Making handicrafts from bamboo can be a very fun activity. However, before you can use bamboo, you must first dry it. This process of preserving bamboo is called curing. If you air dry the bamboo, it will take about 6-12 weeks. However, there is a quicker method of preserving bamboo for your craft projects.
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Part 1 of 3: Drying Bamboo for Craft Projects
Step 1. Select the bamboo to be harvested
If you're harvesting bamboo for a craft project, you'll need to start by choosing the right bamboo culm to cut. Culms are bamboo stalks sticking out of the ground. Look for long, straight bamboo sticks. Bamboo stems must be stronger and smaller in size according to their height. This means you will have different sizes of bamboo when using it for your craft projects.
Step 2. Notice the ugly stem
Before you start preserving bamboo and storing it, separate the bad bamboo stems. Bamboo stems that are infected with fungus, lice, or other problems can infect all other bamboo stalks.
- Check for circular spots that indicate mold. While mold generally causes aesthetic problems and can be removed, its presence can become a major problem if it spreads. If there are only a few bamboo sticks that appear to be infected with fungus, while others look fine, you can throw them away.
- Some viral infections leave a mosaic-like pattern on bamboo stalks. You have to throw it away. You should also remove stems that are infected with black mold, such as soot.
- Insects and parasites can also infect bamboo stalks. Notice the presence of a white substance at the tip of the shoot. If you see one, peel the stem leaves for tiny pink bugs. You should also discard bamboo that has this problem because the pesticides needed to treat infections like these are expensive and take a long time to apply.
Step 3. Prepare the bamboo sticks
After collecting the bamboo stalks and checking for infection, prepare the bamboo for the drying process. It will be easier if you use a grill to dry the bamboo for a craft project. Therefore, you should cut the bamboo to a length that is easier to handle, between 1-1, 5 meters. You can use a saw or clipper (you can buy it at a hardware store) to do this
Step 4. Use heat to dry the bamboo
You can use an outdoor gas grill. First remove the rack from the grill, then place the bamboo sticks inside, one at a time.
- Turn on the grill to the maximum temperature. Watch the bamboo until the color changes slightly. This indicates that the resin rises to the surface, which is an important process as it makes the bamboo stalks stronger.
- Take an old washcloth and rub the resin on the bamboo stick. The color of the bamboo will change from dark green to green min. Once all the bamboo stalks have reached this color, set them aside to cool.
- Wait until the bamboo stalks are cool enough to handle. Then, make a hole in the inside of the membrane. You can use any tool to penetrate the stem, such as sharp scissors. This step will speed up the drying process.
Step 5. Perform security procedures
Always wear protective gloves during the drying process to prevent burns. When you take out the bamboo to dry it, choose a non-combustible surface to prevent fires.
Part 2 of 3: Drying Large Amounts of Bamboo
Step 1. Prepare the storage area
If you want to dry large quantities of bamboo, you will need storage space. Setting up a proper storage area will ensure the bamboo will dry in a healthy and safe way.
- Place bamboo sticks away from the ground to prevent fungal and insect attacks.
- Make sure you don't dry the bamboo by drying it in direct sunlight, as this can cause a rapid change in moisture, causing the bamboo to crack and dry out. Try using a tarp to cover the bamboo.
- Make sure the storage area is well ventilated. This can prevent damage during the drying process.
Step 2. Decide whether you want to stack the bamboo vertically or horizontally
During the drying process, bamboo is usually stacked vertically or horizontally. There are advantages and disadvantages to each option.
- The advantage of stacking the bamboo vertically is the reduced risk of fungal infection. However, you will need a stronger support system for this method to keep the bamboo from curling.
- Horizontal storage is more ideal for larger quantities of bamboo. You should stack the bamboo on a large platform and place a thick sheet of plastic under the pile to prevent fungal infections. Pay attention to the bamboo sticks at the bottom of the platform as they are prone to cracking.
- Whichever method you choose (vertical or horizontal), be sure to rotate the bamboo stalks every 15 days. This way, you make sure the bamboo stalks are dry at the same time. The bamboo should dry after 6-12 weeks.
Step 3. Take precautions to avoid damaging the bamboo
Even if you store them properly, bamboo sticks can get damaged during the drying process. There are steps you can take to prevent damage.
- Bamboo sometimes cracks during drying. To prevent this from happening, you can wrap the ends of the bamboo with wire.
- After the drying process is complete, sometimes the bamboo loses some of its luster. You can restore the shine of the bamboo by gently scrubbing it with oil and wax once the drying process is complete.
Step 4. Consider soaking the bamboo first
Although the above method is the most common way to dry bamboo, some people prefer to soak the bamboo first before drying it in the air. The soaking process can prevent mold from growing, depending on where you live. If you choose this method, you will need to soak the bamboo for 90 days. then, let the bamboo dry for 2 weeks in a sunny area. This method may not be effective in areas of extreme heat.
Part 3 of 3: Preparing the Bamboo
Step 1. Harvest bamboo in the right season
If you want to dry bamboo, you must first harvest it. Know when is the best bamboo harvest season.
- The best time to harvest bamboo is at the end of the dry season. The starch content in bamboo is highest during the dry season so that parasites and fungus attacks are less frequent.
- Avoid harvesting bamboo in the rainy season. In general, bamboo is more susceptible to damage during the rainy season.
Step 2. Cut the bamboo properly
Use a machete or saw to cut the bamboo. Make sure you cut just above the first or second internode above the ground. This is the best location for cutting bamboo so it doesn't get damaged when you store or transport it.
Step 3. Carefully transport the bamboo
After cutting the bamboo, make sure you transport it properly. Inadequate transport techniques can damage bamboo.
- Bring the bamboo in a position on the ground or use a cart or truck to transport it. Dragging bamboo across the ground can cause damage.
- Do not throw bamboo sticks on hard ground. This action can damage the bamboo. When you arrive at the storage area, carefully place the bamboo on the ground.
Step 4. Harvest only mature bamboo
When harvesting bamboo, choose a stem that is neither too young nor too old. Look for bamboo sticks that are between 4-7 years old for best results.
- Bamboo tends to grow in groups. The stems in the middle will be older than those growing on the outside.
- Ask someone with experience harvesting bamboo for advice. He could determine the age of the bamboo by tapping the stem and observing the sound it made.
