Expert: Eileen Cronk - 6/13/2008

Question
I have my grandfathers rocking chair - the seat and back  appear to be made of a paper-like rope woven into a v shaped pattern.  I guess you could say it looks like imitation cane.  The weaving and the paper-looking rope are in excellent condition(considering), but it is stained and old looking.  How do I clean it up and seal or stain it so it will last many more years?  The oak wooden parts I know how to refinish.

Answer
Hi Charolette
Nice to hear from you.
I usually wash this type of seat (I call it sisal but that could be wrong), with a soft brush and soap and water. Just dish soap is fine.
This type of material "gives" when sat on so of course don't paint it or you will have a mess.
Stain is an option but what a job getting into all those crevices if you used a colored stain.
So what about a natural colored stain which seals and penetrates.
This natural colored stain is made by Minwax.
Its just clear. Looks like water really.
I sure hope the stains aren't permanent and come out with the wash.
If not you may have to resort to applying a colored stain.
A bit of work but its only one chair.
And always test the stain color.
Do this on the bottom of the chair.
A few years back I had a similar type seat that was very badly stained and it just would not come nice.
The stain would not cover it either, so I sprayed the seat with a dark colored lacquer...looked great.
Here is the link to this lacquer.
Comes in lots of wood colors.
http://www.constantines.com/browseproducts/Behlen-Jet-Spray-Lacquers.HTML
You must mask off the wood area before spraying.
I hope I have offered some solutions and best of luck with this.
Kind Regards
Eileen