AboutAnderson's Restorations-Rob Anderson Expertise We can answer questions about wicker repair and restoration, chair seating[caning-rush-splint-danish cord] furniture refinishing and repair, brass and copper polishing, veneering and veneer repair. WE WILL NOT GIVE APPRAISALS or answer "WHATS IT WORTH" questions. If you want a value, contact us for our current costs for this service.
Experience Just entered our 30th year doing this work. We started in Fl and have been in NC for the last 10 years. We have a web site www.andersonsrestorations.com where we have alot of information about us and a blog at www.andersons-restorations.blogspot.com where we have many before and after photos of our work.
Organizations Past president of a historical museum
Publications Antique Shoppe Newspaper, Yadkin Valley Living Magazine, Antique Lynks Newspaper
Education/Credentials Seminole HS in Seminole FL class of 1965 and some college before entering service. US Army
Question i want to restore an old chair e.g. strip it down and re upholster
never done this before so would appreciate your advice. the inside of the chair seat is filled with what i assume is horse hair the chair has short legs and the material is tapestry I know that to do this correctly i need to take it all apart am i correct . look forward to your answers. Tricia.
Answer Go Chelsea!
Thanks for your question,
First I must ask if the chair has any antique value and should be left alone? If not, then start by removing the old seat material and padding. You don't need to take the chair apart unless it needs reglueing.If you do need to disassemble, make sure to know where all the parts go by marking with a piece of masking tape with the location written on it.Clean off any old glue carefully. You don't want to remove wood or the joints may become loose. If they are loose fitting, as you get ready to glue it, put a small piece of gauze bandage with glue on the joint and in the socket. This will take up any void that will cause the joint the become loose in the future.
To strip, either apart or together, use any liquid stripper and 0000# steel wool. Once you have removed the old finish and used clean stripper on last time, let it dry overnight. Using grit 220 sandpaper, lightly sand the pieces to get rid of anything left on the surface. To finish up the project, I would use a wipe on finish following the direction using several coats. Use a satin finish. When all is done and dry, you can reupholster, put it in place and enjoy!
I hope this helps and feel free to contact me if you have any follow up questions.
Rob http://www.andersonsrestorations.com
