Redoing restaurant vinyl booths

Question

We want to update our green, vinyl booths but cannot afford to reupholster. Some have cracks and rips. Any ideas? Slipcovers aren't an options because we have late night college kids that are very hard on our booths. Wenhave been thinking of fabric with Mod Podge and then poly but am scared to try.

Janet Pizaro · Answer

Try repairing with a leather repair kit first. These are available at automotive stores as well as amazon.com.Once fixed you may not have to do anything else.

Funnygirl · Answer

Yes,janet is right- that will work if you follow it exactly.A option that will not give you better results but may improve what you have going on is duct tape.make sure it is dry,it is now available in numerous colors to match the vinyl,or do something contrasting,like polka dots or stars

MN Mom · Answer

Vinyl and leather are two different products. I would go with the duct tape suggestion

Marsha Schwarz · Answer

Can you post a picture? It would be easier to see what the extent of the cracks/rips are. I'm not sure I would use a tape as the edges would peel/tear up or off little by little as the kids slide in and out. Here is a different suggestion. Use a vinyl fabric (like in this link) and 'glue' it on top of the current vinyl with some sort of heavy duty glue. I wouldn't order online until I actually touched some in person to see the quality of it, either by ordering a swatch or going to a local store like Hobby Lobby. https://www.fabric.com/buy/ui-986/faux-leather-caprice-wine

Snapoutofit · Answer

I would first start with getting some quotes just to see what the cost is to have them commercially reupholestered in vinyl. You never know.

Bette · Answer

How about vinyl slip covers? They can usually be stapled to the bottom of the seats. The units should lift right out.

3cookies · Answer

Usually upholstered projects are intimidating but if you look closely they are easier than you think and very DIY. See how the material is attatched..screws for metal or wood staples. Then look for material within your budget. Good luck!

Gerrie · Answer

Duct tape will peal and get glue on your customers clothes. Gluing vinle on top of worn vinle will not work. First, there is NO glue that would stay stuck, unless it also makes the vinle hard and then it would soon crack as well. Are the seats foam padding or springs? Sometimes you need to do repairs to the underneath before putting new fabric on the top.

I say, go ahead and try to reupholster one before buying a lot of fabric, just to see if you can. Follow the pattern exactly, both in the cutting/sewing and the installation. It is a lot of work, but you have 2 hands the same as me, and I do it for a living.

Martha Clyde · Answer

'Tear Mender' might cover the cracks and then a good coat of vinyl paint.

Brown · Answer

Thank you for all your input! We have tried the duct approach and it did not last long before it rolled and looked tattered. I sew, but am intimidated by the thickness of vinyl with my machine. Also, we have 22 booths and the cost would exceed our budget.

Pauliegirl1 · Answer

Yes. I agree...upholstery is intimidating....BUT....They have different vinyl weights...Hancock Fabrics always has piles of vinyl discounted...I would at least TRY one!! If the seat has cording...just dont put cording back!! It can still look just as nice!! I would think that a booth seat would be pretty easy?? That, of course, is ME without seeing a pic?? If I lived closer...I would come help!! Good Luck and TRY IT!!!

Cindi · Answer

I've seen where they have painted fabric chairs and such, I'm wondering if you can paint vinyl? I'd try that first, ask them at Home Depot, or Lowes, what paint to use for that purpose, sealer, etc. If they have something like that, you could even add stencils, etc. in a contrasting color for more interest, or decals, or maybe wallies. They have everything these days, so I'm sure there's a way to paint it, and that would be much easier than reupholstering. Good luck.

Brown · Answer

We decided to remove seat cushions & replace with wood slats,stain & poly. The backs are still in good condition so we are leaving them . So far they are looking great! Only time will tell how they hold up. Thanks again to all who offered suggestions !

Redoing restaurant vinyl booths

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Redoing restaurant vinyl booths

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