Omar Khalid
Plastic rattan furniture is a beautiful and durable addition to any outdoor space, but it requires care and maintenance to withstand the elements and retain its appearance. Rattan furniture is typically made from natural or synthetic rattan, with the latter being more resistant to weather conditions due to its UV protection and smoother finish. To protect plastic rattan furniture, it is essential to keep it clean, dry, and shielded from extreme heat, harsh sunlight, and cold temperatures. This can be achieved through regular cleaning, using mild detergents and soft brushes, and storing the furniture indoors or covering it during prolonged periods of sun exposure or cold weather. Additionally, removing padded cushions during extreme heat and ensuring the weave remains tight are crucial steps in preserving the furniture's shape and structure.
How to protect plastic rattan furniture
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Identify material | Natural or synthetic rattan |
| Natural rattan protection | Store indoors |
| Synthetic rattan protection | Weatherproof and UV-resistant; store in shade if left in sun for long periods |
| General protection | Keep clean, dry, and covered when not in use |
| Extreme heat protection | Remove padded cushions; avoid placing near fire |
| Mould protection | Avoid sealing covers |
| Fading protection | Apply outdoor furniture protector |
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What You'll Learn
- Identify whether your furniture is made from natural or polyrattan
- Avoid placing rattan furniture near sources of extreme heat
- Keep the furniture covered or stored when not in use
- Protect rattan furniture from the sun with a coat of outdoor furniture protector
- Remove padded cushions from rattan furniture in cases of extreme heat
Identify whether your furniture is made from natural or polyrattan
Rattan is a natural fibre extracted from the stems of palm trees. It is a solid, flexible, vine-like plant native to tropical regions of Asia and Africa. Rattan is woven to make furniture and baskets.
Polyrattan, on the other hand, is a synthetic fibre typically made from polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), or resin-based compounds. It is a technologically advanced alternative to natural rattan, offering excellent durability and sustainability. Polyrattan is moisture and water-resistant, and it won't dry out, crack or become brittle when exposed to wind and sun.
One of the easiest ways to distinguish between natural and polyrattan is to look at the material's suitability for outdoor use. Natural rattan is not suited for the outdoors as it cannot withstand all weather conditions and can rot or become mildewed if not correctly cared for. Polyrattan, however, is designed to withstand outdoor elements, making it ideal for outdoor furniture. It is also low maintenance and does not require the same treatments as natural rattan.
Another way to identify the difference is to consider the price and availability of the material. Natural rattan is derived from natural palm species, and its cultivation supports forest preservation in Southeast Asia. However, it may be challenging to source due to unsustainable harvesting in certain areas. Polyrattan, being synthetic, is more readily available and can be made from recycled materials, making it a more sustainable option in some cases. The price of both natural and synthetic rattan sets depends on the quality of the material, with higher-quality options offering greater durability.
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Avoid placing rattan furniture near sources of extreme heat
To protect plastic rattan furniture, it is important to avoid placing it near sources of extreme heat. Rattan furniture is typically made from natural or synthetic rattan, known as 'all-weather rattan'. Natural rattan has a matte finish, while synthetic rattan has a slightly smoother surface with a subtle sheen. Synthetic rattan is UV-resistant and weatherproof, meaning it can withstand hot temperatures without issue. However, natural rattan is not UV-protected and requires extra care.
When dealing with natural rattan, it is crucial to keep it away from direct sunlight and extreme heat sources, such as fire pits or campfires. The heat can soften the resin weaving, causing it to stretch and distort the furniture's shape. Additionally, natural rattan should be stored indoors during heatwaves to prevent fading and cracking.
For synthetic rattan, while it is designed to withstand outdoor conditions, it is still recommended to take precautionary measures. Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can cause fading and damage over time, so it is advisable to provide shade or store the furniture when it is not in use for extended periods.
In general, it is important to keep rattan furniture clean and dry. Use a soft brush or a vacuum with a brush attachment to remove dust and debris from the weave. Regular maintenance will help extend the lifespan of your furniture.
By following these guidelines and being mindful of extreme heat sources, you can effectively protect your plastic rattan furniture and maintain its quality for years to come.
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Keep the furniture covered or stored when not in use
To protect plastic rattan furniture, it is important to keep it covered or stored when not in use. This is because the sun can be damaging to plastic rattan furniture, causing it to fade and crack over time. Extreme cold weather can also be harmful, making the material brittle. Therefore, it is best to keep plastic rattan furniture stored indoors or covered when it is not being used.
If you are unable to store your plastic rattan furniture inside a garage or shed, you should invest in good-quality outdoor furniture covers. These should fit comfortably over your furniture without being too tight or loose. Avoid covers that seal the furniture as this can trap moisture and cause mould or mildew to develop. Instead, opt for covers that allow air to circulate underneath.
When choosing a cover, look for one that offers UV protection to shield your furniture from the sun's rays. Reapply the protectant spray every few weeks, as recommended by the manufacturer, to ensure maximum protection. Alternatively, you can use outdoor furniture protector sprays, such as Star-Brite Outdoor Furniture Protectant, which act like sunscreen for your furniture.
In addition to covering your plastic rattan furniture, you should also take precautions to protect it from extreme heat. Never place it near a fire pit or campfire, as the heat can soften the resin, causing it to stretch and distort. Always keep it in a cool, shaded area when not in use.
By following these simple steps and keeping your plastic rattan furniture covered or stored when not in use, you can extend its life and maintain its appearance for many years to come.
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Protect rattan furniture from the sun with a coat of outdoor furniture protector
Rattan furniture is made from a type of vine that grows in tropical regions of the world. It is known for its durability, aesthetic appeal, lightweight and versatile nature. However, rattan furniture is susceptible to damage from the sun, rain, humidity, and cold weather. Prolonged exposure to the sun can bleach its vibrant colours and make the material brittle, risking breakage.
To protect rattan furniture from the sun, you can apply a coat of outdoor furniture protector. Firstly, identify whether your piece is made from natural or polyrattan. Natural rattan will not have UV protection and should always be stored indoors during a heatwave to prevent fading and cracking. Polyrattan, on the other hand, is typically weatherproof and UV-resistant, meaning it can be left outside in the sun without sustaining damage.
If your rattan furniture does not have UV protection, you can purchase a UV-resistant spray or outdoor furniture protector to shield it from the sun's rays. Before applying any product, be sure to browse your furniture's warranty to ensure that the application of a protectant will not void it. Additionally, opt for a protectant designed for your furniture's material. For example, products suitable for aluminium may have adverse effects on rattan or wicker.
Outdoor furniture protectors act like sunscreen for your furniture, helping to prevent fading and cracking. One recommended product is Star-Brite Outdoor Furniture Protectant, which can be applied by spraying a coat onto your furniture. This will help to keep the sun's rays from fading your furniture.
In addition to using outdoor furniture protectors, you can take other measures to protect your rattan furniture from the sun. Place your furniture in shaded areas such as under trees, covered porches, or pergolas. You can also opt for temporary shade options such as patio umbrellas, curtains, and retractable awnings.
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Remove padded cushions from rattan furniture in cases of extreme heat
Rattan is a beautiful material for outdoor furniture, but it does require some maintenance to keep it looking its best. Natural rattan, in particular, is susceptible to damage from sunlight and heat. If you have natural rattan furniture, it's important to always store it indoors during a heatwave to prevent fading and cracking.
Synthetic rattan, on the other hand, is typically weatherproof and UV-resistant, meaning it can withstand very hot temperatures without issue. However, even synthetic rattan furniture should be protected from extreme heat sources such as fire pits, as the heat can cause the resin to melt or soften, distorting the shape of the furniture.
Regardless of whether your rattan furniture is made from natural or synthetic materials, it's important to remove the padded cushions in cases of extreme heat. The sun can easily bleach the colours of cushions, particularly those made from fine fabrics such as linen and cotton. By removing the cushions and storing them indoors when they are not in use, you can help to keep them looking new and vibrant.
In addition to removing the cushions, you can further protect your rattan furniture from extreme heat by covering it with a furniture cover or storing it in the shade. This is especially important if your synthetic rattan furniture does not have UV protection. Ensure that the cover fits comfortably over the furniture and allows for air circulation to prevent mould or mildew growth.
By taking these simple precautions, you can help to protect your rattan furniture from extreme heat and ensure that it remains in good condition for years to come.
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