Workshop
Ask a question

The Bunnings Workshop community can help with your home improvement projects.

How to clean and refresh a vinyl chair?

ilox
Cultivating a Following

How to clean and refresh a vinyl chair?

So here is the throne in its better days.

2023 Throne for Santa Ian.jpg

Now it is looking worse for wear. The seat has golden-ish metal buttons with metal loops. They show tarnish. 

20241120_180003.jpg

The surface of the vinyl also shows black spots that I hope can be cleaned. 
20241120_180245.jpg

Suggestions please?


The back had lovely plastic buttons from Spotlight. Every single one of them has given up and fallen off.

Now, that is going to take a lot of work, fixing new metal buttons and getting it clean and tidy too.

 

20241120_180049.jpg
The cushions on the arms get a lot of use each season and they need to be cleaned up as well.

20241120_110959.jpg

Any advice would be much appreciated.
PS: No, I don't think it is possible to replace the vinyl unless necessary. That stuff is not cheap and no, it was from a professional automobile upholsterer, not Bunnings or Spotlight or other handyman stores.

EricL
Bunnings Team Member
Bunnings Team Member

Re: Fixing up Santa's Throne - part 2 - Cleaning and refreshing the Vinyl

Hello @ilox 

 

I believe the leather surface can be cleaned by using dishwashing liquid in combination with a soft sponge. You don't want to use anything too rough as it will damage the vinyl cover. In regards to the buttons, would it be possible to replace them with Pinnacle Brass Hammer Head Upholstery Nails? Putting them into the original position of the buttons should save you from having to drill into the timber backing. 

 

If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.

 

Eric

 

See something interesting? Give it the thumbs up!
ilox
Cultivating a Following

Re: Fixing up Santa's Throne - part 2 - Cleaning and refreshing the Vinyl

Thanks, Eric, I think I am going to need something stronger than dishwashing liquid to get the stains off but that would be a good start to get the black stuff off. Maybe some sugar soap would shift it? I will also need a good creme to feed the vinyl and keep it supple. 

20241120_110959.jpg
As for the pins. Hmm, I already have holes in the back board where I ran the heavy cord to hold the button in, so the space behind the pins is compromised with a 3mm hole. I think I will need metal gold-ish buttons, similar to the ones used for the seat, with a metal loop so they won't snap off and fall out.

 

MitchellMc
Bunnings Team Member
Bunnings Team Member

Re: Fixing up Santa's Throne - part 2 - Cleaning and refreshing the Vinyl

Sugar Soap sounds like it would be worth trying, @ilox. Do a test section in an inconspicuous location to ensure it doesn't discolour the material.

 

You might like to try some Mechanix 1L Auto Protectant, which is suitable for vinyl. Once again, do a test section.

 

Mitchell

 

See something interesting? Give it the thumbs up!

Why join the Bunnings Workshop community?

Workshop is a friendly place to learn, get ideas and find inspiration for your home improvement projects