Asked on Oct 13, 2015
Seagrass chairs - what to do?!
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I picked up 2 Pottery Barn seagrass chairs and ottomons. They are super sturdy, but look like someone let their cats use them as scratch posts. Any inexpensive ideas on fixing these up for patio seating? I hate to completely cover them.
12 answers
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I.would suggest looking at the video on U-Tube to help you with your repair.
Janet Pizaro
on Oct 13, 2015
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I think I would smooth down with good old Elmer's glue -- since it dries clear - but there may be a better glue/finish to use "out there."
Arlene Fitzpatrick
on Oct 13, 2015
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I have cat damage on seagrass on three storage cubes. I believe Arlene's idea could work very well. I'm going to try it with some Minwax Polycrylic water based finish we have in satin. I'll let you know how well it works. The problem I see is getting the loose pieces to stay put until dried so I may think about using a quicker drying glue first then going over that with the Polycrylic.
Z
on Oct 13, 2015
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It just said U-Tube when I looked up How to repair seagrass chairs.
Janet Pizaro
on Oct 13, 2015
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Use an electric sander to get rid of the scraggly bits. Just don't go too deep,keep it above the surface so as not to upend any more of the weave. Then coat it with some poly acrylic in a matte finish, to hold the rest of it together, and hopefully prevent any more from happening. love the chairs! I have two that I've been holding on to from Pier One, very similar. I don't have a patio right now, but plan to paint mine light grey. Yours are a nice color, and I would try to keep them the natural color. I hope this helps.
Lorna
on Oct 13, 2015
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Oh. my. gosh. So sorry I don't have an answer or solution but I just have to say destruction like this always shocks me and makes me just a little bit crazy. Normal "wear and tear" is one thing but I just don't understand why some people allow their pets (or kids) to tear stuff up like this. It's such a shame because I know these PB chairs are really expensive when purchased brand new--I have two of them; one I bought new (but deeply discounted due to a sale and taking a floor model) and the other chair with the ottoman that I got through Craigslist for little more than a song. Believe me, I love animals as much as the next person but if my cat even thought about doing something this destructive to my furniture, she would be finding herself a new home. Good luck. I hope you can find a workable solution.
Shari
on Oct 13, 2015
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With a fine small scissor,I would first trim off as much of the loose fibers.Then if you want to stain them,this would be the right time to stain if desired..I was thinking of hair spray?I do Ike the idea of Elmer's glue.would pour a small amount in a small cup,with a paint brush,paint it all over any areas that are worn.When you are happy with results,I would spray on polyurethane to protect them from unraveling them any further.Nice chairs!
Funnygirl
on Oct 13, 2015
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Maybe a good coat of Spar Varnish. That will stick it down, give it a beautiful shine, and spar varnish is waterproof so it would protect it from the elements.
Ashley Freeman
on Oct 14, 2015
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I would take the extreme patience route. It appears to me that cats did not do this, but some rough use did...I think cats would have gone a lot deeper into the weave. I would get a small pair of scissors and clip, but not too closely, those edges that are sticking out, being careful not to get into the weave. then I would use a good polyurethane on them. It will probably take several coats.
Jeanette S
on Oct 14, 2015
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Have you contacted Pottery Barn to see what they would suggest? You could email them these pictures so they could see the damage and make their suggestion based on them..
Alta
on Oct 14, 2015
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Thank you so much for all your great ideas! I super appreciate the help!
Tracy Sullivan Geake
on Oct 14, 2015
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first a light flexible glue to secure the damage, then sculpt back to the right shape, reglueing where cuts reveal fraying without glue to hold. The difference in texture between damaged and undamaged areas is going to be pronounced whether or not you paint. I have seen people decoupaging wicker and basketry with napkins with printed graphics on them - maybe you could do a sort of toile look using different napkins, thus taking the eye off the damage. Or, if you sew, you could make appropriate shapes and add welting to fit over the worst of the damage, maybe in a woolen plaid. The chair is beautiful, and it would be too bad not to fix it up so you can love it unconditionally!
Duv310660
on Oct 19, 2015
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