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Cost: $ $ $ $ $

Difficulty: • • • • •

Time: 48h00

"New" furniture! :)
This wicker shelving unit has been in my parents house for as long as I can remember. I’m not sure how old it is, but it was my Gran’s.

It used to be in my parents living room, then when I moved out, made its way to my bedroom for storage. I’ve always liked it and was told take it or we’re binning it (!) – so I did. :)

It was in good condition, but needed some TLC… and a clean lol.

Posted by Kim from Cirencester, England, United Kingdom • Published 1st February 2014 • See Kim's 46 projects »

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Charyawn221 added Restoring A Wicker Shelving Unit to HOME DECOR 27 Mar 20:48
Kim published her project Restoring A Wicker Shelving Unit 01 Feb 08:35

Step 1
First I vacuumed it with a small bristle brush attachment, then went over the smaller nooks and crannies with an old tooth brush. Then I used a clean cloth and the toothbrush with some warm water and diluted mild soap to clean it. I dabbed it to dry up most of the water with a dry cloth, then let it dry overnight.
Step 2
One method to reviving wicker is to paint it, but I want it to be as much to the original as possible, so decided staining it in the original colour, which is “blonde”/almost pine in colour, would be great. I did some reading and the majority of websites recommend oil based stains for wicker.
Step 3
Before staining, tidy up any loose strands of the wicker with a small pair of scissors. You could use nail scissors. For the staining, use a clean cloth and wear gloves. Stain can be fummey, so I’d recommend doing it outside if weather premits and undercover – you don’t want to get the wicker wet! Leave it to dry for 24-48 hours before using it.
Step 4
Now we have a lovely piece of "new" furniture. :)