Wednesday, August 28, 2013

:: Breakdown And Weapons of Mass DE-ConSTRUCTION ::

So I'm in the midst of REupholstering my couch. 
Not Re-Covering. 
Not Slip Covering. 
...but Re-Upholstering. 


I've learned there is indeed a difference...apparently. 
I am not just removing the Old and Ugly and putting new on, instead. 
No. 
I'm going to take it down to wood and take everything out and then put everything back! 
Crazy D.I.Y project? 
Probably.  But I've never done anything like this and so ...it has begun. 

There are I'm sure some really fancy tools out there for every step of the way. 
I'm not a professional and I have the internet and am NOT afraid to use it.  
So, I am using what I have. 

  • Scissors: (don't let the size fool you. They are strong and SHARP!) 
  • Bent needle nosed pliers: used to grab staples and pry them loose.
  • Forked screw driver: for getting the upholstery tacks loosened and prying the tacks out. 
  • Long needle nosed pliers: tack and staple removal and also grabbing a hold of tough remnants and yanking like crazy!!! 



 I really like the nail head trim on these two pieces and am going back with it. I was able to salvage most of it; and am only anticipating replacing the actual Tacks when I go back with it. 
I like the patina on it and don't think I'll be painting it. 


I got all the nail head trim (NHT) off the front, back and sides. 


Trim all gone-- Remove staples 

Notice the gap in the wood here... (above) 

OK-- so, I went about this part backwards, I'm sure. I don't know what I was thinking. 
But here we flipped it over onto the saw horses and started cutting the bottom and webbing loose. 



AND!!!! MAN- WAS IT NASTY!!! 


I know it looks orange. That is because, IT IS orange in there; and dusty. The old cushions were orange and disintegrating that orange stuff was everywhere. 

I did not have one of those filter masks...but I did use a bandanna! 
I was NOT looking  Gangsta... but 'gang-ster'!  Like I rode in on a horse and was about to make a withdrawal... of a large amount...in unmarked bills. 

 
All of this went pretty fast. 
I stopped to take pictures
  1. for y'all- because you asked 
  2. for me--because I'm forgetful. 


Once the webbing was removed... the springs were released. 
We flipped it over.  That is when I started thinking I did this all wrong. 
The springs were hard to handle and hanging out everywhere! 




 I immediately decided I needed to deconstruct the decking (where the seat is) and get all that out. 

Remove the fabric and deck cover.


Remove the cotton batting and pads. 


Remove the muslin and edge roll. (muslin is trashed-- the edge roll will be built-up and re-used) 


I worked until I got the springs out and was down to bare wood
...it wasn't so bad.

T.H. has done some reupholstering in his day...before my time.
Me? I've never done anything like this in my life! 
Narrating to him every single, little step that needs doing and in what order; I started to feel more confident... I think watching all the videos and reading all the information has proved pretty helpful.


Remember I told you to NOTICE the GAP in the wood... 
and I'll tell you what we've done to fix it?  


YES! I'm We're actually farther along that it looks. Can you believe it? 
I'm just now getting to blog about the process and show the pictures. 
No...I'm not finished I know you'd love to see the after already...but YOU KNOW I DON'T BLOG THAT WAY. 

T.H. is really good with wood. What man isn't right? 
They never think it should be painted, covered, etc. 
I'll be back  later  soon ...to show the process of wood repairs and making the couch much sturdier. 




He is the rock, his work is perfect; for all his ways are judgement. A God of truth and without iniquity just and right is he. Deuteronomy 32:4


9 comments:

NanaDiana said...

Oh My! You are ONE BRAVE woman!!!! Can't wait to see it done-I reupholstered the same couch twice in 4 years and swore I would NEVER do it again xo Diana

Unknown said...

You guys are amazing!!!
And I LMHO at the weapons of mass destruction!
I'm dying to see this finished
Hugs,
Suzan

The Boston Lady said...

Oh, I love a little violence and ripping fabric!!! This is quite the project Pat. Glad TH is along to help because you will need his man power. A good friend and I re-upholstered an old chair once. Yes, we are still friends, but it took us forever and I taught her lots of new words.

Yours will look great! Love those springs!

Ann

Brenda Pruitt said...

You are one brave lady...
Brenda

Patty Sumner said...

I admire your guts to take on this project. I have two small chairs that I plan to cover....I dread it!!! Keep me updated... I am hoping to learn lots from you....You are doing great...Blessings!

Pioneer Woman at Heart said...

You are definitely more brave that me. That is one big task.

Diane said...

Wow-- what a project!! Think I'm glad it's you and not me (I'll stick to dollhouse size) ;)

Echoes From the Hill said...

I really admire you for tackling this project. It is a lot of work, but you will be so proud that you did it yourself, when it is transformed from a "pig's ear, to a silk purse".
nancyr

My Repurposed Life said...

oh my gosh, I'm exhausted and breaking out in a sweat just reading this! You're a brave woman Patricia!

I anxiously await more details and updates!
gail