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SF Good Questions: Rejuvenating an Eames Shell Chair?

5-12-chair1.jpgAT: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...

5-12-chair2.jpg

...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?

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painting, fixing & repair, Good Questions, seating - dining & sidechairs

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Comments (14)

Great chair, but where did that groovy, campfire throw pillow come from? That is hilariously great! :)

posted by swanygirl74 on 2008-05-12 15:27:07
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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.

posted by moepong on 2008-05-12 15:46:41
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Moepong -- Thank you!! That is exactly the advice I needed.

Swanygirl74 -- www.gama-go.com Love these guys.

posted by mjoe on 2008-05-12 16:17:37
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Thanks mjoe and I wish you the best on your chair!

posted by swanygirl74 on 2008-05-12 16:21:01
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Oh, send in the 'after' pictures if you can/want. It would be great to see the outcome.

posted by swanygirl74 on 2008-05-12 16:21:48
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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.

posted by createanddestroy on 2008-05-12 16:21:59
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You can also take it to an auto-body shop and have them apply a clearcoat to it.

posted by Modfan on 2008-05-12 16:23:46
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Ha!
What luck! We bought a black shell with damage this weekend too!
Thanks!

posted by kmswann on 2008-05-12 16:44:53
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There's a really good photo-tutorial of the Penetrol process here:
http://chairfag.com/?p=3

posted by Anna at D16 on 2008-05-12 16:54:19
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Love the G-Go pillow! (That's my brother..) :)!

posted by Zinzi on 2008-05-12 17:12:13
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Can anyone recommend where I can have this done for me in New York City?

Thanks!

posted by lexitallisman on 2008-05-12 17:25:36
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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?

posted by mjoe on 2008-05-12 17:38:35
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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!

posted by open_skies on 2008-05-14 09:52:48
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lexitallisman

i can refinish the eames chair for you and i am based on brooklyn, email me at munkyboi@gmail.com

cheers!

posted by munkyboi on 2008-08-14 10:38:08
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