In Reply to: Help !!! - Caring for Cane Furniture posted by luvthe NT on Monday, 6. October 2008 at 16:49 Bali Time:
- always kept standing on their ends in a tray of water, or on a water-soaked felt pad. This kept them supple and stopped them shattering into small pieces when used, although it was known that an occasional one was kept very dry so this shattering result could be used when special effects were wanted rather than gross pain.
Staining would not be advised as the stain will soak in to differing degrees where the original varnish has worn off or there is a scratch exposing bare cane. Remember it will behave a bit like a sponge in these places and a mild brown colour will come out somewhere nearer black. I think a spray can of paint might be better than a stain if a change of colour is desired.
If you want to restore a clear finish, give it a once over with steel wool (or stainless steel wool if you like) and re-spray with clear varnish, either gloss, matte or flat.
For repairs try your local vision-impaired school or employer.