Explore the Shield Back Chair Reupholstery Guide

Embark on a step-by-step journey to revitalization with our "Spring Renewal Guide to Reupholstering a Shield Back Chair," a collaborative effort with Kim's Upholstery. Discover the secrets to breathing new life into your upholstery projects as we provide expert tips, recommend essential products, and guide you through each phase of the process.

Products Used

Kim’s Beginner Upholstery Tips

Phase 01: Teardown

In the Teardown Phase of the project, Kim walks you through eight essential tools necessary for effectively stripping away the old fabric and preparing your chair for its transformation. From the Ripping Chisel to Staple Removers, we'll demonstrate how each tool works, equipping you for success in your reupholstery journey. Let's dive in and begin revitalizing your furniture!

Step 1 | TAKE BEFORE PICTURES

Grab your camera and capture detailed "before" shots of your furniture piece. These will serve as invaluable references throughout your upholstery project, allowing you to document its current state and track your progress over time. By snapping these photos, you'll have a visual record of any existing damage or areas in need of special attention. Plus, they'll provide a satisfying comparison once your project is complete. 

Step 2 | REMOVE DUSTCOVER, FABRIC & STAPLES

Time to roll up your sleeves and dive in! Start by removing the dust cover, old fabric, and staples to reveal the bare bones of your piece. In the video above, Kim showcases the use of many tools to execute teardown.

Phase 02: Seat Webbing

Now that the piece is completely torn down, it's time to begin building it back up, starting with the support systems. In this project, Kim will be using Jute Webbing for the seat supports as it is a great option for supporting the weight load. Watch as she demonstrates the process of adding the Jute Webbing using a Jute Stretcher and Long Nose Air Stapler, laying the foundation for a durable and comfortable seat.

Step 3 | CUT JUTE WEBBING STRIPS

Grab your shears and trim Jute Webbing strips to size, preparing the foundation for your upholstered seat. We recommend using our 9” RazorEdge™ Shears to easily cut through the thick material.

Step 4 | INSTALL JUTE WEBBING

Use a Jute Stretcher and Long Nose Air Stapler to securely attach the Jute Webbing in place. Simply place the webbing on the teeth of the stretcher, pull tight, and staple to the frame, repeating as needed. Remember to weave under and over for added support.

Phase 03: Back Supports

Continuing the journey of adding back supports to your chair, in this phase of the project we've chosen to utilize Synthetic Sagless for its convenience and efficiency. Sagless comes on a roll that can be easily trimmed to size, streamlining the installation process for any project. Additionally, its thinner profile reduces bulk, ensuring a sleek and comfortable fit for the back of your chair. Watch as Kim demonstrates the seamless integration of sagless using a Sagless Stretcher.

Step 5 | CUT SYNTHETIC SAGLESS

Trim Synthetic Sagless for the inside back of your chair. Its sleek design ensures comfort without bulk. We recommend using our 9” RazorEdge™ Shears to easily cut through the material.

Step 6 | INSTALL SYNTHETIC SAGLESS

Utilize a Sagless Stretcher and Long Nose Air Stapler to secure the Synthetic Sagless in place, easily accessing tight spots for a smooth application. Simply place the sagless on the teeth of the stretcher, pull tight, and staple to the chair. Trim and fold back the edges, stapling again around the shape of the inside back.

Phase 04: Cushioning

Now it's time to add cushioning to your chair with batting, providing both comfort and plushness. Polyester Batting provides a smooth finish and keeps everything snug. Kim used our half-ounce batting, available in a large roll good for multiple projects. Start by layering it on the seat for comfort, then finish with the inside back for support and coziness.

Step 7 | CUT BATTING

Trim batting material to size, ensuring it fits snugly over your upholstery project for added comfort and smoothness. We recommend using our 8” General Purpose Scissors to easily cut through the batting material.

Step 8 | INSTALL BATTING

Lay the Batting over the inside back and seat of your upholstery project and firmly secure it, using your Long Nose Air Stapler.

Phase 05: Finishing

Welcome to the final phase! It's time to bring your vision to life by installing your fabric. In this project, Kim adds a decorative detail using Welt Cord to enhance the overall look of the chair. Once the fabric is securely in place, install the Cambric Dust Cover to give your piece a polished finish. Finally, step back and admire your handiwork, then snap some after pictures. Don't forget to tag us on Instagram to share your stunning transformation with the world!

Step 9 | CUT + INSTALL FABRIC

Measure and cut your fabric, then carefully install it over the batting. We recommend using our Electric Rotary Cutter to easily cut through the fabric, especially if it’s thicker. Using your Long Nose Air Stapler, install your fabric securely to the chair.

Step 10 | CREATE & INSTALL WELT CORD

Mark your fabric using Marking Chalk, then swiftly cut with an Electric Rotary Cutter. Seam your Welt Cord and secure it to the chair with a High Temp Glue Gun for a polished finishing touch.

Step 11 | INSTALL CAMBRIC DUST COVER

Secure the Cambric Dust Cover under your piece for protection, using our Long Nose Air Stapler. We recommend using Professional Shears to easily trim the cambric. Don’t forget to apply Fabric Protectant Spray to reduce staining on your finalized upholstered piece.

Step 12 | TAKE AFTER PICTURES & TAG US ON INSTAGRAM!

Use #RowleyUpholstery and tag us @RowleyCompany to show us your final upholstery project.