VARNISHED CANES

All rattan canes on this site are made from good quality rattan. We will offer bamboo canes occasionally. The care for your rattan cane is quite easy.

Our varnished canes have been sealed with a marine varnish to hold in the linseed oil (we soak them in this to give better flexibility and to help avoid breaks). Eventually, the linseed oil will dry up a little and the canes will need some care. We suggest that you sand the ends of the cane and throw them in the bathtub with a few inches of water (you may need to put a weight of some kind on the cane to keep it from floating up) for a couple hours. Take it out, wipe it dry and let it sit for a day before sealing the ends back up. To seal the ends, you can use varnish or simply use some clear nail polish.

How often should your cane be soaked in water? There is no exact science for this answer because it completely depends on many factors such as: how often do you use the cane? where do you store it when not using it? do you leave it in a hot area? do you live in a hot, dry region of the country? how hard do you swing the cane? All of these questions play into how often to soak it. As a rule of thumb, if it feels resistant when bending it, it probably needs to be soaked. On average, most canes will need to be soaked once every 6-12 months.

All canes should be wiped with a disinfectant cloth after play. If skin is broken, the cane should be wiped down immediately and placed in a garbage bag. Secure the bag's opening with a tie wrap and leave it for at least 3 weeks before using again. If a cane is broken during play and one of the broken halves is enough to continue using, round the broken end with sandpaper and seal it before using again.

UNVARNISHED CANES

Some people enjoy playing with an unvarnished cane because it is more economical. We know many people who like to use this type of cane because, after a scene, they will present the cane to their bottom as a "souvenir". If you use these canes, do not use the same one on more than one person. It is too easy to transfer bacteria or germs from one person to another. Always wipe your canes down with antibacterial wipes after each use.

STORAGE

We have seen many good ideas for cane storage and transportation. Some people use pool cue cases or cardboard mailing tubes. Our personal favorite are plastic drafting tubes. They have a strap for carrying over your shoulder and some extend. If we are carrying 32" long canes or 42" long canes, they will all fit inside by simply pulling it out further. Whatever you choose, make sure that they are not packed in a way that will make them bend or have to bear the weight of other toys.

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