Pricing is based not only on the size of the seat but the type of material and the intricacy of the pattern are all taken into consideration. Rush Seats Genuine rush is a leaf of a plant of the cattail family. One to three leaves are normally twisted into a strand which is then used to weave a seat. Most true rush has been replaced with a fibre made of twisted paper. Yellow and white are also available in some sizes.
Genuine rush is recommended only for the true antique while fibre is used for the practical seat.
Fibre rush should be protected on the top and bottom with 2 or 3 coats of shellac. If an aged look is desired, an umber preparation can be applied and rubbed off as desired. Genuine rush should be finished with several coats of shellac before it is thoroughly dried out. The seat may be preserved indefinitely if this is done once a year. Though new rush is green, it will turn brown in 6 months.