How to Refinish and Repair Rattan: PART 1

[@interestedobserver9352]

I am amazed everytime I watch you work. This must be very valuable to the customer, otherwise it does not seem worth the inevitable cost of putting you through so much work. I love and admire that you are so meticulous with things that no one will ever see - places where you could take shortcuts and no one would be the wiser. Watching you work is very therapeutic.

[@war7334]

Im not a fan of rattan but I enjoy watching you make repairs on any piece of furniture.Your talent is what I enjoy.

[@loktaiextatus]

Please don't kick the bucket yet. Still enjoying these videos too much.

[@nospin1394]

I’m smiling, because between your work and knowing that there are still craftsperson’s out there that specialize in such a niche area is really cool.

[@judyduguay6349]

I love weaving, I do my own baskets.

[@divinerdetective44]

Unbelievable endeavor! All I can say is I hope you're getting compensated enough for your work, you're priceless! OMG, what a transformation!

[@waynehewitt6427]

Sorry, yes for clamps. Rubber bands will also work. Just suggestions. 😎

[@Nundy1984]

At the start of the video I was wondering if this is worth the effort... has to be very old or belonged to someone's dead grandma or something.

[@mertfox3488]

In lieu of clamps, wouldn't pull-ties be more convenient? Pulling the tie snugly to bind the repair area. Cut off the band when the repaired area is set. Just a thought. You are an excellent lady. Love your devotion and knowledge.

[@leafolland7982]

I’m beyond the age of usable hands to do refinishing anymore - but i sure do enjoy watching your work - and your dialogue as you work! Thank you

[@flatworm00]

Amazing work! I would hate to think I had to do this, I don't have that kind of patience!!! You are amazing.

[@waynepollard6879]

What a job ! Rather tedious work !

[@jamesdemaray3464]

Contact a Ratan furniture company. Ratan is a vine thaw grows in the jungle. I worked in a Ratan furniture factory. Was fun!

[@Trixy8521]

Glad to see your new video in my notifications. You're fearless! I had no idea that stuff was even repairable. I'm looking forward to seeing you soda blast and the final results of your hard work on these pieces.

[@erica-1214]

Yeah me too, wanna see the soda blaster IN ACTION!!

[@MsRmaclaren]

I remember many years ago my Grandparents had a set on their porch. I used to sleep on the larger one every summer when I stayed that. Very comfortable at the time. You definitely take on some huge projects way more than I can. Nice to see another woman fixing furniture!

[@Lorddarthvader1701]

Just a tip on the glue bottle tip cleaning. Put some Vaseline in the covering cap, it will keep the bottle tip clean. just wipe it off when you need to use it.

[@busyme4]

I’m blown away! Your patience and know how is unbelievable!! Your friend’s weaving is beautiful! Pure perfection!!

[@johnsfurniturerepair]

Thankyou!

[@suestracks]

Ah, thank goodness you're back. I was SOOOOO bored just sittin' here waiting and as usual, I am not disappointed. Great job, as always.

[@johnsfurniturerepair]

Lol bakery you had to wait! Thankyou for watching❤️

[@jayestes_vids]

+1

[@malgaa3655]

Honestly, one does not need to go to Indonesia to have perfect rattan work done any more, Hats up for you and also your friend who di such a great mending work. 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻🧡

[@albertneff7180]

You are the furniture doctor.

[@bpa1055]

Unbelievable what experts can do.👍👍

[@rustythecat2163]

Trina you are a perfect example one who has true grit. Another project well done indeed.

[@johnsfurniturerepair]

Thankyou

[@eduardopasillas7084]

​@@johnsfurniturerepaireadurdo🩲🩲🩲🩲🧤🩲🩲🩲🩲🩲🩲🩲🩲🩲🩲🩲🩲🩲🐅🐅🩲🩲🩲🩲🩲🩲🩲🩲🩲🩲🩲🩲😷😷🩲🩲🩲🩲🩲🩲🩲🩲🩲🩲🩲🩲

[@eduardopasillas7084]

​@@johnsfurniturerepairedaurdo🩲🩲🩲🩲🧤❤❤😅😮🎉🩲🩲🩲🩲🩲🩲🩲🩲

[@doak4886]

Admire your patience, skill, and ingenuity. I’m afraid many would have carried that to the curb.

[@lynvoyager5976]

I would have thought the value wouldn't be in this old bamboo setting, but I suppose it's in the eye of the owner. Great job repairing it.

[@PeanutsDadForever]

You must be incredibly patient. I’d never got that far with the repair. Good work as usual. 👴🏻🇦🇺

[@CrypticConversions]

Just yesterday I left a comment on a different video about not having any new ones in awhile. I deleted it because I figured you probably wouldn't like someone getting cranky with you. hee hee. You are my husband's fav refinisher because he says he learns a lot from you.

[@johnsfurniturerepair]

Lol. I don’t mind. It has been a bit of a wait. More coming too. Thanks for sticking around. I appreciate all my viewers so much!

[@cabman86]

Wow! With all that work I think I would have tossed it and bought her a new one. hehe

[@cabman86]

When I had stripped out holes, I'd dip toothpicks in glue to fill the hole. It was cheap and lasted forever.

[@cabman86]

She is good at the weaving!

[@motortowncuriosites7005]

Nice work on the repairs. With your talent, you will live through this project ! Looking forward to seeing it all complete

[@johnsfurniturerepair]

Lol. Thanks

[@kiwdwks]

OMG! I aspire to have your patience and will to forge forward and get it done. Amazing...

[@donho1776]

When it's hard to draw pieces together with a screw, you can try pulling the pieces tight with a clamp and then insert the screw which usually will keep the pieces tight when the clamp is removed.

[@johnsfurniturerepair]

yes that works

[@jon8xty1]

An enormous amount of time spent so I hope you are going to be paid enough. Someone must really love this furniture.

[@Mikelp73]

I thought I was gonna die waiting for you to post again. I love when you say "so" I'm not gonna lie. I don't know why seeing furniture repair is so satisfying but it is. I wish I had this type of patience. Good work, looking forward to more!

[@johnsfurniturerepair]

Lol. Sorry. It was a bit of a crazy few weeks. Thanks for sticking around.

[@Mikelp73]

@@johnsfurniturerepair Life happens :)

[@proctorgrayson2349]

Fantastic work! Honestly seems like the value of your work on this job is well beyond the value of the refinished piece but if they wanted it done, you're doing a great job of it. Enjoy your videos very much - thanks!

[@stompjumper2007]

Mrs. Reynolds, i really think that you are very talented. the way that you can come up with a way to fix the most difficult scenarios. you make it seem so easy. you are the BEST at what you do.

[@johnsfurniturerepair]

Thankyou so much!🥰

[@millerjackgg]

I live in Cincinnati. A rattan furniture was in the city Fisk and Reed was the name (or close). I took a tour 50 years ago. Workers were into hammer/brads (vs staple guns)

[@kateburk2168]

Mercy! You are a rare gem, Trena. If someone had approached me to repair it, I would have literally run in opposite direction.😫 🌿🌿🌺🌺🌿🌿🌺🌺🌿🌿

[@donnapalaussie19]

What a job! Nice work, I didn’t think this type of furniture was salvageable. You and your friend have done a fantastic job. Looking forward to the next episode. 😊

[@gordonadams5891]

Your attention to detail is marvelous! I also like that you used wax on the screws. So many, even professionals, seem to like bar soap which promotes corrosion.

[@The78bluedevils]

The skill of two professional craftsmen can revive this dumpster fire 💕. No one needs this labor from hell.

[@zehraatique8495]

Binder cane has perfect curls 😂

[@johnsfurniturerepair]

Lol

[@nospin1394]

Nice to see another episode. A suggestion if I may, try using worm driven hose clamps for a great clamping force on those symmetrical applications.

[@miguelarce-goitia4395]

Rattan work is always a pain in the butt to repair. You are braver than I’m. Most customers I know won’t pay to have Rattan furniture repaired. Not the easiest to repair. As always your work is absolutely top quality.

[@lariette856]

Amazing job !!!!!

[@massoud139]

FANTASTIC WORK !!!

[@rogerdudra178]

Rattan furniture you can have. My knowledge stops with grass.

[@Fruity_lexia]

Looking forward to the next part of this! Your friend's weaving was pretty satisfying to watch.

[@dennishinkle5010]

I don't know what you're getting paid but it's not enough. Love the video.

[@norman4uk]

Parience is a virtue Trena.. well done

[@philrockabilly]

Looking forward to the continuation of this video, loved it so far. I want to see the Soda-blasting technique. Amazed at you dedication to the piece, the customer will be please with this work. You put in 100% and more into your repairs and restorations. Better than the original...

[@DebdeK]

thank you for posting more often, i really enjoy your work & agree with you about your current project, truly labor intensive! thanks again!

[@TheJbertolino]

I'm always impressed by the love people have for their furniture. In today's world we just dump and replace. These videos are very refreshing. Thank you.

[@terrybast330]

I’m a electrician who enjoys woodworking. I enjoy watching your videos. I have learned things I have been interested in learning on how to do. I’m eager to try out some of the things I have learned from watching your videos. Keep up saving old furniture. I will be trying to do my share when I have a chance. God bless .

[@_JanetLouise]

What an undertaking! It's great you know someone who does the wrapping / weaving - a rare talent / skill. I learned a lot watching you work. mahalo!

[@junehess501]

Amazing! I don’t know why it never occurred to me that rattan furniture could be refurbished. I just assumed it was into the trash once it’s beauty was gone. Boy, oh boy, what you’re doing to these gorgeous pieces is amazing- you’re so patient and careful- and ingenious! I’m very interested in seeing your soda blasting technique. Now I’ll keep my eyes open for pieces like that- I could never afford them new but perhaps i can find something that just needs some love and care! Thank you!

[@junehess501]

I jus went to my local FB marketplace page and found an almost identical chair for $40.00! Hold my beer... where are my keys?? :-)

[@kenc2257]

Wow. Renovating rattan furniture is such fussy work--so many separate pieces of rattan. Those cane bindings really came out nice--your colleague did excellent work. Looking forward to "soda blasting" (is that what you called it?).

[@Cradley684]

You are both doing a great job, very fiddly can't wait for the next part or part's , you all have a nice day now & Stay Safe !!!.

[@TJET737]

I am so captivated with your work. Amazing talent you and your friend have bringing those pieces back to life. I look forward to the next segment!!

[@austin12ascot]

Trena, you refer to the bamboo as Rattan, but it is only the bindings that are made from rattan. Nice job, well done.

[@johnsfurniturerepair]

Bamboo is hollow and a the surface is a bit different. Ratan is solid and porous and used for furniture because it is a little less tapered than bamboo sticks. They are similar but not the same. This is a ratan set, as most of them are. Cheers!

[@CALB2009]

I am in awe of your knowledge and talent Trena, not to mention your fearlessness when you tackle these complex restorations! I truly appreciate the way you talk us through your thought process when problem solving each stage of the repairs. I've learned so much from the insights you've shared. Your friend did a fantastic job on the weaving restoration; it was very cool to watch! I can't wait to see this living room set when it's completed! BRAVO!! ~~Christy~~

[@johnsfurniturerepair]

Thank you so much 😊

[@jt.s.7418]

I haven't watched this video but wanted to say I've missed your videos. Yeah!😄

[@grammybear4226]

🐼 Big Bear Hugs from a 68 yr old grandma in Kirby, Texas, USA 🐼 ❤️ 🎀 ❤️ 🎀 ❤️ 🎀

[@jerrycratsenberg989]

Thanks for sharing !

[@bernhardpfennig6049]

Thank you. Its hard work and its perfect work. Greetings from Germany.

[@woodworker65]

Hello, I really enjoy watching you work .I find you have an easy manor and very impressive skills. I am surprised at how well the foot stool came together . Nice Work!

[@martintijdgat6269]

Rotan, as we call it in The Netherland is imported from Indonesia. I don’t know if there are modern pieces imported in America. But sometimes it is possible to use it as substitute pieces.

[@orchid2223]

Wow, great work!... love your attention to detailing...

[@petercunliffe7813]

Great job

[@pattylevasseur4041]

man talk about challenges wow.....a very deep bow to you trena...i would have been bald and cross eyed !!!!!! you dad has taught you well ;];];]

[@chesterarnold5975]

I've used saran wrap to close and hold on ratan furniture like that since bambu is actually a grass.

[@Timhey0912]

You must have the Patience of a Saint, to take this on.......... You must have some high paying clients. Plus your friend did such a great job on that weaving too!

[@johnsfurniturerepair]

My clients are wonderful!

[@richardsmith7783]

Hello? You always do great work!

[@johnsfurniturerepair]

Thankyou!

[@JamesDeese]

Glad to see you back after the break. Hope your father is doing well, and your family. Man, you amaze me with your knowledge and problem-solving.

[@johnsfurniturerepair]

Thankyou!

[@yvesdemers17]

I know you can do everything because you are always a perfectionist! Thanks to you!💋❤️💋💐

[@garyhaines6632]

I use a lot of tongue suppressors and a bunch of pop cycle sticks from stain to epoxy! if it was clear epoxy I would use them over again!!!

[@BigKelvPark]

For the crossmembers around 28 minutes, have you ever thought of wrapping tape around the ends and screwing a (what we call in the UK) a jubilee clip around it for a more circulat clamp? The tape to stop the epoxy sticking to the (as I think you call them over there) hose clip.

[@johnsfurniturerepair]

Yes. I will get some

[@jayestes_vids]

I am a little surprised you didn’t do the repairs with a nice 3/8 dowel (as the strength member) from outside of the chair into the center of the support piece. I guess the screw holds everything together, but I believe a nice dowel could have done as well. Beautiful work BTW, soda blaster is a life saver - I’ve always kinda thought of old rattan as throw-away, but I like that you are changing my mind

[@mary8273]

You got this. Endeavor!! It shows

[@charlesmadisonrhea]

Tuned in immediately when I detected the mortal danger ( dying before finishing). I love the ‘real world’ applications I see here - maybe regular world applications. I will never repair a Louis the 14th museum piece from 1650 with the original glue from the original maker, but I come across stuff like this all the time. Good ideas on this channel

[@terryrogers1025]

Good catch on the broken cross member. Like your approach to the repair. My goodness what a project. Wish you well.

[@stephenyackel2387]

I saw this project finished and it’s beautiful but in this condition it looks like firewood. You have amazing skills.

[@johnsfurniturerepair]

Thank you very much!

[@diogenesgalvao2673]

Astonishing skilled woman!!!

[@johnsfurniturerepair]

Thankyou

[@markduncan6690]

Very Mediculous work!

[@erica-1214]

I was hoping you'd use the electrical tape trick to hold that ottoman glue-up together. I tried it a few weeks ago on a repair project that was IMPOSSIBLE to clamp and it was a dream come true. Love your content!

[@johnsfurniturerepair]

Electrical tape is nowhere near strong enough for this glue up. Ratan is not hollow. Your thinking of bamboo. Cheers

[@FelixDegenaar]

Rattan chairs were very fashionable when I grew up. Everybody had a couple of rattan chairs standing around. They used to break, or the windings came loose. Nobody bothered to fix them, it's just awful material to work with. Rattan will NOT comply, it has it's own will. Congrats on your work, your patience is amazing.

[@johnsfurniturerepair]

It can be a bugger but it’s getting popular again and it actually accepts a repair pretty well with epoxy because it is so porous

[@scharlottehart9321]

Soooooo glad to see you again! Missed you! Wonderful job on the Ratan chair!!

[@olledahlquist3784]

I ordered some "mini-clamps" that are no more than 5-6 inches tall. They are not professional, but they are perfect when it comes to clamp things in areas that are almost impossible for bigger clamps to fit.

[@MrJozef1974]

Very very extraordinary work. Well done!!!

[@jeffmcd8469]

Glad you are back! Seeing that entire set in a previous video made my heart stop for a minute...that is going to be TONS of work. Can't wait to see the finished product...

[@johnsfurniturerepair]

Yep it’s a big one for sure.

[@loktaiextatus]

@@johnsfurniturerepair Thats what she s- Ah never mind.

[@johnmills9010]

Please keep the videos coming, you are incredible 🤗

[@jayestes_vids]

My gosh that is a sharp chisel..

[@angelahewitt13]

Love your work! Very happy to see another vlog! Thank you!

[@buddybirddog8177]

Your a true artist

[@michaelshook4998]

You need a banding strap machine, or at least some zip ties to defeat the bamboo from wanting to reform out of round. Did this type work for many years, and the banding seems best to realign all the damaged bamboo fibers. Kudos to all your patience. Your work has shown that there really are people out there who settle for nothing less than than the best repairs possible.

[@johnsfurniturerepair]

Thanks. Yes if I do them again I think I will get something like that

[@markleaning107]

Wow

[@mikehoncho6109]

Glad you’re back. I missed you. 😀

[@fonhollohan2908]

" I might die before I finish this! " hahaha good one. You should get yourself some tie wire its very flexible and would be perfect to wrap around that kind of glue up! maybe, next time. When I saw that bottom rung, I thought for sure it needed to be replaced. In order to fix it, but you pulled it off. pretty dern impressive Trena. You amazed me with what you did on this repair.

[@johnsfurniturerepair]

Thankyou!!

[@fonhollohan2908]

@@johnsfurniturerepair your welcome!

[@richardk.3140]

Thank you getting ready to redo a couch just like this...

[@johnsfurniturerepair]

My heart goes out to you. Lol. It’s a big job

[@SteveC38]

Coming along nicely Ladies, They're looking great!

[@sandratessier428]

Beautiful job on the weaving. It looks better than new. Looking forward to seeing the next part.

[@nannettepiasini9824]

Love your attention to detail. As a weaver, the corners are done in a twill. Think denim.

[@johnsfurniturerepair]

oh very interesting, thankyou

[@peterwest7855]

Fascinating restoration on something very different. Please be careful, when you chiselled the plug at 36:40 you had your left hand right in front of the path of the chisel!

[@johnsfurniturerepair]

Thanks Peter. After 25 yrs I’ve only cut myself once with a chisel. It’s more about controlling the momentum than just plainly getting out of the way. But yea I. General if you are not sure if the chisel will go flying so not put your hand there

[@marianwhitcomb7518]

LOL learned a lot but thought I might learn how to do the weaving part...oh well. And the missing piece on the bottom.

[@manuelsoul1]

Ottimo lavoro, complimenti 👍💐