🎥 How to use cardboard tack strip for upholstery finishes

When it comes to upholstery, achieving a clean and professional finish is essential. Cardboard tack strip is a handy tool that can help you achieve just that. This material is widely used by upholsterers for back tacking, which is the process of securing fabric on the back of a piece of furniture to create a smooth and tidy finish. However, cardboard tack strip can also be used in other applications, such as attaching welting or reinforcing seams.

One of the most common uses for cardboard tack strip is on the top of outside panels, such as the outside back or outside arms of a piece of furniture. This technique helps to give the panel a straight and clean edge without visible staples. The tack strip is placed along the edge of the fabric, and then the fabric is folded over and stapled in place. The cardboard tack strip keeps the fabric in place while also providing a sturdy base for stapling.

To use cardboard tack strip, you will need a few tools and supplies. The most important is the tack strip itself, which is typically made from a sturdy cardboard material. You will also need a staple gun and staples. Once you have these supplies, you can begin the process of using the tack strip.

Here is a step-by-step guide to using cardboard tack strip on the outside back panel of an armchair:

1. Cut the outside back panel fabric (panel) and cut the tack strip to match.
2. Place the panel where it will be positioned on the back of the chair, using center marks to ensure it is straight. Then flip it up and over, adjust the position of the panel as necessary. Use upholstery skewers to hold in place if necessary.
3. Position the tack strip along the raw edge of the panel. The top edge of the cardboard should be placed in the most appropriate or pleasing spot, but do not have it exactly flush with the top.
4. Staple the cardboard in place. Hint: Use diagonal staples a centimeter or so apart give the best results.
5. Cut some 100gsm wadding the same size as the panel and staple to the top edge. Hint: Place the wadding about 1/2 centimeter higher than the cardboard tack strip. This will give it a softer finish.
6. Fold the fabric back down and see the results of your blind edging technique!