Laminated Polyurethane Fabrics

By Frank Parker

fix faux leather peeling
fix faux leather peeling

If this was your chair, you may be be thinking where can I get my chair reupholstered? Would you believe that this chair is only two years old and looks like it has been in a war zone. It is well constructed however unfortunately it was covered in a polyurethane fabric which has been affected by hydrolysis. This is when body oils and perspiration leach between the top polyurethane film and the backing fabric resulting in delamination.

This has been a continual problem for many decades with laminated polyurethane fabrics. The manufacturer, import wholesaler and retailer could only be labelled as blissfully ignorant if they were unaware of this issue.

We recommended to our client to reupholster this chair in the most durable upholstery fabric. For this we chose a commercial grade synthetic suede which will last for many years. It cost the client approximately 60% of the initial purchase price. This highlights the necessity for retail staff to be adequately trained and the necessary enforcement of consumer law. In this case as with so many, the client was left holding the baby while the supply chain were left holding the profits.

We can help you with your well worn chair to ensure that you get the best wearing upholstery fabric. So that you are enjoying your furniture for many years to come.

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    Jason recliner chairs are an iconic piece of Australian furniture valued for their quality craftsmanship and durability, making them sought after to this day. This restoration aimed to preserve the chair’s structure for future generations to come.

    The Origin of Jason Recliners

    Jason chairs were manufactured under license from Lazy Boy in Munro Michigan. The factory operated in Welshpool WA from the mid 1960s through to about 1990. These chairs were known for featuring a very robust and unique mechanism. The business was owned and managed by the Bridge family with the chairs distributed around Australia and at its peak they were also exported.

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    • The chair was completely stripped and the mechanism cleaned and lubricated
    • The show-wood rocker base and the turned wing sections were sanded and re-lacquered dark walnut
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    • The chair was then re-upholstered to the same finish in an English Heritage Linen
    This chair was also of sentimental value as it previously belonged to our client’s father. We wish her many years of memorable moments in this special chair.
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    Such a special gift for this newly married couple.

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    Westnofa furniture is one of the great success stories of the Norwegian furniture industry. The name was derived from the combination of WEST NOrway FActories and was formed in the late 1950’s by a collaboration of the country’s leading furniture manufacturers. The goal was to combine forces to market and export locally produced furniture.

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