How to Restore a Vintage Chair

You can turn a vintage chair that has seen better days into a knockout piece for your home. Learn how to restore a rescued chair in this Buildipedia video:

You will need sanding blocks, stain, rags, spray polyurethane, staple gun, staple, screwdriver, paint brushes, rotary cutters, needle nose pliers, scraper, and chalk to complete this DIY project.

1. Disassemble the chair entirely using the screwdriver.

2. Sand the entire surface of the chair, smoothing out and cleaning any damaged areas. Apply the stain with a clean brush in thin coats, wiping with a clean cloth after it sets. Let the stain dry according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. After the second coat of stain is dry, apply a coat of polyurethane to seal the chair.

3. Remove the upholstery. Choose a fabric to cover the chair that complements your home.

4. Using a rotary cutter and the old fabric as a pattern, cut a piece of fabric to reupholster the seat and chair back. If you’re not sure about the length, leave a little extra around the edges.

5. Begin stapling the fabric in place, pulling it tightly and attaching it to the underside of the seat. Work your way around, leaving the corners for last. Neatly uck and staple the corners of the seat. Repeat the process on the chair back.

6. Reassemble the chair.