Quick and Easy Restoration

Before: dingy, dark, and scratched 

We found 6 antique chairs for $100 at a local antique shop.  Although they squeak a little, it was a heck of a steal!  The quickest way to restore furniture without whipping out the sanders and stain, is some updated fabric, some furniture oil, a staple gun, and some old rags.  And whala, your $17 chairs are brand new again!

Supplies: 
Chairs with separable cushions
About 3/4 yard fabric for each cushion (ironed)
Quilting stuffing to make the cushion softer (found at Joann's near the pillow stuffing)
Finishing Oil (We used "Restor A Finish" in walnut, $6.95 at local antique store)
Staple gun and staples
Old rags
Screw driver
Scissors


1. Flip chairs upside down and unscrew chair cushions from each chair.

2. Remove old fabric if you wish

3. Lay cushion  and quilting stuffing on top of fabric to measure size, making sure to leave at least 4-5 inches around the sides to fold back the fabric.

4. Cut fabric in squares measurement to the cushions.  Fold in corners VERY tightly and secure with the staple gun.  Once corners are staple tightly, secure the sides with staples.


5. Move the chair frames outside or on top of newspaper to prevent the oil from affecting your floor.  Add oil a little at a time to the old rag and buff the chair.  Wipe softly with a clean rag to remove excess oil.

6.  Allow the chairs to dry in a well ventilated area at least an hour.  (We let it dry all night just to make sure).

7. Assemble cushions to newly oiled chairs with original screws.  It helps if someone sits on the cushion to keep it secure.

After: Clean, bright, polished

8.  Cook a nice dinner to celebrate your new chairs :)