Every project is different. Below is a description of what might be involved but these steps are only made where necessary.
The starting point is to remove – taking careful records – all existing stuffings and coverings and the various fixings. A clean frame is essential. When chairs have been worked on, the lack of these notes can cause problems!
If necessary, the frame can be treated for woodworm – a not uncommon problem and this may be carried out as a preventative measure too. Polish work may also be cleaned but avoiding removing all of the patina of age. Tarnished castors can also be cleaned at this point.
Repairs can then be carried out. Weak joints may be knocked apart, cleaned and reglued. Broken joints may also need repairs – replacing missing bits and securing as needed. Breaks can be fixed, holes filled. Missing castors or sliders would be replaced at this time.
Dependent on the project, stain to disguise new wood or knocks and scrapes can be applied. For period pieces, this would be followed by polish – generally French polish – which is then cut back and wax polished. For more modern pieces with sprayed finishes, only work to disguise wear and tear can be undertaken – having the chair returned to the manufacturer or specialist is the only other option.
With the frame prepared new upholstery can be added – just traditional upholstery is described here. The likely option is to retain the same shaping.
Traditional upholstery is made up of many layers starting with webbing and then springs – stitched to the webbing and then lashed into position. Layers of hessian, coir, hair and calico then follow. Generally, at least one side is stitched to form a rolled edge to give shape and height to the stuffings.
Each part of the chair is done in order. When stripping, the outside will be worked on first, giving access to the fixings of the inner fabric and stuffings. Typically, for a winged arm chair, the outside pieces would be removed in the sequence – back, wings, arms, seat – and for the inside – wings, arms, back, seat. When recovering the opposite sequence is followed – inside first, outside last. Extras like arm fronts, side pieces and so on just have to be tackled as needed!
To conform to fire safety legislation a layer of fire resistant (FR) material is often added. This may be polyester wadding under the cover giving loft and extra softness or just FR treated fabric. Natural fibres are inherently fire resistant and offer an alternative approach.
Often, piping is added in seams, around edges, around the base, arm fronts and cushions to define shaping, disguise joins and cover raw edges as the finishing trim. Alternatives are braid and cords.
The final step is an undercloth. This creates a neat finish and hides the workings under the seat. This also acts to catch dust that will fall out of the piece of furniture over time.
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JBerryUpholstery has many examples of furniture Recovering and Restoration and also Soft Furnishings to add to or complement the finished items. You can see pictures of these in the Galleries– Recovering Gallery, Restoration Gallery, Soft Furnishings Gallery and Transformations.
If you have some upholstery that is in need of a bit of TLC or you are interested in Soft Furnishings then please contact us.
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