Expert: Mark H. Miller - 12/9/2006

Question
The vynal chair back inserts for my old dining room suite keep falling out of the chair back.  I have tried gluing them with a glue gun but the glue dries so fast that I can hardly get the insert in place before the glue dries.  Therefore if they attach at all it isn't long until they fall out again.  Can you tell me how to reattach these vynal upholstered chair back inserts into the wooden frame chair back so they won't keep falling out?  Thank you for any help you can provide.  

Answer
HI,  the reason they fall out is not because the glue dries so fast, but hotmelt glue will not stick to vinyl .  Some really good hardware stores may have a glue that is specifically designed for vinyl against wood,  make certain that you completely remove the existing glue, most likely a contact cement that has to be placed on both the chair and upholstered panel.

It may also be possible to put a decorative nail on each of the corners to help hold the panel in place.  Or if the decorative nail isn't long enough put a longer brad nailed at and angle in each corner and then a decorative nail over the brad.  

I hope this helps,  please don't hesitate to contact me if you have further questions.

Good luck

Mark Miller.