Achieve a Professional Look: Prepping and Upholstering a Tub Chair Frame

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Why Prepping and Upholstering a Tub Chair Frame?
3. The Importance of Prepping Before Upholstering
4. Materials and Tools Needed for Prepping
5. Step-by-Step Guide to Prepping a Tub Chair Frame
   • 5.1. Webbing the Seat
   • 5.2. Webbing the Back
   • 5.3. Applying Hessian to the Seat and Back
   • 5.4. Prepping the Inside Back
   • 5.5. Creating a Template for the Fabric
   • 5.6. Cutting and Sewing the Fabric for the Inside Back
   • 5.7. Attaching the Inside Back to the Frame
   • 5.8. Prepping the Seat
   • 5.9. Attaching Foam and Dacron to the Seat
   • 5.10. Cutting and Sewing the Fabric for the Seat
   • 5.11. Upholstering the Seat
6. Prepping the Outside Back
   • 6.1. Creating a Template for the Outside Back
   • 6.2. Cutting and Sewing the Fabric for the Outside Back
   • 6.3. Attaching the Outside Back to the Frame
7. Finishing Touches
   • 7.1. Attaching Piping
   • 7.2. Adding Foam and Dacron to the Front Border
   • 7.3. Stapling the Top Edge and Cutting Excess Fabric
   • 7.4. Upholstering the Arms
8. Conclusion

🛋️ Prepping and Upholstering a Tub Chair Frame: A Step-by-Step Guide

Introduction

Welcome back to the Faces Interiors channel! In this video, we will be showing you how to prep and upholster a tub chair frame. We understand that upholstery can be a daunting task, especially when dealing with a new frame. That's why we created this step-by-step guide to help you achieve professional results. So, let's dive in!

Why Prepping and Upholstering a Tub Chair Frame?

Upholstering a tub chair frame is essential to give it a new and personalized look. Prepping the frame is the foundation of a successful upholstery project. By properly prepping the frame, you ensure that the seat and back are sturdy, well-supported, and ready for upholstery. It also allows for a smoother and more professional finish.

The Importance of Prepping Before Upholstering

Prepping before upholstering is crucial because it sets the stage for a successful project. It involves webbing the seat and back, applying hessian for added support, and creating templates for fabric cutting. This preparatory work ensures that the frame is strong, the seat and back are properly supported, and the fabric will lay nicely without any wrinkles or sagging.

Materials and Tools Needed for Prepping

Before diving into the prepping process, gather the necessary materials and tools. You will need webbings, hessian, foam, dacron, upholstery fabric, piping cord, scissors, a staple gun, staples, a regulator or skewer, and a hammer.

Step-by-Step Guide to Prepping a Tub Chair Frame

5.1. Webbing the Seat

To start, web the seat of the tub chair frame using black elasticated webbing. Pull it tightly from front to back and staple it securely. Maintain a four-finger gap between each webbing for proper support.

5.2. Webbing the Back

Repeat the webbing process for the back of the chair frame. Pay attention to the tension and spacing between each webbing to ensure optimal support.

5.3. Applying Hessian to the Seat and Back

Next, apply hessian to the seat and back, starting with the seat. Cut the hessian to size and staple it tightly to create a sturdy platform. Repeat the process for the back, ensuring proper tension and coverage.

5.4. Prepping the Inside Back

Web and hessian the inside back of the chair frame. Consider the shape and size of the frame, making adjustments as needed. Attach foam to provide comfort and support.

5.5. Creating a Template for the Fabric

Create a template to ensure a precise fit for the fabric. Cut the template, keeping in mind any joins or seams necessary for the fabric's size and design.

5.6. Cutting and Sewing the Fabric for the Inside Back

Using the template, cut the fabric for the inside back. Sew the fabric together, considering any design elements or nips required for a smooth finish.

5.7. Attaching the Inside Back to the Frame

Temporarily attach the fabric to the inside back to ensure proper alignment. Staple it securely, starting from the center and working your way outward.

5.8. Prepping the Seat

Attach foam and dacron to the seat for added comfort and cushioning. Cut the foam to size, ensuring a snug fit. Staple the dacron on top to soften the edges.

5.9. Cutting and Sewing the Fabric for the Seat

Cut the fabric for the seat, making allowances for joins and seams. Sew the fabric to create a tailored cover that fits the seat perfectly.

5.10. Upholstering the Seat

Pull the fabric tightly over the seat, starting from the center and working your way to the sides. Staple the fabric securely underneath the seat, ensuring a smooth and wrinkle-free finish.

5.11. Upholstering the Arms

Cut and sew fabric for the arms, taking into account any curves or shapes. Stretch the fabric tightly over the arms and staple it securely to give the chair a polished look.

Prepping the Outside Back

6.1. Creating a Template for the Outside Back

Create a template for the outside back, considering the frame's shape and design. Cut the template and use it as a guide for cutting the fabric.

6.2. Cutting and Sewing the Fabric for the Outside Back

Cut the fabric for the outside back, ensuring it matches the template accurately. Sew any joins or seams required to accommodate the fabric's size and design.

6.3. Attaching the Outside Back to the Frame

Staple the fabric onto the outside back, ensuring a snug fit. Pay attention to any curves or corners, making adjustments as needed for a professional finish.

Finishing Touches

7.1. Attaching Piping

Add piping along the edges of the chair to give it a tailored look. Cut and sew the piping to the desired length, then staple it securely around the edges.

7.2. Adding Foam and Dacron to the Front Border

Attach foam and dacron to the front border for added comfort and cushioning. Cut the foam and dacron to size, then staple them securely in place.

7.3. Stapling the Top Edge and Cutting Excess Fabric

Staple the top edge of the chair, ensuring a smooth and wrinkle-free finish. Trim any excess fabric, making sure the edges are clean and neat.

7.4. Upholstering the Arms

Cut and sew fabric for the arms, following the chair's design. Stretch the fabric tightly over the arms and staple it securely, ensuring a polished and professional appearance.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You have successfully prepped and upholstered a tub chair frame. By following this step-by-step guide, you have achieved a professional result that brings new life to your chair. Remember, proper prepping lays the foundation for a successful upholstery project. Enjoy your beautifully upholstered tub chair for many years to come!

Highlights

• Proper prepping is essential for a successful upholstery project.
• Webbing the seat and back provides optimal support.
• Hessian adds strength and stability to the frame.
• Creating templates ensures accurate fabric cutting.
• The inside back and seat require foam and dacron for comfort.
• Attention to detail is key when upholstering the arms.
• Adding piping gives the chair a tailored look.
• The outside back should be carefully cut and stapled.
• Finishing touches, such as stapling and trimming, create a polished appearance.

FAQ

Q: Why is prepping important before upholstery? A: Prepping ensures that the frame is strong, the seat and back are properly supported, and the fabric lays smoothly without wrinkles or sagging.

Q: What materials and tools are needed for prepping a tub chair frame? A: You will need webbings, hessian, foam, dacron, upholstery fabric, piping cord, scissors, a staple gun, staples, a regulator or skewer, and a hammer.

Q: How do you upholster the arms of a tub chair? A: Cut and sew fabric to fit the arms, stretch it tightly, and staple it securely to achieve a polished and professional appearance.

Q: What are the finishing touches for a tub chair upholstery project? A: Adding piping along the edges, attaching foam and dacron to the front border, stapling the top edge, and properly upholstering the arms are all important finishing touches.

Q: Can I use different upholstery fabric for the inside back and outside back of the chair? A: Yes, you can use different fabrics to achieve contrasting or complementary looks for the inside and outside backs of the tub chair.