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Good Questions: Make My Eames Glossy Again?

9-6--shell.jpgHello AT,

I just got my hands on a set of 4 orange Eames for Herman Miller shell chairs. Right now they are in great structural shape (no chips or scratches), but the finish is dull and hazy. Is there a way to safely restore the rich, glossy shine?

Thanks! Suzie

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Dear Suzie,

Our only tip is to give Modernica a call and ask them. They've made these chairs for years (originally for Herman Miller) and should have an answer.

Anyone else?

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Comments (11)

Polish them with automotive polish, either Meguires or NuFinish and they'll shine like new.

posted by Nate on 2006-09-06 16:07:09

I heard Gel Gloss is great for these as well.

posted by Joey on 2006-09-06 16:14:15

I used furniture polish, the paste kind that comes in a tin. Follow the directions as if it were wood. The paste is a miracle worker on formica. It can make the formica look like brand new, and shiny, shiny, shiny.

posted by Team Decor on 2006-09-06 16:16:46

No, you're out of luck- best just send them my way and I'll dispose of them.

They are fiberglass and as such can be treated as a boat would. Head over to a marine supply store and simply ask about refinishing fiberglass. They are not metal or wood so don't use products designed for metal or wood on them.

Simply polishing the chairs is not really waht you want. You'll want to recoat them with a proper finish. You can either spray or paint it on though for that ultra smooth and glossy finish you'll have to sand/buff in between coats...

posted by Julian on 2006-09-06 16:38:09

I've restored a lot of these... I'm a Eames Shell nut. If it's slightly hazy and still has some good original gel coat, you can clean it with a sponge and baking soda, then dry and wax with a high quality car wax. If the gel coat has really worn off, or if it looks like it's been left outside for years, you'll have to respray with gelcoat - and if you're not an artist with the spray gun, I'd suggesting contacting a auto body shop or fiberglass repair specialist. Once you clean it with the baking soda, you should be able to really see the shape your chair is in.

posted by MattPDX on 2006-09-06 18:42:30

I've had some success with various oil/wax products one of these being Sam Maloof wood finish. The oil penetrates and helps to solve minor fading issues, then the wax can be buffed to a rich luster. Works best in dry climates. I have also had success with waxing/buffing. I am not fond of sprayed on finishes as they tend to make the shells a bit shiny, not to mention the inevitable runs, pools, etc. Hope this helps.

posted by John on 2006-09-06 21:27:49

I have had great success with 3M Marine Cleaner and Wax. I have also used car wax and it works good as well.

Good Luck, Daniel in Dallas

posted by Daniel Mendenhall on 2006-09-06 22:11:48

Ugh. My dad worked for Herman Miller in the 70's and my parents had a gagillion of those chairs. I learned at a young age what it was like for your butt to fall asleep from sitting on fiberglass. I know they are a "classic", but they have all been exiled to our lake place. I have come to appriciate the nuances of padded furniture.

I have found that Armorall works well on plastic/fiberglass furniture.

posted by Catherine on 2006-09-07 11:20:05

I have the shell for the rocker, and am in the same boat. I bought it at a yard sale for $5 (a steal!) but it needs some polishing, not to mention my dad decided to mix cement in the shell without asking because he thought the round bottom would be better than his wheelbarrow.

I'm thinking I'll try scrubbing with baking soda, then applying the 3M Marine Cleaner and Wax, or something similar.

posted by angelune on 2006-09-07 11:30:59

I've restored a lot of fiberglass chairs and what I've found to work best is a product call Penetrol by Flood Company. It's made for marine applications. It works great and is easy to apply. Home Depot sells it. And maybe give the chair a light sand first.

posted by jb on 2006-09-07 18:10:17

I have found the comments really useful. I have found two Eames Chairs, the condition is awful. The fiberglass is cracked in places and the finish is like flaking skin. The legs are rusted. One repairer said it was not worth the effort. However I cannot find it in me to throw these away they are clearly 1960 versions. I dont' want to get rid of this style and history (I am English you see). Any suggestion on where they can be repaired ?

posted by LeeJ on 2007-12-30 17:17:01
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