Recent posts

91

General Discussion / An Issue? Alignment/Cutting V...

Last post by baileyuph - May 20, 2020, 05:09:24 am

Is there any or much focus on vinyl stretch (when cutting vinyl)?

Maybe?  But compared to woven fabrics - maybe not?

Perhaps when one is cutting vinyl patterns that will require sewing and placement on an item,
It can be important to consider these issues when working in vinyl.

Do any consider this issue with vinyl? 

If so, how is the stretch in vinyl placed on an object being upholstered? 

This can get important as the object gets more technical?

It could and probably will have some bearing on the amount of vinyl used.

Some vinyls stretch in all directions, some in two (across and up the roll), then some stretch
in merely one direction (often across the roll).

Gets technical but as the project gets more that way and which type of stretch one is dealing with (roll)
one can enhance the outcome of the project.

An example or two; auto seats and furniture upholstery both can have designs that often includes
more than flat seaming and few attached cushions - this is just part of how designs have evolved in
the upholstery used today.

Back to the question about vinyl stretch alignment?  Is it incorporated in any of your work? 

Doyle

92

General Discussion / Re: Virus update

Last post by MinUph - May 20, 2020, 02:41:33 am

You do the same Gene

93

General Discussion / Virus update

Last post by gene - May 19, 2020, 05:56:53 pm

Greetings to the last few who still check this forum. I do hope that you are all doing well.

I've got my fingers crossed that opening up the economy again will noy spike the number of cases of corona virus.

I've been able to stay working with a lot of cautions and no one in my shop. But if I'm around someone who gets the virus I may need to self isolate for 2 weeks even though I don't get the virus. Not as big a concern as those folks who do get the virus and all those folks who are hurting for money because of this situation.

It's all new territory for us at this time. I hope it shakes up for the better.

Stay safe,

gene

94

General Discussion / Re: Do you advise customers on...

Last post by kodydog - May 08, 2020, 06:27:00 am

The problem with recliners, in my opinion is, its hard to make money on them. So much work and time spent when the customer can buy a new one for under $800. They are not one of my favorite jobs anyway so we have pretty much priced them out of the ball park.

Now add the extra time you will spend trying to make this recliner look good with a product that does not lend itself to the final goal.

Warn the customer the look and feel will be much different. Then you have to make the decision, do you really want the job? If its a long time customer you may not have a choice. But there is nothing worse than spending countless hours on a job and never really being satisfied with the end result.

Suggesting other options; Most customers choose vinyl for the stain resistance and easy clean up. But there are plenty of fabrics out there that have good stain resistance and offer a softer look and feel.  Krypton comes to mind.  Micro-suede is fairly easy to clean and a common choice for recliners. Finish it off with a high quality fabric protection and it should hold up to her satisfaction.

95

General Discussion / Do you advise customers on Fab...

Last post by baileyuph - May 08, 2020, 05:57:43 am

What is targeted in this discussion :  "best results can be achieved by reupholstering in cloth/or
vinyl (some expensive leathers)"?

For example:  Customer has 15 yr old recliner that was built with cloth on it, now is thinking vinyl.
The chair (recliner) was originally done with something like a suede cloth and comprises pillow type
cushions on bottom, back, and arm tops and lots of seams.  Lots of wrinkles exist due to the padding/spring build-up -but looks soft due to the description given (above).

But now is thinking vinyl for the redo job.  But seeing all the wrinkles (design like I said), there is
reluctance on my part to support the idea of using the vinyl, it isn't real stiff but there are doubts
in my mind about using (vinyl) on a chair built so soft.

The vinyl just won't be as supple as the nice soft suede cloth which it was originally manufactured with.

Hope I am communicating with this issue, there is a lot of experienced readers - business people here
like Paul and all the rest - not leaving anyone out.

But, would value all comments due to the dynamics of the spring up, padding, and fabric used in
manufacturing, as described.  Everything will be reused but going with a slightly stiffer vinyl -
may not play out as good judgement.  The chair was just built "too soft" for even a fairly soft
vinyl -  you get my point because the chair just doesn't seem to be a good candidate (all those seams
and pillows will actually draw negative attention and -  highlight the wrinkles more.

I haven't suggested a real soft leather - cost is primary reason.  Some customers can't afford that
type of job.

Let me hear from all of you! Redo in similar cloth the factory used or?

Doyle

96

The Business Of Upholstery / Re: What is the term used to d...

Last post by MinUph - April 30, 2020, 09:19:50 am

I ask because a customer is bringing patio cushion work to the shop which are aged but in spite, the
filler (she sated) can be looked at but can probably be reused?

Maybe a little enhancement could be all required?

I will look this issue over and if filler enhancement will satisfy the requirement, I will order more.

What did those outside patio cushions use as filler (I don't recall the term)?  Oh, let's assume the
cushions were made approximately 20 yrs ago?

Doyle

There is a foam called easy dry that allows water to flow thru it.

97

The Business Of Upholstery / Re: What is the term used to d...

Last post by kodydog - April 30, 2020, 07:34:26 am

Typically outdoor cushions are made from the same material as indoor cushions. Foam and dacron. Sometimes outdoor furniture is filled with loose fill. Every once in a while we find a filler that is not common or one that we do not have a source for. If the cushion is filled with something like thick and dense dacron decisions need to be made. Do you have the time to research and locate a supplier who will ship an order to a mom and pop shop? Or will you be forced to buy a minimum amount that you will never use in a lifetime?

If the cushion is stuffed with the thick and dense dacron (I do not know the industry name) a couple layers of dacron should fluff them back up. If the cushions are shot then replacing them with an available material like foam may work. If the customer insists on using the same type filler you will need to charge for the hours of research you are about to do. 

Don't be surprised if the cushions are stuffed with something you have never seen before. These manufacturers come up with some interesting ideas.

98

General Discussion / Re: Digital Patterning Article...

Last post by Eric - April 27, 2020, 05:30:16 pm

I suggest you move from here to a more interactive group for this. https://www.facebook.com/groups/MarineCanvasDiscussion/?ref=bookmarks
.
.
.

99

General Discussion / Digital Patterning Articles - ...

Last post by baileyuph - April 27, 2020, 05:31:58 am

Digital patterning technology blossomed in the past, particularly in Marine/Auto/Furniture work -
especially marine.

I have been reading and am looking for more input on this subject (idea).

Any references?  Let it be know.

Thanks in advance.

Doyle

100

The Business Of Upholstery / What is the term used to defin...

Last post by baileyuph - April 24, 2020, 03:33:49 pm

I ask because a customer is bringing patio cushion work to the shop which are aged but in spite, the
filler (she sated) can be looked at but can probably be reused?

Maybe a little enhancement could be all required?

I will look this issue over and if filler enhancement will satisfy the requirement, I will order more.

What did those outside patio cushions use as filler (I don't recall the term)?  Oh, let's assume the
cushions were made approximately 20 yrs ago?

Doyle