Expert: Eileen Cronk - 8/23/2008

Question
QUESTION: I have a chair in perfect condition but one day I set my trash on the chair before taking it out.  Unfortunately, something leaked and now I have a spot about 4 inches around.  Is there any way to clean these seats or should i just buy a replacement...trying to save money, thanks lisa

ANSWER: Hi Lisa
Nice to hear from you.
Sounds as if we think alike Lisa LOL
Of course you must try everything you can to fix this.
I need to know a little more though.
How old is the chair approx?
The fiber you refer to, is it like caning?
If the seat is caned, it can be scrubbed with a brush and some soap and warm water regardless of age.
But I sort of think this is more a stain than just a spill right?
If this is a newer chair with a "cain like" seat it will be sprayed with lacquer and you can actually buy spray lacquer in many colors that can hide marks like this.
So you appreciate why I ask you questions back LOL.
Regards
Eileen




---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: it is an old chair with a pressed FIBERBOARD seat, they were used as a cheaper version of the leather ones...kind of like cardboard but really think, attached onto seat with decorative tacks...can you help me please

Answer
Hi again Lisa
Now I can give you a correct answer.
The stain is there to stay in this seat.
You have two options.
You can paint it...yep its paintable, or you can replace it.
Very easy to do and very inexpensive.
Here is a supplier
http://vandykes.resultspage.com/search?w=leather+seats
A new fiber seat runs less than $10.00
If you paint it, you can simply use a craft paint with a craft seal coat.
That way you have a huge choice of colors and will match the existing color.
Good Luck
Kind Regards
Eileen