I have an old patio umbrella made from bamboo. It is hand made and looks like a large cocktail umbrella. It's starting to show its age.

The material that forms the protective shade of the umbrella is a light canvas fabric which is treated with some sort of waxy coating to make it rainproof.

The problem is that when the umbrella is closed the waxed cotton sticks to itself so that it puts a lot of strain on the material when opening it again. Either that or I have to spend ten minutes carefully separating the material before I open the umbrella.

The material is probably weaker than it used to be and it has torn in places.

I've attached two photos below.

Obviously, I could just throw it away but I'd rather repair it as I've always liked the way it looks.

Does anybody know anything about solving the problem of the material sticking?

I think it might need a new coating of the waxy stuff so that it's less viscous and tacky, so that it slides across itself rather than sticking together. But, what should I use?

And also, does anyone know how to patch a waxy material like this?

I'm hoping that someone is still around with this knowledge!! I don't know if they make umbrellas like this any more.

Grateful thanks for any help.

It is a fine umbrella,have you tried possibly looking on the net,or could you not get it recovered,that may be the best bet,as the fabric may have reached the end of it's viable lifespan.

Thanks Marko,

Re-cover it?

Mmmm......well, it might be possible to somehow put a new cover over what's already there.

I've had a close look at it and the umbrella would just fall apart if anyone tried to remove the existing material.

If I can't find a way to patch it and re-coat the umbrella, then your idea may well be the way forward.

Both of these manufacturers are in and around Chiang Mai. If you're thinking of just having yours repaired, they may be able to tell you to take it in Phuket. Or, you might find one to buy. Good luck.

http://www.jedicreations.com/wholesale-garden-parasols-umbrellas-000.php

http://www.chiangmaiumbrellas.com

@noahvail

Thank you, that's really useful.

I'm only on my phone at the moment but I'll check it out later at home.

One of the sites says: These are the traditional Thai "oiled umbrellas", which are referred to as "paper umbrellas or paper parasols due to the canopy's paper-like texture.

I think I'm now on the right track.

Big grin!

Also, in Chiang Mai you have the Umbrella Factory, which might be able to recover it with a waterproof finish, although I would recommend buying some spray water repellant and giving it a couple of coats, regardless of the material.

I had one of these in the garden of my old apartment. I bought it in Chiang Mai. I found it pretty impractical to open and close, and the bamboo deteriorated quickly, especially after it became infested with some sort of fungi. Never had a problem with the canvas, but I'd personally recommend buying a new one made from modern materials. Plenty of of outlets sell such umbrellas, like HomePro or Ikea. If you really want another identical one, they can be found at the Chatuchak weekend market.

I had one 15 years ago complete pain in the rectum,was glad when the wind one day took it on a brisk breeze never to be seen again,lost in the surrounding paddy field.

Edited May 31, 201511 yr by stoneyboy

It looks like my umbrella may have come from Chiang Mai Umbrellas in the first place, which is pretty amazing as I bought the umbrella in England years ago and it has followed me when I moved to South Africa and now to Phuket, apparently returning to its homeland!

I've attached a photo from their website showing the bamboo oiled patio umbrella that they make and it's exactly the same as mine in design.

Anyway, I've emailed the company to see what they suggest.

Many thanks for all the helpful posts.