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General Upholstery Questions and Comments => General Discussion => Topic started by: Rich on January 08, 2012, 03:45:51 pm

Title: Restaurant vinyl
Post by: Rich on January 08, 2012, 03:45:51 pm
Does anyone know how I might be able to ID the vinyl used on restaurant booth cushions of national chains? I've got many vinyl sample books, but cannot find the medium brown vinyl used on Red Lobster or the dark brown used on Outback cushions.
Thanks,
Rich
Title: Re: Restaurant vinyl
Post by: sofadoc on January 08, 2012, 04:32:52 pm
I do booth seats (blue) for my local Red Lobster. They're done in Spirit Millenium.
Title: Re: Restaurant vinyl
Post by: Rich on January 09, 2012, 05:36:25 pm
I'm told this is their newest design and it,s a grain texture I've never seen before. It isn't Spirit.
Thanks,
Rich
Title: Re: Restaurant vinyl
Post by: kodydog on January 09, 2012, 05:48:49 pm
I don't know about where your at Rich but around here most restaurants are more worried about price than exact match. As long as I can get close at a good price, their happy.
Title: Re: Restaurant vinyl
Post by: sofadoc on January 09, 2012, 06:12:17 pm
Quote from: kodydog on January 09, 2012, 05:48:49 pm
I don't know about where your at Rich but around here most restaurants are more worried about price than exact match. As long as I can get close at a good price, their happy.
Ditto
Title: Re: Restaurant vinyl
Post by: baileyuph on January 09, 2012, 06:21:05 pm
Rich,

If there are no markings on the furniture or records within the corporation of the builder of the units, then maybe a sample to DLT or Miami Mike to see how close they can get.

The last report I got, there is little or no vinyl made in the US anymore, Andrew and Mike would probably have coverage on the bigger foreign guys in the business.

Kody pretty well described the situation around here, I am told.  I don't do much of that. 

Good luck,

Doyle
Title: Re: Restaurant vinyl
Post by: Rich on January 10, 2012, 07:59:32 am
Thanks for the replies!
The reason I would like to find the same vinyl is that this restaurant recently underwent a complete renovation which included new seating. In anticipation of the inevitable tears that will occur, I don't think they'll be happy with almost. Also, there is a local competitor who does nothing but restaurants and may have a connection I don't in getting an exact match. That puts him at an advantage the way I see it.
One more thing, Outback also did the complete renovation thing and the vinyl used there is quite unique with a raised welt look throughout the vinyl surface.
It just seems to me that if the vinyl was available to the manufacturer, it usually is available to us. Not always, but usually.
Thanks,
Rich
Title: Re: Restaurant vinyl
Post by: Mojo on January 10, 2012, 09:31:24 am
My suggestion is the same as Doyles. Contact Miami Mike. he is a vinyl expert and has a firm grasp on what is out there. I am sure he could also send you some sample cards as well.

Your best bet would be to e-mail him this week. He is out of thee office attending trade shows. I believe he is back in the office on Monday. He checks his e-mails all the time though. :)

Chris
Title: Re: Restaurant vinyl
Post by: Rich on January 10, 2012, 03:15:43 pm
OK, thanks,
Rich
Title: Re: Restaurant vinyl
Post by: baileyuph on January 10, 2012, 05:44:57 pm
Rich,

Since EPA made it so hard on vinyl production there have been several foreign brands surface that I have never used.  It just might happen that Miami Mike would spot your looking for in one of those brands, and more specifically in a designer series. 


I get by with Naugahyde and one more brand, that slips my mind.  Most vinyl I use is OEM vinyl in auto work.

Mike is probably the man!

Doyle
Title: Re: Restaurant vinyl
Post by: Steve at Silverstone Fabrics on January 13, 2012, 10:23:38 am
Rich, I just announced the kick off of our new web site and that we are the newest fabric vendor (Retro Modern Contract Fabrics) here on Ken's message board.

You are exactly the type of shop that I am looking to help. Go to our ad on the Suppliers Page and take a look around.

Send me a sample of the vinyls and  fabrics that you use on an ongoing basis and I will start a company profile for what you use........as I find them, I will give you a call.

Our mailing address is: Retro Modern Contract Fabrics
                                      152 Dean Lane
                                      Zionville, NC 28698

Steve Terry