Antique Reproduction Indonesian Furniture

Rattan Preservation

Rattan is vulnerable materials which easy to be destroyed fungus and insect-eating natural materials like wood, rattan and bamboo. Fungus are the main enemies rattan craftsman because there is often a problem when on the stage of finished goods, fungus come out and ruin the whole product. About 2 years ago one of the largest retailers in Europe sends a claim to a factory/manufacturer crafting rattan from Vietnam because of the fungus. More than 20 containers of 40ft containing rattan products sent back. Rattan furniture factory in Indonesia typically do not work for preservation of rattan cane raw materials, they purchase are in the form of bars ready for use. The larger factories, has a soaking area for preservation of rattan is essential and absolute. Because in addition to being sure that the products they produce will be assured quality, by having this process will also increase production efficiency. Soaking is done when cane is still wet, greenish brown, indicating that the rattan is still fresh. Soaking conducted for approximately 3-5 days (x24 hours). After dried by natural drying, the rattan is inserted into a special drying machine.
Rattan Material Processing
Rattan has to go through several processes before these materials can be processed and woven into a piece of furniture or decoration. Several steps are almost similar to the process of wood. Rattan is still a ‘bars/trunk’ with a long reach 6-10 feet still very wet. The first process is to hang up the rattan sticks until slightly dry because at the time was sent to some of the rattan processing plants are still green and yellow. Preservation becomes an important process for rattan to prevent fungus and insect attack by soaking method. The author currently didn’t find accurate information about the types of chemicals used. It was only later after the rattan soaked for several hours, the drying process by using the space and drying system which is similar to wood. Rattan stacked in the Dry Kiln room so that the circulation of hot air evenly throughout the pile of cane. After drying for 10-15 days then cane was processed in the engine room. Some crooked cane rod aligned with a special machine. The separated and peeled process of rattan sticks (diameter 30-40mm) will be used as raw material for weaving or binding construction, while the bars and core meat further processed to make the same size from tip to base. These bars will be processed again to split into woven material. Depend on the quality of the rattan rod. If colored light and a large diameter (> 25mm) will be processed into ready for use, if smaller than 25mm rod will usually be used as the framework of a chair or table.
Is Rattan also dried Need?
As with wood, rattan also contains water in it. The difference with wood, water content in the cane does not much affect the depreciation on the cane. With rattan mechanics nature to be flexible, changing shape of the cane does not affect product quality. Rattan problem is more likely to color and tenacity. The brighter the color of rattan will be better because it means easier coloring. I do not get accurate information about the standard of Moisture Content on the cane. However, based on experience and observation over time, if we use the standard MC the same level as in wood, cane quality would be more secure and safe. We can use a needle-type MC meters to measure moisture content in the cane. The obvious answer that rattan still need to be dried. The way of drying can vary. Use natural drying, place rattan outside the room for a few days or in the Dry Kiln as for wood. It’s just drying time and temperature of the room more quickly and less than timber. Drying rattan is more aimed to prevent fungus growth on the cane, especially because rattan pores large enough. Fungus that grows on the rattan can damage the inside and will eventually make the product easily damaged due to rot and soft. Rattan dried at several different steps. First a form of bar then after ready for use (part of the cane after the split) was still dried with the wind way. Furthermore information you can visit teak garden and synthetic rattan furniture.

Author : Draker_Ster is the owner of the website which specialists in offering indoor and outdoor furniture.