Recent posts

91

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.

92

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

93

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.

94

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.

95

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
.
.
.

96

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

97

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

98

General Discussion / Older John Deere Tractor Seats

Last post by baileyuph - April 22, 2020, 06:30:31 am

I had a couple of these jobs come in for rebuild/reupholster.  I figured the springs would have to be
replaced - they did.

The closest spring to the originals was our Marshall coils.  But decided to rebuild with
very high foam instead (6 inch).  Found this in a very high quality foam and glad I did because it
is very strong.  Used a thinner foam of the same specification for the back rest.  Originality wasn't
an issue the customer insisted - durability was his priority.

Oh!  This was a 1942 John Deere, class C.  He still uses it to care for the mowing (whatever) on his
private estate acreage.

I built it strong and used an antique type vinyl (strong backing and stamped pattern - which was
actually used in some trucks during and after those years.

Never know what might come in through the business doors.  Kinda one of those jobs
that is interesting - due to using "repair techniques" which were different and analysis of the
old original tractor build-up (even though it was too far gone to save - by the way which was 49
coils).

This was not a furniture seat - but incorporated a quite a fit of the much older techniques used in
that work, which included natural fillers over the steel coils.

Those older craftsmen were great!

They were great at using resources of the era (the owner estimated to be over 75 years ago).

I like our sewing equipment better - developed since this tractor era - might add.

Anyone done something with build date of almost 100years?  I did find their techniques and
resources interesting.  Anyway, going forward, I do have a channel wing back chair to redo - the
original materials still on the chair.  I plan to do it when the work won't be rushed for I expect
another interesting experience - I love the chair in its original state which is not a "torn rag".
All materials used back then on this one - on a quick inspection - reveals all natural fillers also.

Work like this is fun - (keeps mind off  virus).

Hope all are well and able to enjoy their business.

Doyle   

99

General Discussion / Re: Holy tufted button, Batman...

Last post by 65Buick - April 14, 2020, 04:54:32 pm

Interesting problem Gene. I'd be curious to see the details as I'm sure it will become more common.  You're welcome to post a pic on my FB page if you want.

100

General Discussion / Re: Holy tufted button, Batman...

Last post by baileyuph - April 10, 2020, 05:41:38 am

The button hole problem:  You guys encountering this problem - ever find the problem is
primarily due to the build-up behind the cushions, big people abuse, and things associated
with the build-up (spring, webbing and even frame support in general).

I have encountered an amount of this.  Then, to fix that type of problem (tear down being involved),
I just machine fix the hole problem.

I may not be fortunate to find the "issue" is merely a hole problem.

Under factory warranty, which is most of my (not all) work, the time is charged to them.  Even, a new
cover when things get unreliable.  If I don't, we know where the finger will point.

Good luck,
Doyle