AT:SF, Just got a great deal on this shell. Unfortunately, the fiberglass is badly scratched, making it white all around the edges (see close up). It actually looks like someone did this on purpose, tho I can't imagine why...
AT:SF, Just got a great deal on this shell. Unfortunately, the fiberglass is badly scratched, making it white all around the edges (see close up). It actually looks like someone did this on purpose, tho I can't imagine why...

...The guy I bought it from suggested looking for a fiberglass sealant at a boat store. He thought that, after a very fine sanding, would restore the scratched areas. Has anyone here fixed a similar problem?
Thanks!
-Mjoe
Mjoe, check out this post for some ideas: Good Questions: Make My Eames Glossy Again?
Anyone else?
Great chair, but where did that groovy, campfire throw pillow come from? That is hilariously great! :)
view swanygirl74's profile
I've restored a few of these - some that were really rain and sun damaged.
Give it a really light sanding with a fine sandpaper and apply Penetrol with a clean rag (let it soak for 5 or 10 minutes and then wipe it off - do this 3 to 5 times) - you can buy it Home Depot in the paint section.
It will soak in, condition the fiberglass and help seal it. It will be shiny and bring out the color and help disguise those scrathes.
Afterwards, when its really dry - it'll take a day or so - you can wax it with any kind of boat wax for fiberglass and buff it out if you really want it to shine.
view moepong's profile
Moepong -- Thank you!! That is exactly the advice I needed.
Swanygirl74 -- www.gama-go.com Love these guys.
view mjoe's profile
Thanks mjoe and I wish you the best on your chair!
view swanygirl74's profile
Oh, send in the 'after' pictures if you can/want. It would be great to see the outcome.
view swanygirl74's profile
I agree with moepong. Sand then Penetrol. If the scratches are deep you could start with 150, 220 then finish with 400. I don't think you need to do anything after applying the Penetrol, it's a nice finish as is.
One more thing, make sure you where a mask and old clothes and a long sleeve shirt. Sanding fiberglass is nasty, gets everywhere and it's scratchy.
view createanddestroy's profile
You can also take it to an auto-body shop and have them apply a clearcoat to it.
view Modfan's profile
Ha!
What luck! We bought a black shell with damage this weekend too!
Thanks!
view kmswann's profile
There's a really good photo-tutorial of the Penetrol process here:
http://chairfag.com/?p=3
view Anna at D16's profile
Love the G-Go pillow! (That's my brother..) :)!
view Zinzi's profile
Can anyone recommend where I can have this done for me in New York City?
Thanks!
view lexitallisman's profile
Zinzi - Seriously? Well tell him I love his style. I have a dirty bird messenger bag and get compliments on it basically every day.
Anna - Thanks for the link!
Now I have another question. That tutorial says Penetrol is not recommended for white chairs because it will yellow over time. Does anyone know if it would also yellow on this light gray color?
view mjoe's profile
i've had the same project chair for a couple months now so thanks to everyone for the suggestions! i do need to paint my chair though so i'm assuming i can use penetrol, then paint, then wax? also, any advice about patching a chair like this? whoever had it before me drilled three drain holes in the seat. grrr!
view open_skies's profile
lexitallisman
i can refinish the eames chair for you and i am based on brooklyn, email me at munkyboi@gmail.com
cheers!
view munkyboi's profile