Project Guides
Prepare and recolour genuine Lloyd Loom chairs and furniture using dry cleaning, careful degreasing, gentle repairs and light aerosol coats that reach the weave without flooding it. Identify Lloyd Loom separately from synthetic rattan, natural cane and ordinary wicker, and follow the exact product instructions throughout.
Project guide
Lloyd Loom is a woven paper-fibre material, commonly formed around a wire core and attached to a timber or metal frame. Dust, grease and old paint settle deep in the weave, while excess water, aggressive sanding and heavy wet coats can damage the fibre or bridge the open texture.
Repair loose or frayed weave first, dry-clean thoroughly, use minimal compatible cleaner and apply several light coats from different angles. The product label, TDS and SDS take priority over general advice.
Identify the weave and starting condition
The woven fibre, wire core, frame, existing paint, damage and previous use determine the cleaning, repair, preparation and coating route.
Traditional Lloyd Loom is a tightly woven paper-fibre material, commonly formed around a wire core and fitted to a frame. Confirm the item is stable and dry before refinishing.
Firmly attached paint can often be cleaned and lightly prepared as the coating system specifies without stripping or flattening the weave.
Unstable coating must be removed carefully without tearing the fibre, opening the weave or exposing more wire than necessary.
Loose strands, splits, exposed wire and open joints need suitable repair before painting. Coating cannot restore structural damage.
Frames, legs and exposed wire may require a separate repair, primer or corrosion-protection route from the woven body.
Cushions, fabric, labels, glides, castors, hinges and moving or contact surfaces must be removed or protected from paint.
Preparation and product checks
Plan weave identification, dry cleaning, careful degreasing, repairs, masking, supports, coating compatibility, ventilation and PPE before opening an aerosol.
Confirm genuine Lloyd Loom rather than synthetic rattan, ordinary wicker, natural cane or another woven material.
Use a soft brush, low-suction vacuum and clean cloths to remove dust from the face, underside and deep weave without snagging fibres.
Use only a compatible cleaner and minimal liquid. Do not soak, steam-clean or pressure-wash the woven paper-fibre structure.
Use fine abrasive methods only where approved and keep sanding away from fragile fibres. Complete weave, frame and exposed-wire repairs first.
Remove cushions and detachable fittings, protect fabric and hardware, and support the item so every face can be reached without crushing the weave.
Use a compatible Lloyd Loom coating, primer only where required, suitable ventilation and all PPE stated in the SDS.
Step-by-step
Work from positive identification and repairs through dry cleaning, minimal-moisture preparation, light multi-angle coating and a full cure before the furniture returns to use.
Confirm the item is genuine Lloyd Loom and identify the frame material, existing coating, loose weave, exposed wire, open joints, damp, mould and structural damage.
Do not paint furniture that is wet, mouldy, structurally unsafe or too degraded to repair.
Remove cushions, seat pads and detachable fittings, photograph the assembly and protect upholstery, labels, glides, castors, hinges and contact surfaces that must remain paint-free.
Support the item securely in a clean, well-ventilated work area without crushing the weave.
Use a soft brush and low-suction vacuum to remove dust, cobwebs and loose debris from the face, underside, joints and deep weave.
Work from several angles and avoid snagging, pulling or flattening the woven fibre.
Use a compatible cleaner sparingly on clean cloths to remove grease, polish, wax, silicone residue and handling contamination.
Do not soak, steam-clean or pressure-wash the weave. Allow the item to dry completely before further preparation or coating.
Repair loose or frayed weave, exposed wire, open joints and damaged frame parts before painting. Remove flaking coating gently and feather only sound edges.
Abrade only where the selected system permits and never sand aggressively through the paper fibre.
Apply the proposed system to a hidden representative area and allow it to dry as instructed. Stop if the surface softens, lifts, wrinkles, remains tacky or shows poor adhesion.
Use primer only where the exact repair, exposed wire, timber frame or coating system requires it.
Condition the aerosol and workpiece as the label requires, shake for the full specified time and test the spray pattern, colour and finish on a clean card.
Apply several light coats from different angles so colour reaches the weave without flooding, clogging or bridging it. Follow the exact label or TDS for distance, coat count and flash-off.
Observe the full drying, recoat and curing times before turning, stacking, fitting cushions or placing the furniture into normal service.
Keep it dry, supported and free from pressure marks until the coating can tolerate handling and use.
Preparation routes at a glance
Useful answers
Look for manufacturer labels, records and a uniform woven paper-fibre construction, often formed around a wire core and attached to a frame. If the material is uncertain, send clear photographs of the front, underside, broken edges and labels before coating.
Only if the furniture manufacturer and original construction permit outdoor use. A new coating does not convert indoor or conservatory Lloyd Loom into permanently weatherproof garden furniture. Follow the maker's guidance and keep unsuitable pieces dry.
Only lightly and only where the selected coating system permits it on sound existing paint or frame parts. Do not aggressively sand the woven paper fibre, flatten the texture or expose the wire core.
No. A sound compatible existing coating may not need full priming. Exposed wire, metal or timber frame repairs and difficult surfaces can require the specific primer, sealer or corrosion-protection route stated by the chosen system.
Usage depends on chair size, weave density, existing colour, number of coats and overspray from spraying multiple angles. Use the quantity calculator as a starting point and allow extra for test passes, the underside and open weave.
Confirm the item is genuine Lloyd Loom, repair the weave, choose the colour and finish, then order enough cleaner, coating and masking materials to complete the item using light uninterrupted coats.
