer that round reeds. And also generally speaking the larger the rattan the longer it needs to be soaked. Two get tight bends at least 2 hours is required up to 12 hours – it is a good idea to add a little deterged to the water to keep it clear of bacteria or other organisms, also many detergents have wetting agents which help the soaking process.

FAQ- My rattan still will not bend as well as I would like what can I do? As you bend the wet  rattan apply a little heat with either a heat gun or a propane torch as you bend them along the outside radius of the bend.

Bamboo Guarantee

FAQ – How do I cut my bamboo without splitting or feathering? First use a fine tooth saw if you are using a hand saw and a carbide blade for power tool cutting. Second rotate the bamboo in the direction of the cut wile you are cutting – so you are not cutting on the back side. 

FAQ – How do I prevent splitting? First you should understand that some bamboo poles are bound and determined to splint no mater what you do and it is impossible to tell before hand which ones will. However there are some things you can do to help to prevent splitting. First put a protective finish on it to shield from light and ultraviolet which slows down the rapid heating and cooling which causes some splitting. Second if you knock out the inner nods – this helps because they tend to expand and contract at a different rate causing internal stresses. This can be easily accomplished by using all thread (a threaded steel bar – available at any hardware store) and passing it thru like a rasp until the inside of the pole is smooth. Third is to create a split in the place of your choosing – if you split the back side where you will not see it on your finished project you will have relived the stress within the pole.

Black Bamboo

FAQ- Is this bamboo died or does it grow this color? This bamboo grows Black in color but generally lightens up after it is cut and harvested  the amount of change varies from pole to pole – if it fades a great deal we call it green speckled.

Lau Hala Matting

FAQ – HOW DO I ATTACH THIS MATTING TO MY WALL? 

Two methods are good first you can use a splay adhesive mad by 3M no 77 or better – splay the wall and the back side of the matting then after applying the matting roll it down with a hard rolls and press hard, then let cure for two days. Ofcousre follow the safty instructions provided by 3M. 

FAQ – What is the best finish to apply to this matting upon completion?  Varnish is best for two reasons first it drys as a flexable finish so it tends to crack less often and makes it easy to clean.