TomWisc Report post Posted September 16, 2018 I purchased this leather folding chair today from on online ad. There is a wood seat support missing so the chair seat is low and looks like a kids chair. When I replace the wood seat support the chair will be the correct height and angle on the back will be better. There are no markings on the chair to indicate who made it. I am wondering if anyone has seen this type of chair? I bought it with the intention of replacing the leather. The marks on the back are not to bad but the seat looks like someone spilled a glass of wine or something to really stain the leather. I looks like the leather is Vegtan about 8 oz. I was wondering if any of you have cleaned leather and then re-stained the leather? Also wondering what type of leather would be good to use for the seat & back if I replace it? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
YinTx Report post Posted September 16, 2018 That is a really cool chair, and the leather looks like it is in good shape with a nice patina. If it is veg tan, and depending on the finish, it might take a dye. Maybe pick a dye like mahogany, or burgundy, or some similar dark dye to match the wine stain? If you are planning on tossing the leather anyhow, might be worth a go. Then put some neatsfoot, and a finish on it, see how it comes out. Otherwise, would be pretty simple to use the existing for a template and go from there. Nice find! Look forward to seeing what you do with it. YinTx Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TomWisc Report post Posted September 16, 2018 Thanks for the dye ideas, YinTx. It is definitely different from what I have seen. I thought if it turned out ok after adding the missing seat support, I might try to make one from scratch. My woodworking skills are a bit rusty but it would be a neat project. The large backrest would be a perfect place to try some really exotic tooling! I am new to leather tooling but what a great place to be creative and do some really great art! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
chrisash Report post Posted September 16, 2018 It looks like its based on the all wood folding chairs that were and are used on ships sun decks for passengers, they fold so they can easily be stowed in rough weather. the leather seat and back make a great version and i would suggest save the leather at all costs as it looks great as it is Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Riem Report post Posted September 16, 2018 Well,... If the stain IS wine, then sacrifice a bottle of WINE as a dye... Brush it on evenly in an inconspicuous place, see if it looks same/similar before committing the whole sacrificial bottle. That way, if you sit in the chair with a glass in hand and someone asks about the smell, you can always claim it comes from the chair... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TomWisc Report post Posted September 16, 2018 Well, chrisash, I have never been on a cruise so I had no idea what kind of chairs they use. I just may keep the leather as it is, not sure, but not in a hurry to discard it either. I assume the chairs on a ship use some other fabric that can stand up to the weather, but I see what you mean that someone copied the idea and used leather. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bullmoosepaddles Report post Posted September 16, 2018 Great chair. Look forward to seeing what you do with it. If you decide to make a duplicate. I would entertain buying a pattern if you wish to share. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TomWisc Report post Posted September 16, 2018 OK, bullmoosepaddles, if I make another one I will let you know Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
drzeller Report post Posted January 14, 2019 Tom, did you ever end up making a twin? Also, do you have a photo of the chair standing tall? With finished leather? I hope it turned out well! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TomWisc Report post Posted January 15, 2019 Hi drzeller, I realized there was a wood support missing on the chair and I had the support made. Without the support the seat was only about 12 inches off the floor. Now the seat is at the proper height but the geometry of the back makes it a bit unstable. If you lean back the least bit the chair will tip over. I had to put it aside with the holidays approaching due to other leather items I was making for Christmas. I am going to bring to chair to a local wood worker to get his 2 cents before continuing. I think I can modify the chair frame to make it work then I will proceed with the leather. I have an idea to tool a wildlife scene on the back but I am pretty new to tooling so it will be a challenge. I have a friend who is an excellent leather tooler so I have him to give me some pointers along the way. I have to finish a few other projects so it may be a few weeks before I get back to the chair. I am also pretty good at procrastinating! Thanks for the interest, Tom Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
