How can I remove the pile on this chair seat?
by
Gail Willson
+19
I've been inspired by the many hometalk projects I've seen of painting the fabric on furniture.I want to try it on a chair that has a beautiful form but the fabric is worn down at the seat front.
I don't think it will look very good if I simply paint over it the way it is. I need a way to remove the pile from the rest of the seat fabric so all the fabric is even.
I don't think it will look very good if I simply paint over it the way it is. I need a way to remove the pile from the rest of the seat fabric so all the fabric is even.
The front of the chair seat is worn down and smooth. The rest has a pile about 1/10" high.
The darker areas still have pile. The lighter areas are worn down.
21 answers
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Are you able to remove the fabric? If so, remove and replace with new fabric that you like. Or even recover the chair without taking the old fabric off. Good luck.
Liliana Wells
on Jan 02, 2015
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black pill stone @ amazon might work let us know!
Kat
on Jan 02, 2015
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why not try and distress that part of the chair - when it comes to wood furniture many times we distress the parts of it that are used the most - might look really funky going from the base color to a softer distressed hue.
Dona
on Jan 02, 2015
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new fabric, it's so easy my daughter did my living room chairs in one hour. bam, loved the results.
Michaela Edwards
on Jan 02, 2015
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Fine sand paper?
Sheila D
on Jan 02, 2015
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@Gail perhaps you could find a coordinated fabric in a hue that goes with the back of the chair - or perhaps a leather or suede. Recovering shouldn't be that difficult. I am not an expert but I think this is beyond removing the the pile. Removing the pile from the rest of the fabric will weaken the fabric and leave subject to splitting. Let us know what you do with a pic. Good luck.
Gail Salminen
on Jan 02, 2015
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I like the sandpaper idea first.
Funnygirl
on Jan 02, 2015
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I think I might try an old electric razor, one that you might be able to pick up at a thrift store.
Diane Basile
on Jan 02, 2015
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I definitely vote for new fabric--much easier...all you need is a staple gun and maybe a little extra batting if you want to make it a bit softer--you wouldn't need much--check the ends sales anywhere they sell upholstery fabric. Fabric paint works better on patterns that are intact or on smooth surfaces.
Katie McCready
on Jan 03, 2015
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I would try the razor first. If that does not work how about removing the seat fabric and flipping it over. some fabrics are prettier on the back side
Debra Hamilton
on Jan 03, 2015
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New fabric. If it's that far gone, it won't last long, replace it.
Pat
on Jan 03, 2015
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Paint the chair and the fabric, using 2 different colors. The paint would adhere to the fabric well but will harden it. Use a sweater shaver on the fabric before painting. Sand the edges of the wooden part to distress it somewhat. This will be fun.
Creative Interiors By Connie
on Jan 03, 2015
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I am curious to see your after photo! Smiles, Cyndi
Cyndi Neumann
on Jan 04, 2015
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Thanks everyone. I tried the suggestions to use sandpaper or to shave it, but they haven't worked. I like the idea of reusing the fabric by flipping it over to the wrong side and then painting over it. Now to get the courage to try some upholstering.
Gail Willson
on Jan 04, 2015
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Why try to paint fabric that is presenting a problem? Just recover. If you want to paint, try it out on a smaller item like a stool.
Marion Nesbitt
on Jan 04, 2015
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I would recover the cushions. The fabric looks so worn that any distressing may cause it to rip or tear. There are so many new designs now that I'm sure you would behappy with results.
Colleen
on Jan 04, 2015
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The seat upholstery looks easy to replace, the back of the chair not so much. I would try painting the fabric an interesting color first, maybe a violet or teal or sage or other inviting color that makes you light up and not worry so much about the worn nap. :o)
Claire M
on Jan 04, 2015
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Is the back of the chair held on with screws? If so, then both the seat and the back will be easy to recover. Search online or even on YouTube to see videos of how to re-upholster. It truly is easier then you think! Have fun with it!
Pagan Raven
on Jan 05, 2015
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I'm not a professional upholsterer either but I have done one occasional chair with pretty good success. If you're only going to recover the seat, looking at your chair, it's quite an easy fix. I've done these types of seat bottoms a lot....it's pretty much like recovering dining chair seats. There are good tutorials online or on HT that'll be of great assistance. I too think new fabric coordinated to the top, is the way to go. It'll be a very pretty chair when done :-) Another option is to make a slipcover for the seat and one for the top. The top will look sort of like a pillow case (you can make ties at the bottom so it stays in place) and the seat part is basically a piece of fabric that'll lay over the seat....also held in place with ties to the legs and the back. Also tutorials for that out there :-)
CK
on Jan 07, 2015
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I'm no expert- far from it!- but I don't think you can 'remove the pile'. I'd look for new upholstery fabric that coordinates( JoAnn's and Hobby Lobby have 'remnant' sections that I stalk:)and I'd use a staplegun and/or hot glue gun/upholstery tacks to recover the seat. You only need a small piece. the frame looks beautiful.
Polly Zieper
on Mar 11, 2015
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USE a razor that has three blades in it., to remove the pile. do not do this area where pile is no longer from wear. It will do the trick. You may have to do it several times. Between each shaving roll the chair with lint roller
Susan M
on Apr 17, 2015
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