Happy Thanksgiving to all. Do any of you DUers know how to treat

[Paper Roses]

Wicker than has never been painted and shows signs of really drying out? I bought a cute nest of tables with iron bases and wicker tops.
I can work on the bases but do not know what to do with the tops. The tops are untreated woven wicker. I can see that they need attention but I don't know what to do. Linseed oil, stain, water, ? Any hints? The tops are just plain woven with no indication of any prior finish.

[Vinca]

1. Maybe a water-based sealer of some sort?

I'd stay away from linseed oil. I'm still fighting mold and mildew on a huge, beautiful, antique bowl that is made of wood and apparently was drenched in linseed oil. If you can locate anyone who does chair caning, I'm sure they can tell you. I do (faux) rush seats and they get coated with polyurethane, but the wicker is probably different.

[eleny]

2. I sprayed some with clear polyurethane

Decades ago I found an old rectangular planter on legs. It's unpainted wicker. I'd really like to paint it because it would look nicer when I put plants in it. But I kept thinking I should leave it the way it was made. So it got the polyurethane and seems to be fine in this very arid climate.

[northoftheborder]

3. I painted my wicker sofa and chair I inherited.

I think paint protects the wicker from fine dust, moisture, etc..