Dave K
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Post by Dave K on Aug 20, 2015 11:33:39 GMT -8
Our original cushions smell old. We've paid someone to do a thorough cleaning but that hasn't worked. We are considering getting the re-upholstered but I wanted to get some opinions first. I've never got anything re-upholstered before and don't want to be the ignorant guy that pays way too much because I have no knowledge of the subject. I brought them to a guy today to hear what the options are. He suggested that we do them in vinyl because he can seal the foam in plastic before putting on the vinyl and then they won't hold new smells and they would be easy to clean if you spill on them, etc. I got the impression he was suggesting vinyl because most of the material he had on hand (he does more boats than cars) was vinyl so I wanted to ask your opinions. He quoted me a range of $500 - $650 depending on what color I wanted (if it was in stock or special order). Is this a good price for this? Has anyone had seats redone (and what has your experience been)? Am I better off having it done in fabric instead? Please let me hear your comments and suggestions.  |
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RinTin
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Post by RinTin on Aug 20, 2015 12:34:44 GMT -8
Vinyl is a petroleum based product and will off gas for awhile so it too will smell. No problem if you like the smell of vinyl but some are sensitive to it, something to consider.
Foam is expensive, especially good quality foam which a good marine upholsterer will likely steer you towards. Foams and vinyls both vary in price and quality.
I don't know about the plastic bag trick, my cushions have a mesh backside so the foam will breathe and recover faster after being compressed.
If it makes you feel any better, yesterday I wrote an $800 check to my upholsterer for new vinyl dinette cushions.
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nccamper
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Post by nccamper on Aug 20, 2015 13:15:17 GMT -8
I would go with fabric. It's more comfortable especially on a hot day.
I'm no expert, but $500 is the going rate around here for quality work. You can get a better deal if you find somebody who does the work out of their home on the side.
New foam will help the old cushion smell.
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bpmcgee
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Post by bpmcgee on Aug 20, 2015 13:23:49 GMT -8
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Post by danrhodes on Aug 20, 2015 14:34:41 GMT -8
If you're going to get rid of them anyways, maybe try the "vodka" trick. There was an online re upholstery company linked here once that recommended saturating your cushions with vodka (i'd probably use isopropyl) to get rid of any mold, mildew and odors. Make sure you save a few shots in the bottle in case it doesn't work and you need to spend $500 on new.
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Ten
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Post by Ten on Aug 20, 2015 14:49:31 GMT -8
Being as foam rubber is a petroleum-based product it is another way for Exxon Mobil ® to screw the general population at large, and therefore, cu$hions are INSANELY expensive. We are at the final phases of getting our Shasta 16$¢ ready to go out and it is looking like crafting cushions to fit from nothing will cost at least as much as the trailer cost to purchase. May need a couple bottles of that vodka....
Meanwhile a couple bottles of that vodka to try to clean out the old ones may not be quite so expensive, and may be therefore worth a try...
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Hamlet
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Post by Hamlet on Aug 20, 2015 15:06:01 GMT -8
Aren't those innerspring cushions on the front bench? If so, use the springs and have the seats reupholstered by someone who does furniture. And yes, it will cost somewhere between $400 and $700 depending on where you live and the quality of the materials. Just remember that you will be using the benches A LOT, so this is not the place to skimp on quality. If you go with 6" foam, get something that feels just a little bit too firm for your taste, because as you sit/sleep on it, if it's too soft, you will wind up being a lot more uncomfortable.
And if you want to use foam and price is no object (don't we all wish), you can always get natural latex foam. It will last a long time, doesn't off-gas, is biodegradable, and doesn't support Exxon. Good luck and make sure you keep the pictures coming!
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SusieQ
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Post by SusieQ on Aug 20, 2015 18:37:05 GMT -8
LadyW is our resident upholstery expert. I hope she sees this. Can't remember her tag name right now  But the sealing it in a plastic bag is common but not really for keeping odors out or in. Most upholsterers (is that a word?) us a very thin plastic bag (reminds me of the light weight plastic used over dry cleaning in years past) or a sheet of thin plastic that clings to itself and theu put it around the cushion and then take a vacuum hose and suck the air out. It will flatten the foam so that it can be easily inserted into the cover. Once in, they untie the bag and the foam re-inflates. Some leave it and it does give some protection against spills, but some tear the plastic out. |
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Post by vikx on Aug 20, 2015 22:12:45 GMT -8
I'm thinking like Hamlet, those are sprung seats.
Normally, sprung seats do not have foam. They are stuffed with cotton batting and possibly a layer of straw/heavy fibers? on the sitting portion to pad the upholstery.
Sprung seats can stink because they have residents. Turn them over and see if you can inspect the inside...
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Dave K
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Post by Dave K on Aug 21, 2015 6:10:44 GMT -8
Thanks guys, they are definitely sprung seats. Very similar to a box spring. I have two more appointments for a quotes. One with an auto/boat guy and the other with a furniture gal. The last guy told me he could do it, but I wouldn't have the piping around the edges of the cushions because he didn't have the right sewing machine to do that. We want the piping because it looks really nice. I don't mind spending a more money to get it to look great because we plan on keeping this thing for a looong time.
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Post by vintagebruce on Aug 21, 2015 7:47:51 GMT -8
A number of Airflyte canned hams I have seen, including mine have woven cloth seats and some "pleather" for contrast halfway up the back rest area. I have the batting/cotton stuffed sprung seat benches. I believe that the fabric makes more sense BECAUSE this allows the seat to breathe. Of course they may get wet, dirty, or a bit musty smelling if left closed up for a long period of time. If the new material is stain resistant and "sanforized" it should perform well, and I would suggest going to a professional cleaning supply store and purchasing a gallon of pleasantly scented "organic odor eating" cleaner like the pros use...most have a number of products to choose from for around $20/gallon. Tell them what you will be using it on, and they should suggest whether to use it "straight: or diluting portions. If that is sprayed on smelly surfaces it is supposed to eliminate most odors, virtually by "eating" the organic source of the smell. I think periodic applications during the life of the new seats will also prevent new lingering smell problems, and I would sure spray the undersides thoroughly too.
I suggest fabric with contrasting low emissions synthetic back accents, and I would not entrust my upholstery job to anyone who does not even have the equipment to do the edging.
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Post by vikx on Aug 21, 2015 10:45:48 GMT -8
Agreed Bruce!
Piping can be done on any home machine, with or without a piping foot. I've done it, and consider me a lousy sewing person. Square curtains are my forte'...
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SusieQ
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Post by SusieQ on Aug 21, 2015 11:56:28 GMT -8
Agreed Bruce! Piping can be done on any home machine, with or without a piping foot. I've done it, and consider me a lousy sewing person. Square curtains are my forte'... You can use a zipper foot or uh, no foot if you're brave enough. |
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Dave K
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Post by Dave K on Aug 21, 2015 12:27:58 GMT -8
Took it to someone who does furniture and he suggested throwing away the originals and starting with new foam. He said that if springs are loose on the frame of my original it will be a nightmare to work with, etc. So he suggests making new cushions from scratch. He said that making them new will also cost less that redoing my originals. I don't know what to do!
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Post by ladywendolyn on Aug 21, 2015 13:57:15 GMT -8
Hi Dk 81 I am the upholster.
If you are going to bother redoing the seats I would recommend buying new materials as you will sit on them a lot and putting new fabric over smelly foam is not a guarantee it won't smell. Even if there is a layer of plastic. Suzy is right we use the plastic to help fit the cushions.
A few thoughts on your project.
-if a shop can't do piping I wouldn't give them my project. Every commercial machine has a piping foot. If he says he doesn't then he is making excuses and lacks skills.
If you have sprung cushions now a skilled upholster can return them. Very seldom are they unfixable. Again if the upholster lacks the skills he may be pushing you onto something else.
I would price out buying the foam wholesale online, plus buying the fabric or vinyl online and then get a labour price. Upholstered mark up all fabric by double what they paid. If they paid $10 a yard they charge you $20. I can't comment on sleeping in sprung seats as to comfort but if you are going to be sleeping on them don't scrimp on supplies.
As to vinyl vs. fabric its personal preference. Vinyl is spill proof but sticky when hot to sit on. You can get a great Sunbrella fabric that is water resistant and scotch guard it too.
Find someone skilled to do the work, cushions should be fat, and have no wrinkles. They should have 1-2 layers of Dacron fiber on top of the foam for fullness.
Ask me any more questions you have
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