How to Refinish a Papasan Chair

How to Trap Black Wasps
Published: Jan 27, 2010
Updated: Nov 20, 2021
2 minute read

Things You Will Need

  • Sandpaper (coarse and fine)
  • Wood stain
  • Polyurethane
  • Mild Soap
  • Towels
  • Paint brush
  • Gloves
  • Upholstery shampoo
  • Sponge
  • Vacuum

Refinish a Papasan Chair Frame

  1. Clean the frame of the chair with a mild soap solution, such as Murphy Oil soap, to remove dirt and grime. Wipe down each crevice, especially at joints where the rattan is woven. Dry with a towel.

  2. Sand the rattan frame lightly with coarse sandpaper, followed by fine sandpaper. Which grit you use will depend on how much of the existing finish you want to remove and if you plan on restaining the piece; keep in mind that the lower the grit number, the more aggressive the sandpaper. Test a 100 or 150 grit first, in an inconspicuous place, such as the inside of the base.

  3. Remove the dust created by the sanding with a vacuum or dust cloth. Do not wet unprotected rattan as it may stain.

  4. Coat with wood stain, if desired. Allow to dry as per the manufacturer's instructions.

  5. Apply two coats of polyurethane. Allow to thoroughly dry before using.

Cleaning the Cushion

  1. Vacuum the cushion to remove loose dirt and soil.

  2. Mix a solution of upholstery shampoo. Make certain to purchase a solution that is suitable for hand shampooing (as opposed to a solution that is to be used in an extractor machine).

  3. Agitate the solution with a sponge to create a frothy foam.

  4. Scoop a liberal helping of suds with a well wrung-out sponge. The key to hand shampooing is to use foam to do the cleaning, not a sopping wet sponge.

  5. Test the cleaning solution in an inconspicuous part of the cushion before proceeding.

  6. Work the lather in a overlapping, circular pattern over the surface of the cushion. Blot dry with a clean, dry towel.

  7. Repeat, cleaning small sections at a time. Once the cushion has dried, vacuum before putting into use.

The Drip Cap

  • The papasan chair with its comfortable round cushion and rattan frame make curling up to read a book or watch television more fun.
  • Clean the frame of the chair with a mild soap solution, such as Murphy Oil soap, to remove dirt and grime.
  • Allow to dry as per the manufacturer's instructions.
  • Vacuum the cushion to remove loose dirt and soil.
  • Scoop a liberal helping of suds with a well wrung-out sponge.

References

Photo Credits

George Doyle/Stockbyte/Getty Images

George Doyle/Stockbyte/Getty Images

Thomas Ferraioli

Thomas Ferraioli began writing in 1993. His work has been featured in national publications like "Parents" and "U.S. Catholic." Ferraioli owns a cleaning service and is a Catholic youth minister. He holds a bachelor's degree in…

Sponsored
HomeSteady Logo

HomeSteady is the ultimate guide for all your household needs, from cleaning and HVAC to electrical, DIY and maintenance.

Property of TechnologyAdvice. © 2026 TechnologyAdvice. All Rights Reserved

Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the products that appear on this site are from companies from which TechnologyAdvice receives compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site including, for example, the order in which they appear. TechnologyAdvice does not include all companies or all types of products available in the marketplace.