Rattan

The curing process
• Light a fire beneath the curing tank filled with diesel oil and wait until it
comes to the boil. Wrap a chain around the rattan bundle. Put on a face
mask and gloves before placing the rattan in the diesel oil. The duration
of the curing process depends on the species, the diameter and the
water content of the canes. Freshly harvested rattan will take 15 to 30
minutes; rattan harvested more than three days previously will take only
12 to 20 minutes. Likewise, freshly cut lianas will take 8 to 10 minutes
of boiling, and only 6 to 8 minutes if they were cut more than three days
previously.
• Lift the rattan out and hold it on the edge of the tank for 30 seconds
in order to remove excess oil. During this procedure, it is extremely
important to avoid spilling diesel oil on the ground. It is therefore recommended
to install the curing tank on a concrete surface. Large diameter
rattan will have a golden colour and a varnished appearance. After
removal from the curing tank, clean the canes with a cloth and sawdust
to remove excess oil.
Safety precautions during the curing process
• Use superior quality equipment in order to avoid oil leaks, burns and
poisoning.
• Have a fire extinguisher ready at all times.
• Ventilate the treatment workshop and make sure the interior and surrounding
area are clean and tidy.
• Follow the steps of the process carefully in order to avoid confusion or
panicky movements.
• Make sure the oil never comes into contact with the fire.
• Do not heat the oil above 100°C.
Alternative process
The canes can be steeped in a mixture of diesel oil and coconut or
palm oil in order to rid them of unwanted gums and resins as well
as moisture.
There is great diversity in this treatment with mixtures varying in
concentration from 50:50 to 90:10 diesel to other oil, temperatures
from lukewarm to 100°C, and periods of immersion from 10
to 40 minutes. The rattan is then sundried for 7-12 days.
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