vinyl covered buttons

[tudorford]

last summer I did a diamond tufted seat for a 1911 Model t Speedster.  Seat looked great when I finished it.   Now the vinyl covered button heads are all poping off.  The customer is being really good about the problem but I want to make it right so I am re doing the seat but I'm not sure what to do about the buttons so it doesn't happen again.  I used the small button molds (22's I think) to match the original upholstery that was on the seat and I pressed them as hard as I could and pulled on them to make sure they were secured but they are still coming apart.

Has anyone had this problem and if so how did you fix the problem.  I'm thinking about just ordering ready made buttons from my supplier but I'm afraid they will do the same thing.

Thanx

Steve

[Exotic Leather]

Ask the guys at www.acwork.net they specialize in making covered buttons, and could have answers for you.

[sofadoc]

This subject comes up here from time to time. If you don't press hard enough, the heads pop off. If you press too hard, the shell cuts through to the front.
Is it a fairly thick vinyl? If it's not too thick, you might put a thin piece of plain fabric behind it to get a tighter press.
I don't know about that acwork place that "leather" referenced, but I have sent buttons off before. Turns out they were being pressed by some zit-faced kid using the same press and molds that I have. You would probably get a better press if you moved up to 30's.

[Rich]

I've found two factors that could cause this. One, expanded vinyl being too thick. Solution, find another, thinner vinyl for the buttons. Another, the dies may be worn. Solution, new dies.
Rich