Is auto upholstery something you do?
Since 2008, I have been writing articles for "Interior Insights". My articles focus mainly on the business side in the automotive upholstery industry. Everything, from customer service to finding talent and marketing your company, I've covered it all.
I will take a different approach when it comes to articles topics. I plan to start a series that focuses on basic automotive upholstery.
These articles are intended for experienced and novice upholstery enthusiasts. I will cover materials, tools, as well as techniques for reupholstering automobiles. I will cover all types and styles of vehicles.
There are so many topics and topics to cover. Your feedback is welcome as I cover new topics each month. With years of experience in the automotive upholstery industry, I am a veteran. I enjoy sharing my knowledge with others.
Techniques Ideas
Let me start by saying that there are many methods to groom a cat.
What I mean is that, even though I want to explain things the same way I know them and have been taught formal and informal lessons, you can find many techniques and ideas that will help you accomplish the exact same task.
Although I won't go into details about every topic, it is my intention to give a general overview. If you have other interests or topics that you would like to learn more about, send me an email.
Tools of the Trade
While I don't know where to start, it would be smart to stock up on supplies and tools so you can talk about materials, techniques, or work on interior components.
You need the right equipment and tools to do a great job. This tool is not for the installation of after-market components, but the re-upholstery process.
If you plan to sew new seat covers, a quality industrial sewing machine will be necessary. I prefer a short-arm, walking footman with reverse stitch. It can sew all types of material. There are many brands and styles to choose from. Prices for walking foot machines can also vary.
My shop has always had a Pfaff sewing machine. Do your research online before you buy a sewing machine. Ask others for their opinions.
You will also need good-quality scissors to get the job done. A variety of sizes and styles is a good idea. Wiss is a great choice for a scissor.
A layout table that has specific dimensions is required to lay out and cut materials. There are several sizes and types of rules available, including a 36-inch, 60-inch and angle rule. These can be used to measure materials. A variety of marking crayons and grease pencils are also needed.
Regardless of whether you're using an air or electric stapler, a staple removal tool is essential.
For installing seat covers, you may need hog rings or hog ringpliers in certain cases.
I love a good pair of side cutters.
Another important item is a glue gun or gluepot to spray glue. There are many choices depending on the glue you choose, but a paint gun can be a great option for beginners. Clean the tip.
General Equipment Specialty Tools
A wide variety of specialty tools can be purchased, along with general equipment such as button makers, steamers, heat guns, button makers, leather punches, leather punches, and other cutting tools for cutting wood, panels, and ABS plastics. I value a good table saw, router with various bits, and razor knife knives.
For general disassembly, a basic toolbox is necessary. You will need sockets, torques, ratchets, as well as various wrenches (both open-end and closed ends), Phillips-various pliers, and air tools with impact ratchets. For cutting thin sheets of metal, a power shear is necessary.
This is just a starting point. These items are not cheap but they will make a huge difference in automotive upholstery supplies. Other suggestions might be possible.
Threads Bobbins
Let's take a look at the essential tools every trimmer needs.
Let's begin with the sewing machine. Thread is the most important supply requirement for a sewing machine. Many threads can be used for trim. Most popular are synthetic threads, such as nylon, rayon, and nylon.
My favorite thread for automobiles is nylon thread. Nylon thread is strong and resists abrasions. This thread works well on automobiles, but not for outdoor seating or boats. It is susceptible to UV light damage and can fade. This type of installation is best suited for polyester thread.
There are many sizes of thread available, including 4 ounce, 8 and 16 ounce. 8-ounce is the most popular size with the greatest variety of colors.
Thread is also required for your bobbin. Your machine may be able to wind its own threads. Pre-wound bobbins are also available. The type of machine that you have will determine the type of bobbin you need. There are four sizes: A, G and J bobbins.
Foam
Other supplies, such as foam types, might be available. Scrum foam (or backed foam), is my preferred choice for sewing because the bobbin thread stays intact. There are many thickness options, ranging from 1/8 to 1/2 inches. I prefer 1/2 inch for automotive seating. You can purchase scrim by the yard but it's more cost-effective to buy it by the yards. a1 foam and fabric are also available in 60 inch widths.
Foam can come in many thicknesses or densities. Foam firmness can sometimes be confused with foam density. Foam density refers to the foam's weight. It is used most often in automotive applications.
You can also grade foam based on its resistance against compression. This is known as Indentation Force Deflection (IFD). A 4-inch piece of foam will take 25% more force to compress than a 1-inch piece.
The IFD for general upholstery foam is between 15-60 and 60 for benches or stools. However, the IFD ranges from 60 to 150 for heavier foams. This may seem like a lot, but it is important to understand the basics in order to choose the right foam for you. Consider what stock you may want to keep.
Another common item that I have in stock is jute padding. There are a variety of weights available, from 20 to 40 ounces. It all depends on what job you have and where it will be used.
Basic Products
Stocking a variety of trim screws and fasteners is also important. They come in many sizes. For panel installation, basic trim clips are essential. For panel installation, you will need spring twines and various trim adhesives.
The basic list is not exhaustive, but it suffices. While I could give more detail on each item and provide a detailed description, I think you can understand the reasons for them all.
These items will become part of your everyday routine as you work in this industry. There are many other items that I haven’t mentioned. This article will provide an overview of the many items you'll need. This article will help you understand the terminology.
The next article will discuss the different materials, their names and their uses. Keep reading for more information about automotive upholstery.
Related Searches:
Comments
Post a Comment