4 Easy Ways Of Concealing Staples When Upholstering A Couch
Staples are one of the secret hidden elements that help keep the fabric securely attached to a couch frame. If implemented properly, the staples can not easily be seen or noticed as long as you tear parts of the couch apart in order to reupholster it. The stapling method is not the only thing that keeps staples hidden, however, decorative tricks, as well as accents, are also used across the stapled areas in order to hide the staples. These tricks are also one of the main reasons for a finished, professional look on a reupholstered couch. Be very careful when it comes to the original upholsterer's staple-hiding methods as you take apart a couch in order to ensure a quality finish as you renovate and redecorate the piece.
Way 1: Dissassembly
One of the best methods to hide the staples is to notice or pay particular attention to the way the original couch staples were hidden. As soon as you pull apart the old fabric away from the frame, pay attention to the order in which the fabric pieces were layered, for example, the side, as well as the top areas, were apparently suitably secured to the back before adding the back fabric panel, which in turn means that the back panel conceals all the staples from the other panels. Take note of where the fabric was folded, where piping or cording takes place, and whether hidden tack strips are present or not. Put aside each piece of fabric as it is pulled apart, marking both where it belongs and the technique used to secure it to the couch frame. Imitate or copy the methods as you put the couch back together.
Way 2: Welting
Welting is another decorative strapping way found along the perimeter of couches, chairs, as well as cushions, hide staples and also gives the piece an attractive surface appearance. Some people call it piping or cording, which is available readymade in upholstery or fabric shops. Welting bought from a store will most probably not match your new upholstery fabric, however, it can create a dramatically good-looking or beautiful effect if using an accent color that suits your fabric, for example, white welting on a blue couch. Create your own by sewing plain, the white cord from an upholstery shop inside strips of fabric complementing your couch. Secure and fix the cording by gluing it with the help of a fabric adhesive, pulling it tight, and moving it in place as you work, over all of the stapled areas. Place or arrange seams in a straight line on the welting by trimming each end at a 45-degree angle.
Way 3: Upholstery Tack Strip
Upholstery tack strips are a kind of stips that are capable of bending easily without breaking, having teeth and holes on them. The holes will help fasten or fix in place with tacks onto the couch frame, while the teeth take hold of the couch fabric in place from the inside, which in turn results in no visible staples. Attach the tack strips over stapled areas in spite of the fact that there is more upholstery work to do, for example, when one corner is stapled but another piece of fabric has yet to be attached to the same area. As soon as the tack-strip teeth are pushed to a 45-degree angle, it produces a grip for the fabric overlay. Tacking it down smoothly with the help of a small mallet attaches the fabric in place. Tack strips can be used on curves and straight areas of a couch.
Way 4: Decorative Trim
Flat pieces of decorative fabric trim can be fastened or joined with or as if with glue, in place on every side of the stapled areas of the couch, concealing staples underneath. If the majority of the staples are already hidden and you are worried about the final sections of fabric yet to be secured, upholstery tacks are another option. These tacks work like staples in order to attach the fabric to the underlying frame. Underlying staples from other sections of fabric are concealed when this last section of fabric is bent over to create a smooth edge, before attaching them with decorative upholstery tacks.