{"id":3258,"date":"2022-06-29T13:14:00","date_gmt":"2022-06-29T20:14:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.textileindie.com\/?p=3258"},"modified":"2023-10-30T14:27:10","modified_gmt":"2023-10-30T21:27:10","slug":"basket-stains-and-sealer","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.textileindie.com\/basket-stains-and-sealer\/","title":{"rendered":"Basket Stains and Sealers: Finishing Your Basket"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

When it comes to finishing your handwoven baskets, understanding basket stains and sealers<\/strong> is crucial. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

(For a complete guide to all Textile Indie’s basket weaving posts and videos, visit the main Basket Weaving Page<\/a>.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To stain or not to stain…<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Can you stain a basket?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Staining a basket is possible. There are many stains on the market in various wood tones and fashion colors that will alter the color of the reed. Weavers may decide to stain a basket to match a room’s decor or create color variety in a grouping of baskets. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Staining a basket is purely an aesthetic choice. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are several different types of stains on the market. Shades range from natural (light wood) to mahogany (almost black). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you choose not to stain your basket, use a clear matte sealer to protect your basket from dirt and oils. (See the ‘Sealing’ section below.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

To seal or not to seal…<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Can you seal a basket?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Using the right basket stains and sealers<\/strong> can significantly enhance the longevity and appearance of your baskets. Let’s delve into the different options available.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is possible and desirable to seal a basket. Staining baskets is an aesthetic decision, but sealers protect the reed from moisture, which can cause mildew and mold growing on a basket. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

See my post, ‘How to Protect Your Baskets<\/a>,’ for more about recovering a basket from mildew and mold in the event it does happen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another reason to stain your baskets is to protect them from dirt and oils. Sealers will seal the reed so that oils from your hands and other substances won’t wear away the integrity of the reed and seagrass. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In addition, the sealer will make it much easier to clean the basket if it does get dusty or dirty. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"side
This is the natural color of a reed basket. Weavers can choose to change the color to suit their needs<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n

For a complete list of basket terminology:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Basket Weavers Glossary<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Drying the basket for finishing<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Why dry the basket before staining or sealing?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The weaving process requires the reed to stay damp. Allowing a basket to dry protects the reed from mildew and picking up dirt.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Slow drying a basket<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Dry your basket in a space with lots of airflow. It’s preferable to allow the reed to dry naturally rather than with a hair dryer or placing the basket near a heater. Attempting to speed dry time may cause the reed to become brittle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How long does it take to dry a handwoven basket?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A good rule of thumb is to dry your basket for 24-48 hours, depending on the humidity in your area. This will allow the thickest pieces of reed and the layers of the rim to completely dry. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"Pile
Reed comes in a variety of thicknesses. Allow time for the thickest reed and the multiple layers of the rim to dry completely.<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Staining a handwoven basket<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Choosing the right basket stain<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

You have two main options; a pure wood stain or a stain with built-in sealant. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You will also have a wide array of wood tones and colors to choose from. Visit your nearby home improvement store to see what’s available. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

And be sure to select a water-based stain. Clean-up will be easier, and the smell will evaporate much faster. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n
\n
\"Basket
This basket is stained with a very light natural color, including a built-in sealant.<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Suggestions for basket staining success<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

First, I suggest testing the stain you choose on a piece of scrap reed before applying it to your basket to double-check that you like the result. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"Shelves<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n

How to stain your basket<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n