How Do You Stain Rattan?

[Queequeg]

I've searched the net for a while, trying to find the best way to stain rattan, but I'm coming up short.

Does anyone have any hints, tips, or websites that they can recommend? I'm hoping to find specific types of stain to use, and a coating which adds luster but won't flake off.

Thanks in advance.

[Henk]

I suppose you mean how to color the ratan brown? soak it in tea.

[Robert]

Like Henk said, tea works good to stain it. I boil mine in loose tea then dry it. I use 0000 steel wool to remove the fuzz and after it is wrapped onto what ever you are putting it on I use tung oil to seal it and and luster. If it is too glossy just use the 0000 steel wool to take some of the gloss back off. Hope this is of some help.

Robert

[Queequeg]

Henk and Robert,

Thanks for the tips.

Will simple tea give it this kind of lustrous brown color?
http://www.gentlemansemporium.com/store/media/001788/001788_01.jpg

Or does it require some kind of further finishing?

[Robert]

You can get it that dark or darker by using a larger amount of tea and leaving it in the tea after boiling until it cools off good, usually overnight. By the way, I haven't had any luck using tea bags.

Robert

[Battara]

I use walnut oil stain and apply to the rattan, letting it dry, and it's done.

[Queequeg]

Thanks for all of the replies, gents.

Once I get my rattan in and start this project I have in mind, I'll let you know how it went.