3.07.2010

Peeling back the layers

I told you I would show you my little adventure with the chair. To remind you, I bought this beauty (cat not included) from Goodwill for $15. Initially, I thought about simply recovering it but since I wanted to paint it black, I decided to pull all the fabric off. I'm SO glad I did!

After first pulling off the velvet-like fabric on the seat, I found this burlap layer...not to bad but I wanted to strip this down to just the wood so I kept pulling out the next layer of staples and/or upholstery nails...

THIS is why I am SO happy I didn't just recover the thing. There was another layer below the burlap, mold covered canvas!!
It was disgusting. I'm glad I was working on this outside, who knows what kind of stuff I would be inhaling if I did this inside! Under the moldy canvas was the batting, or whatever was used like that, which was in pretty bad shape/falling apart.


On to the back, which had some surprises as well, and thankfully no more mold.


I peeled off the velvety layer, to find a hawaiian'ish flower print fabric.

...


And under that (I think I pulled the batting off already at this point) was some cardboard.

And here she is! Free of moldy, old, mismatched fabric!!


(did anyone notice that none of the top and bottom layers ever matched? lol)


Today, I am finishing painting! Forgive me for the pictures, I couldn't wait to show you so the paint is still wet :)
I used a couple of coats of Rustoleum black spray paint, I think she looks so pretty!


Who wants to wager on how long it will take me to actually reupholster the chair now that the paint is done?? ;)

PS -

Any advice on best ways to reupholster since I threw out the actual fabric that once covered it?


Linking up with:

Furniture Feature Friday at Miss Mustard Seed's Blog

4 comments:

  1. for the back I would place the chair with the back on the floor and then put some kraft paper under it and trace the back as best you can, then add your allowances and go from there. for the seat just do the same thing. If you threw out the padding you may want to try shaping the padding by rounding the corners and edges using an electric knife or just a serrated knife. a stapler will be your friend and I know that hancock fabrics and jo-ann both sell upholstery items. They're usually in the back of the store near home dec with the various tapes for window treatments.

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  2. Wow, that had a lot of layers! I love the lines and can't wait to see what you do with it!

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  3. Thanks for the help :) Can't wait to finally finish the chair!

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  4. There was some really gross stuff under those layers. You are a brave girl. :) I can't wait to see how you put it all back together again.

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