The Next Stage of Upholstering My Edwardian Dining Chair: Lessons in Spring Lashing and Shellac Finishing

As I continue my journey through upholstery and my first assessed piece for the Association of Master Upholsterers and Soft Furnishers diploma, I encountered yet another challenge this week. My focus shifted to a nuanced aspect of spring lashing and the careful application of shellac finishing, both of which required significant attention and skill. Let’s dive into the nitty-gritty details, highlighting the lessons learned and sharing some of the pitfalls I faced along the way.

Understanding Spring Lashing

Spring lashing is a crucial step in the upholstery process, especially when dealing with vintage pieces like my Edwardian dining chair. This technique is essential for creating a comfortable seat that supports the weight and movement of its users. The goal of spring lashing is to compress the springs by up to 25% of their original height, ensuring that the final seat is at the correct level.

The process involves sewing temporary loops through the webbing and around the top coil of the spring. These loops hold down the springs so that they can be permanently lashed with Barbour twine. However, the challenge arises when you only realize the tightness of your lashing after nipping these temporary loops. Unfortunately, my first attempt did not go as planned.

I discovered that my springs were not compressed enough once I cut the loops. They sprang back to their original height, leaving me with no choice but to redo the entire process. This setback was both time-consuming and tough on my hands, but it taught me a valuable lesson in patience and precision. Next time, I’ll be more careful to ensure each spring is tightened appropriately before making my final cut.

Next Steps: Hessian Platform Completion

After finally completing the lashing, I moved on to cover the springs with a hessian platform. This additional layer provides essential protection and support for the springs while helping to keep them firmly in place for the life of the chair. To secure it properly, I had to stitch the hessian to the springs, which was tedious but necessary. This step is crucial not just for functionality, but also to maintain the chair's aesthetic integrity.

Completing the hessian platform marked a significant milestone in my upholstery project. It not only provided me with a functional component to my chair but also brought me one step closer to its final restoration. After all this work, I felt a renewed sense of accomplishment and excitement.

The Shellac Finishing Process

With the springs securely covered, the focus shifted to finishing the wooden frame of my chair. I decided to apply several coats of black shellac to the frame, which I had stained black the previous week. This decision may seem radical for an Edwardian antique chair, but I'm genuinely excited about how it's turning out.

Applying shellac isn’t as straightforward as one might think. Traditionally, it is applied using a tool called a fad—a piece of lint-free cloth stuffed with absorbent cotton fiber. Although this is the traditional method, I must admit I’m not a fan of using a fad. The intricate carvings on the chair’s back and the turned legs make the process more complicated, as reaching every nook and cranny is challenging.

I quickly realized that I could only add one swipe of shellac between dryings, which significantly slowed down my process. As a result, my first coat was less than perfect. I plan to gently key it with wire wool before applying the next layer, ensuring a smoother finish. This time-intensive process has taught me the importance of patience and attention to detail.

Striking a Balance

Throughout this journey, I’ve learned the importance of balancing efficiency with quality. My experience with spring lashing reinforced the concept that haste can lead to mistakes, particularly in a craft as detailed as upholstery. Redoing my initial lashing was frustrating, but it ultimately resulted in a more solid foundation for the chair.

Similarly, the shellac finishing has highlighted the need for meticulous application. Each layer contributes to the overall aesthetics and protection of the chair. When I viewed my efforts in the light of hindsight, I realized that the extra time spent ensuring that everything is done correctly is always worth it.

Getting it right often means slowing down and taking the necessary steps to do so. In the world of upholstery, rushing leads to subpar results, and I would rather take my time and produce something I can truly be proud of.

Looking Ahead

As I wrap up this week’s progress, I’m looking forward to taking my upholstery skills to the next level. Next week, I intend to tackle the shellac finishing again and hone my technique. I’m eager to see how the layers build and contribute to the chair's final appearance.

Moreover, there will likely be more repairs to do once I complete the next round of shellac. I anticipate smoothing out imperfections and ensuring that the engravings and turned parts of the chair look their absolute best.

Detailed carvings on an Edwardian dining chair frame.

This journey is not just about completing a chair; it's about refining my skills and understanding the intricacies that make each piece unique. As I invest more time and effort into this Edwardian dining chair, I’m reminded that the challenges I face are essential to my growth as an upholstery student.

I hope this blog post provides insight into the often hidden complexities of upholstery work, from spring lashing to shellac finishing. May my experiences serve as both a roadmap and a reminder for those just starting out in this craft. With dedication and patience, each lesson learned enriches our skills and leads to breathtaking transformations of beloved pieces.

Stay tuned for more updates as I continue my upholstery journey!