Polyurethane foam and wadding play crucial roles in providing shape, comfort, and softness to upholstered furniture. Whether you're working on a DIY upholstery project or a professional restoration, knowing how to securely attach foam and wadding is essential. In this blog post, we will explore some simple and effective methods to attach foam and wadding to itself or each other, including the use of contact spray adhesive, stapling, sewing, and the handy technique of using calico strips for added strength.
Contact Spray Adhesive:
Contact spray adhesive is a versatile and widely used method for attaching foam and wadding. This adhesive can be applied to both foam and other materials like wood, plastic, metal, and cardboard. Here's how to use it:
Spray a thin, even layer of contact adhesive onto each surface that needs to be bonded. Wait for approximately 15-30 seconds to allow the adhesive to become tacky. Carefully press the surfaces together and hold them in place until they fully bond.
Stapling:
Stapling is a quick and convenient method, particularly when attaching foam or wadding to a wooden frame. It offers a secure hold and is commonly used in upholstery projects. Here's how to use a staple gun for attaching foam and wadding:
Position the foam or wadding in the desired location on the wooden frame. Using a staple gun, drive staples through the foam or wadding and into the wooden frame to secure it in place.
If you're wrapping polyester wadding around a piece of foam, you can use a paper stapler to secure the wadding edges together.
Sewing:
Sewing provides a durable and long-lasting attachment method for foam and wadding. It allows you to join wadding together or layer it with fabric. Here are two sewing techniques you can use:
Hand Stitching: Use a needle and strong upholstery thread to hand stitch the edges of the wadding together. You can employ a slip stitch or running stitch to ensure a secure seam.
Machine Sewing: Layer the wadding with fabric and sew it together using a sewing machine. This method is commonly used when upholstering cushions or creating tailored upholstery.
Handy Hint: Calico Strips
Calico, a plain-woven cotton fabric, can be employed to provide additional strength to glued joints or act as stapling "pulls." Here's how you can use calico strips:
Apply contact adhesive to the foam edges or frame where extra strength is desired. Attach calico strips to these areas, ensuring they overhang the edges. Secure the calico strips in place by stapling them onto the frame.
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