Good Questions: Refinishing Canvas and Wood Chair?

Apartment Therapy DC reader Abigail needs help refinishing a free chair:

"I got this chair for free and it could do with some TLC. I plan to sand and restain it with a water-based stain, but I am wondering if I need to completely detach the canvas before I do. Will the stain stick to the black nylon cord that attaches the canvas to the wood? Is it worth my time to take the whole thing apart, or should I just be very careful and stain around the nylon as much as possible? There are 50 holes through which I would need to rethread the nylon after the staining is complete. I'd appreciate your advice!"

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Abigail,
Given the amount of work involved if you completely dissect this free find, we would recommend the careful-stain-around-the-nylon approach. Of course, that advice assumes that you love the existing color and texture of the seat; if you don't then you may as well remove it now. Have any readers refinished similar chairs? If so, please share your advice in the comments below...

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Email questions and pics with QUESTIONS in subject line to:
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Comments (9)

it's not that difficult to "restring" this find. just take good pictures of how it was strung (front, back, and any other angle you might forget) so you do it right. i suggest this because if your going to sand, it will be hugely easier and also once you start staining, the nylon can potentially act as a wick, drawing the stain into it.

Great Freebie BTW!!! Gratz.

Depending on how the cord attaches to the frame, it might be possible to re-cord this in an easier lacing pattern. It currently looks like each tie is done individually. Could you redo it shoelace style instead? You might find the slack moves around though (ie - tightens up at the top, loosens up in the... erm... seat area).

I agree with ubertimmo. If you leave the canvas on, it will bite your butt every step of the refinishing process and you will end up hating the chair and not finishing the project. If you take the canvas off, you will do a splendid job, and in your joy and satisfaction, you'll buy a new beautiful piece of canvas and learn how to install the grommets. Cheers, JoanneM

You should undo it for the reasons others have given.

But also be advised that you will need to sand every bit of finish off in order for the new color to be even. Little bits of finish will keep the wood from absorbing the stain.

Definitely detach the canvas (it'll also give you an opportunity to think about replacing it with a newer piece if you're inclined). I think most DIY mistakes arise when people try to take shortcuts.

Wow! What a great freebie! Who made it?

Thanks for the advice! I detached the canvas, as you all advised. It's actually strung as a whole. The nylon goes through the chair piece, into the canvas, back through the chair and up to the next hole on the chair.....

Eklektra---I have no idea who made the chair. There isn't a label or anything.

The chair has been sanded, stained and lacquered....and now it seems the canvas has shrunk since I washed it by hand! So I'll be looking for a new cord or canvas ANYWAY in order to make up for it.

PS. Forgive my ignorance, but where could I look for a new piece of canvas? Would I have to cut/sew it to fit? Or can you actually find pre-sewn pieces that might work?

Does anyone know the name, or manufacturer of this chair. I have a similar one (without the armrest) where the nylon is torn and I need to see if I can get it replaced somewhere.