Upholstery supplies come in a wide range of options, so choosing the best ones can be a daunting experience if you are unfamiliar with the process. A few simple tips can make choosing the best options easier. Since there are several different types of upholstery fabrics, hardware, and tools, it helps to narrow down the intended uses.
Many sellers offer a good variety of upholstery supplies. When it comes to upholstery fabric, the style, color, quality, price, and ease of care are important elements to consider. You will want a durable fabric that will last. It is a good idea to choose a color that will not show stains, especially where children and pets are involved, and where the upholstered piece gets a lot of use. You may also want to apply a stain treatment substance to make care and cleaning a bit easier, and to also help protect the foam or other filler beneath the fabric.
Selecting filler is another important step in choosing upholstery supplies. The quality, cost, and density of the foam are important, as are the overall size, thickness and shape. Some pieces are cut to standard furniture sizes and shapes and are ready to use. Some foam can be purchased in bulk and custom cut to fit your particular furnishings. It is always best to “measure twice and cut once,” whether this means offering precise measurements to a supplier and having the foam cut, or cutting the pieces yourself.
For other upholstery supplies, such as hardware and tools, choosing the best depends quite a bit upon the project at hand. For example, upholstering a chair may require upholstery nails or tacks. You may also wish to purchase decorative upholstery supplies. Covering a piece in a recreational vehicle, on the other hand, may only require a staple gun.
There are several handy tools that will make your job easier, such as a fabric punch, foam cutters, clamps, staple pullers, and heavy-duty staple guns. Keep in mind that some tools are available in different sizes as well, or are adjustable, such as clamps. A fabric punch may have several different punch sizes, which allows you to use the same tool for several tasks instead of having to purchase individual tools for each new project.