what product to freshen up cane baskets ?

[JDarvall]

I come accross old cane baskets occationally, which I quite like, that are still ok, but faded.

What product would you consider to honey up their look a bit. Some kind of spray can I'm thinking (?)

thanks
Jake

[tea lady]

That would be handy for me too. Found a big one on the hard rubbish .... as you do! Dunno what to use either!

[Ironwood]

I spruced up an old cane lounge with NC lacquer about 5 years ago, its still looking good today.

[JDarvall]

was the cane grey when you sprayed it ? Did it take it back to that fresh honey coloured new look ? ...or does it make it just a shinny grey. .Most of the baskets I get are grey, which is what I want to disappear.

[Ironwood]

I dont remember it being grey, but it darkened it up to a nice brown. I think it may have been stained brown when new.

If youve got any spare lacquer, maybe just give one a spray to see how it goes.

[dr4g0nfly]

I sprayed one (SWMBO found) with White car paint. The finished item looked good more importantly she liked it, but this may not be the finish you're looking for.

[Grandad-5]

was the cane grey when you sprayed it ? Did it take it back to that fresh honey coloured new look ? ...or does it make it just a shinny grey. .Most of the baskets I get are grey, which is what I want to disappear.

Have you tried Oxolic acid?
Works a treat on old timbers such as fence palings.
Wet it down, spray or pour on some acid, let it work a bit and then scrub it down with a hard bristle brush. Hose off.
Secret is to keep it moist. Don't let it dry out.

More recently, I've discovered a high pressure cleaner works great at the end as well.

Cheers
Jim

[JDarvall]

thanks.

Have you tried Oxolic acid?
Works a treat on old timbers such as fence palings.
Wet it down, spray or pour on some acid, let it work a bit and then scrub it down with a hard bristle brush. Hose off.
Secret is to keep it moist. Don't let it dry out.

More recently, I've discovered a high pressure cleaner works great at the end as well.

Cheers
Jim

ta Jim. No I haven't tried Oxolic acid. So it takes all the grey away ?

[Grandad-5]

yes, it does. I've used it extensively to re-use old weathered timbers that I wanted to remain rough sawn, but not grey.
It's the active ingredient in most of those deck clean products, but that's an expensive way of buying it.
I just went out to have a look at the brand I last bought.
Its Diggers brand and they call it a Rust and Stain Cleaner. But the active ingrediant is 100% weight by volume oxalic acid.
I'm trying to remember the other company that used to sell it. Preschem???? Something sounding like???? Don't quote me on that.

[Chesand]

Oxalic Acid should be available at decent paint places.
Normally used as 10% solution.
Always use gloves, eye protection, etc.

[JDarvall]

thanks kindly. I'll get some next trip to the shops.

[bsrlee]

Just remember - Oxalic Acid is just plain toxic, its a relatively low powered acid but its a poison. Do not drink or eat it.

[Grandad-5]

Yup, good point. And don't get it in your eyes. AMHIK