Eames Chair Restoration / upcycle

modern builds: s.02 Ep.19

Pinning my projects to your Pinterest boards helps Modern Builds continue to grow. I've created a couple of easy-to-share photos that you can add to your boards by clicking the "Pin It" button in the top left corner of each picture. Thanks in advance! - Mike

I was challenged by Rustoleum (this videos sponsor) to find a vintage piece of furniture and #spraynewlife into it incorporating rustoleum spray paints. At first, my plan was to search around Joshua Tree for a potential project, but most of the shops in this area are geared towards smaller smaller items that tourists and travelers can take home as a memento from their trip to the national park.

After my initial plan failed, I searched craigslist by searching "Vintage" in the category "Furniture". There were a few pieces I liked, one being a style table base that I could've made a top for, and the other, a set of vintage lockers that I could've turned in to a media cabinet. When I saw the chair in person, I knew that this was the project to go with. Building an Eames lounge chair from scratch is my dream project and something I plan on doing soon, but this was a great way to 'get my toes wet' and a bit more comfortable with the materials and techniques.

I learned a lot on this project; I had never tried kerf-cutting to bend plywood or any sort of upholstery, I'm glad a gave it a shot, though. I know the cusions aren't the most professional looking seats, but I'm happy with their look and proud I tried.

There are some more detailed step-by-step plans on Rustoleum's website:

Thanks for watching and be on the lookout for another #spraynewlife project in the near future :)