Stephens Chairs

[Chuck D]

Has anyone upholstered any Bill Stephens chairs? I have a client who wants a dozen of the waiting room type arm chairs upholstered. He wants them done as close to the original as possible but, last time they were upholstered I don't think they were. These are a one piece molded seat and back.
Thanks,
Chuck

[kodydog]

Something like this?
http://www.etsy.com/listing/124067226/8-vintage-knoll-chairs-by-bill-stephens?utm_source=google&utm_medium=product_listing_promoted&utm_campaign=vintage_high&gclid=CJjdutCQnbsCFaxr7AodORcAuw

I'm guessing spray glue was used in the curve. Make sure the customer picks an adequate fabric. Something with enough stretch to pull all the wrinkles out.

[baileyuph]

Spray glue and fitting fabric to curved seating probably requires a review of glues and the technique back in 1970.  The fabrics used during that era and for an application like discussing, the content was likely natural fibers - wool and cotton, so don't know and can't say.  It is noted that the padded form becomes thinner at the bend which might enhance the possibility that fabrics, particularly of those times, could be pulled sufficiently into form by side-to side force only.  Another remote possibility is a very short "pull" is sewn to the fabric at that point and just isn't visable bacause the tightness of the pull would be very low.  Good point Kody.

The link doesn't explicitly say these chairs are in production but their availability does suggest so.

Doyle

[chrisberry12]

Doyle,

The pull is a great suggestion for the curves. I used to do a lot of offices chairs for a company that re-manufactures them. I bet the foam is in really bad shape too. I used 1/2" 65 compression with a little extra in the seat area. and glued the fabric on, just smooth it out, do not pull otherwise the weave will get distorted. work side to side. They should not be very hard to do. I recommend replacing the foam. If these are in an office, more then likely they have been commercially cleaned several times and the chemicals are still in the foam. If this is the case the new glue will stick at first but after you deliver them in say a month the fabric will pop. I speak from experience. I did 350 chairs for a very large company and they all popped. So I ended up redoing all the chairs bummer!!! Also I suggest you use Landau Auto Top Adhesive. Good Luck, Let us all know how it goes..

[baileyuph]

350 to redo, man that would be a killer.  I will remember that one.

Not much else you could have done but take care of it.

Where is the 65 density foam obtained, what was the thickness, about 3/4ths inch.

Doyle

[chrisberry12]

Doyle, sorry it has taken me so long to respond, my computer died. Call Albany Foam and Supply and ask them, tell them Chris Berry told you to call them. I used anywhere from 1/4" to 1". they will cut whatever you want. I hope you get this in time.

[chrisberry12]

just a suggestion, you can use crepe fabric because there is give and it is inexpensive and looks Great, Guildford Fabric sells it.