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

Question
Hi Mark - Me again - I am getting ready to put the back on my wing chair. I put the flex tacking strip across the top of the back and was going to reuse the metal tacking strips that came with the old chair, however, they are slightly bent and I find them difficult to work with. How can I use the flex tacking strip on the sides too? Would I work with both sides at the same time? What would you recommend? (By the way, I fixed my feedback - I don't know how I messed it up in the first place).

Answer
Hi,  you can not re-use the prenailed tack strip that came off with the old fabric.  

Put the plygrip on the top of the back and then down the sides.  Then put the padding material, then by placing temporary tacks or staples along the bottom of the back which will help hold the fabric in place.  

Then beginning in the center of the top work toward the corners,  beginning in the center of the sides work toward each corner,  do one side completely then the other side, do not attempt both sides at once,  do not trim the second side untill you are completely finished with the top and the first side.

Hope you are having fun.

Mark Miller.