Expert: Mark H. Miller - 5/28/2011

Question
Hi Mark,
I am doing all the seats at a bar;
What, if any, are the issues with putting the new fabric over the present fabric, as opposed to stripping?

Answer
Hi Lorne,

The new fabric may slide over the existing fabric.
Re-upholstering without first removing an existing fabric is usually illegal by furniture and bedding codes in most States or Counties.
There is no way to make necessary repairs to the interior of furniture,  or to determine if repairs are needed without removing an existing fabric.
Upholstering over an existing fabric is unsanitary.
There is a large chance that mildew will form between the old and new fabric - which could cause a really bad odor.  
As layers of fabric are added over time, without removing an existing fabric a piece of furniture will loose it's original shape.  

A good upholsterer always removes the existing fabric and never upholsters over an existing fabric.

I hope this answers your question.

Mark Miller