Bambiboo
5th May 2008, 12:20 PM
Hello, I'm hoping someone could offer some advice. I purchased a bamboo patio furniture set a couple of years ago and the varnish that was on it began to crack, crystallize and come off. I just recently sanded it all off and I now have a blank slate. I want to protect the furniture from the elements, but I was hoping that I could just use an oil, something that will absorb into the bamboo rather than sit on top and something natural if possible. Any suggestions?
CaroleMeckes
9th May 2008, 11:53 PM
Hello Bambiboo,
Since you sanded off the shiny surface of the bamboo - you could try using a stain.
I'm not sure about oil, although I have run some interesting experiments - taking a piece of older dry bamboo and set the end in a container with some coconut suntan oil that I had and it was cool watching the oil become absorbed into the bamboo. This was a very slow process and lasted about 6 weeks or so (depending on the length of the bamboo) and you could see the oil moving up on the bamboo culm during this time. I would often add more oil in the container to help it along.
I don't know if it would be practical for you to experiment setting a "leg" of your chair in a container with oil...
Maybe you are willing to experiment....
Carole ;)