Revive Your Old Chair

Skill Level: Beginner

Breathe new life into an old chair by giving the frame a makeover.

It’s simple to make old furniture new again. All it takes is a little sanding and a lick of beeswax, follow our simple step-by-step instructions to get started.

Step by Step Instructions

Step 1. Make Repairs

Make any repairs to your chair (glues and sprays work well on wood).

Step 2. Get Sanding

Sand down the wooden surfaces – start with a coarse sandpaper grit and then move onto a finer paper.

For a smoother finish, start with a coarse sanding sheet and then finish with a finer sanding sheet.

Step 3. Wipe Surfaces Clean

Wipe the surfaces clean with white spirit.

Step 4. Apply Beeswax

Apply a beeswax coat, allow some time for it to absorb, and then buff. Repeat this 5/6 times (more if required, for optimum shine).

Step 5. Remove Inner Seat Frame

Remove the inner seat frame and place the fabric in the desired position.

Step 6. Place Temporary Staples

Place some temporary staples to keep the fabric in position (make sure the fabric pile brushes down from back to front).

Step 7. Staple Fabric

Staple the fabric underneath the seat frame, and place the desired folds in the seat corners, if required. Cut away any excess fabric, if necessary (leave a 1.5cm gap between staples).

Step 8. Replace Seat Frame

Replace seat frame into chair.