0
How to refurbish an old chair
OLD CHAIR MADE NEW BY YOU
DIY HOME INSPIRATION – UPCYCLING AND THRIFTSHOPPING FIND MADE NEW.
Too many beautiful old furniture gets thrown away because they look worn out or old. There are also so many unique pieces to find secondhand. By reupholstring / refurbish you can easily renew your old chair, with your favorite color or fabric. Bonus is that you get a one-of-a-kind furniture !
The most important tip : Take pictures of the chair while you remove fabric, so that you can look back if you wonder how they were attatched and done! This way you can almost do the job without any guidance at all, but- here is a step-by-step with lots of pic:
STEP 1: TOOLS AND FABRIC.
Fabric you can get in hobby shops or bigger interior/home shops. You can also use curtains, big tablecloth among others. Search online or go to your local shop. You may also need new cushion material or foam/wadding if the old one is worn out or smells.
Tools: Scizzors, hammer, needle (circular shape, to sew the fabric on the backside) , pliers and screwdriver. You also need staples and staple gun , and also furniture nails if you wish (the finishing is better/more pretty). If you remove the fabric carefully , you may use the nails again on your new fabric.
STEP 2: REMOVE ARMRESTS AND OLD FABRIC
Pry and yank the staples with a screwdriver and pliers or side cutters. Remove the upholstery and cushion material inside if you need to.
STEP 3: NEW FABRIC AND CUSHION MATERIAL
Use the old fabric to measure up before you cut new pieces. Always estimate a little to much. You need 3 pieces! Cut cushion or wadding material in pieces that fit the chair.
STEP 4: INSTALL THE NEW FABRIC
For the seat, start in the center of one side, secure your fabric in place with the staple gun, and begin to staple around , pulling the fabric tightly. Staple the corners last and try to work the fabric over the corners smoothly. Corners are important! Trim the corners for extra fabric. Use old fabric as guide, and try folding them several ways to see what gives the best result (Also you can look at before pictures of the chair you hopefully took, to see how the folded in the corners, if you find it hard)
Check the fabric several times when stapling around, that there is no folds or lumps.
The seat and back fabric are to go in opening between seat and the back/backrest, and stapled at the back. Push it through with help of the screwdriver or another slim non-sharp tool. Pull the fabric tightly.
STEP 5: BACKSIDE OF THE CHAIR/ SEWING AND FINISHING
The hardest part. Staple the fabric on the top, and put the wooden plate (or cardboard paper plate) on top , then pull the fabric over. Fold the edges, and staple / use nails where you manage to reach. Stretch the fabric all the way to the bottom and fasten it under the chairseat. Here you have to use a a sewing thread same color as fabric, and a circular shaped needle, so that you can sew the fabric on the sides of the back for a perfect finish!
Sew the back piece together on the sides.
STEP 6: SCREW ON ARMRESTS , SIT DOWN AND ENJOY YOUR ONE-OF-A-KIND FURNITURE PIECE!
and maaaybe before, if needen.. give the teak wood some loving! See Teak wood tip below!
TEAK WOOD MAINTENANANCE:
A little tip you can use on armrest if needed:
Examine the wood for any cracks, splits, and damage. If the chairs are perfect, skip this step. Sand the entire surface of the chairs with fine/220 sandpaper. Teak wood can dry out overtime and needs to have oil reapplied. Sanding the surface will ensure that there is no residue or foreign material on the wood. By creating an even surface, the oil will absorb nicely. Apply any Teak Oil. Using a clean dry rag, follow the instructions on the back of the oil. Between coats, let the wood dry overnight. Put 2 to 3 coats of oil on the wood.
