Removing the old upholstery and replacing it can bring old chairs back to life. Upholstery is a perfect way to make old chairs still match a new room. The upholstery methods depend on the type of chair. Here are some standard approaches.
Steps
Part 1 of 7: Remove the Tacks and other types of Fasteners
This part is about removing anything that holds the fabric in place. If staples were used, skip to the next section.
Step 1. Use a chisel
Place it under the base of the tack.
Step 2. Tap the back of the chisel with a wooden mallet
Step 3. Gently force upward
Repeat until the fabric and wood are released.
Step 4. Carefully remove pegs, pins and any other sharp objects
Put each nail in a small bag and throw it away. This way you will avoid getting stung.
Part 2 of 7: Remove the staples
This part refers to the staples of a certain caliber that are used for upholstery.
Step 1. Use a staple remover
It is a tool that is used specifically to remove paper clips, it is found online or in specialized stores.
Step 2. Pull the flat part under the center of the staple
Push against the wood.
If the wood is polished or the area is visible, place a small piece of aluminum or other metal on the fabric and pry up on that instead of the wood. That way you won't leave any marks
Step 3. Wait for one end of the staple to come out
The other part will usually remain intact.
Step 4. Use pliers and grab one side of the paper clip
Turn it slightly as you pull to remove it from the wood.
Step 5. Continue until you remove them all
Some people prefer to lift the stitches first and then pull them away so as not to constantly turn the chair.
Part 3 of 7: Remove the Fabric
Step 1. Lift the fabric off the seat, back and armrests
Once you remove everything holding it in place, the fabric will come off smoothly.
Step 2. Mark the fabric with arrows, letters or other to indicate where you took it from when you need to make the same shapes from the new one
Don't be lazy by avoiding this step - the effort will pay off.
- Drawing a pattern of the chair against the panels you remove will help you, so you can match the letter or number to each piece.
- Make a note of folds, flaps etc. special so that you know how to reproduce them when you create new parts.
Step 3. As soon as you remove the panels, write down the order
It will be useful to bring back the panels in the same way. The panels of a chair should be labeled as follows:
- IS = inside back
- ES = external backrest
- IL = lateral internal
- EL = lateral external
- IBb = internal armrest
- EBb = external armrest
- S = seat
- C = pillow
- BD = front edge
- BL = side edge
- BbD = front armrest
- G = skirt.
Part 4 of 7: Set the Padding aside
Whether you need it or not depends on the conditions. You will have to evaluate once you see it. If you want to keep it, here's how.
Step 1. Lift the pad slightly
As much as possible try to keep it intact and not break it. Its original position is determined by years of sitting so it is already perfect for the chair.
- Lift it using both hands with an inward motion of the elbows.
- Have a flat piece of fabric handy to lay it on.
Step 2. Cut the glued one
In some cases you will need to cut the padding that was glued to the chair. Use a knife with a long blade such as a pocket knife. Pass it along the neckline and cut as precisely as possible.
Step 3. Remove any old items holding the pad in place
If you find other pegs or points holding the pad in place, remove everything by following the instructions above.
Step 4. Check the base of the chair
Does it need to be repaired or can it be kept as it is? If it can be left like this you can continue preparing the new fabric. Otherwise it will have to make repairs.
Part 5 of 7: Repairing the Bezel
The following are basic instructions for a modern chair. More complicated frames that need weaving or other repairs are not covered.
Step 1. Decide whether to perform these repairs yourself or if you'd rather hire someone else
It can be difficult, but many fix the chair basics by learning. However, the repair is something that you absolutely cannot avoid, otherwise you risk it breaking in the future.
If you are not able, take it to a carpenter
Step 2. Check the glued seams first
If they need to be straightened, tightened or re-glued, do so. To test the chair, pull your legs in opposite directions. If it doesn't move, there are no joining problems. If it follows your movements or flexes, it needs to be fixed.
- Older furniture has staples, screws, or some other type of fastener. Unless you know what you are doing, it is best to have a person in the trade perform this type of repair.
- Don't use too much force when trying the chair; if you push too hard, weaker joints may come loose.
Step 3. Check the corner guards
If you need to glue again, you must first remove the corner protectors. It is that triangular piece placed in the inner corner of the seat and can be glued, screwed or held in place with staples. To remove it:
- Put the blade of a chisel in the edge between the back of the corner guard and the chair.
- Tap the chisel with a wooden mallet.
- As soon as it enters, push down. Don't use too much force or the chisel could split the wood.
- Repeat for the other corner guards.
Step 4. Repair the seams
- Place the extra upside chair on a bench, with the fixed side facing you. Keep it still.
- Tap next to the joint with a rubber mallet to try to detach it. If it's tough, don't force it.
- Remove the loose joint. Clean and sand it to remove the old glue.
Step 5. Replace the broken pins
If there is any broken, you will need to fix it before putting the joint back in place.
- Beat it until it is flat. Remove it with a drill, being careful not to drill into the wood.
- Put some wood glue in the hole left by the pin and finally insert a new one. Tap it lightly with a hammer. Wipe off any excess glue and then let it dry completely.
Step 6. Reposition the seams
Fill the holes with wood glue. Press the joints together.
Step 7. Clamp the chair to apply enough pressure to pull the glue
Clean up any excess glue.
Replace the corner guards by removing the excess glue before it dries
Part 6 of 7: Add the new fabric
This is the easy way to use old fabric panels. There are more complicated ones but for a beginner it is a good exercise.
Step 1. Choose the right fabric
Upholstery fabric typically needs to be strong to withstand continuous use. The following fabrics are ideal:
- Cotton: the heavy one is suitable for home use.
- Linen: It is a durable fabric that can withstand light to medium use. Perfect for a classic cover.
- Jacquard: it is a mix of cotton with synthetic such as nylon or polyester for reinforcement. It can withstand various levels of use and is also suitable for commercial purposes.
- Faux Leather: Also called vinyl, it is water resistant and strong. It is used for domestic and repeated use as well as for commercial purposes. It is not suitable for hot places.
- Upholstery: This upholstery fabric is traditional and durable. It is often expensive but can also be found in second-hand shops. It can be used for domestic purposes and in some cases in waiting room chairs or beauty salons. It is ideal for the restoration of old furniture.
- Velvet: strong and soft, it lasts a long time. It is beautiful to work with and resists domestic use. A little laborious to clean, therefore not suitable for commercial purposes.
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If you have some leftover fabric and it's sturdy enough to use as a lining, you may not need anything else.
Reupholster a Chair Step 3
Step 2. Measure the new fabric
This method requires great attention to the panels and their removal because you will need them to make new models.
Step 3. Unpin the panels
Any sewn parts should be opened so that the fabric is smoothly flattened.
Always add a few inches for the seams
Step 4. Iron the panels
Keep them as smooth as possible.
Step 5. Use the old panels to reproduce the new ones
Simply lay each panel on the new fabric and trace the edge using chalk.
Step 6. Cut
The things to remember are:
- Cut with the colored side up, you will need to be able to see the design.
- For symmetrical panels, cut half then fold one side over the other to check. If they are correct, keep cutting. If not, make changes.
- Cut each piece in the same direction.
- Mark each panel as explained to avoid mixing them. Use conventional labeling. Add arrows so you understand the verse. Be careful when marking delicate fabrics that may show the arrow or letter even when turned.
Step 7. Lay each panel and on the chair and check that the measurements are correct
Change them if necessary.
Step 8. Sew as required
This section is not covered extensively because you will need individual instructions depending on the type of chair and the number of panels you have made. Generally, stop the seams, join the seat and back panels, those of the armrests and the cushion, etc. You will also need to sew a "skirt" if the chair is covered to the foot and add a zipper if necessary. For more precise examples, consult the articles related to each chair.
- Use straight stitches for sewing.
- To make any creases you need to have experience. If not, you will need to seek help from a tailor.
- Resistant fabrics can easily break the needles of the machine: it would be better to be able to use an industrial one or send the pieces to be sewn by those who do it by trade.
Part 7 of 7: Adding the Upholstery Fabric to the Chair
Step 1. Restore the padding
Step 2. Replace the panels on the back and where you removed them
Refer to the list made above.
Step 3. Tap the tacks or staples or fix any Velcro-like strips to hold the new fabric in shape
Pull so that no wrinkles or folds are formed and fix anything that will hold the fabric in the previous positions.
An upholstery hammer is needed if you add nails. Painter's tape placed on the head will help reduce the impact against the wood
Advice
- If the fabric has a pattern or grid pattern, it should be centered and the patterned part should always face up. Remember this when you prepare the center panel of the chair. Better to use fabrics without designs at first than to worry about that too while learning.
- Be careful when removing the fabric. If you want to reuse it above all avoid tearing or tearing it. In addition, the wood of the frame can be fragile and must be taken into account.
- Put all the pieces you remove into a plastic bag. This way you can reuse them and they will be easy to find.
Warnings
- A face mask can help, if you don't have an idea of the age of the padding. Once uncovered it could give off dust or mold or other in the air. The mask is especially useful if you suffer from allergies.
- Wear safety glasses when removing tacks and staples. You never know where they are going so better be safe.
- If you prick yourself with an old paper clip, thumbtack, or nail, see a doctor for a tetanus booster. With old furniture, it is better to intervene promptly. If you have a big project to do or do it for a living, check your tetanus suppression.
