Whether you’re a regular DIYer, you’re new to the trade, or recently picked it up as a hobby, having the right upholstery supplies is vital to doing a good job. But where do you start? What tools do you need?
When you finally find some time to complete the projects that have been on your list for a while, you’ll want to make sure you have the right tools to do a good job. You won’t need everything on this list, but it’s an excellent place to start.
The tools you need will depend on your project. But there are also some must-have tools, from hammers to pliers, sewing scissors to needles, that will always come in handy. We will look into the most popular tools that’ll make your life easier when it comes to DIY, as well as tools for specific projects to help start you off.
Must-Have Upholstery Supplies
Without these tools, DIY jobs will be a lot harder than they need to be. So if you’re a beginner, here’s your checklist to start with:
Staple Remover
A staple remover or tack lifter can work ideally when taking out staples from various objects, such as chairs or walls, without ruining any framework. This is ideal for upholstering chairs and sofas.
Glue Gun
A hot glue gun can be used for several projects, so it’s always handy to have one in your toolkit. You will need a glue gun to keep things in place before securing them with staples.
High-Quality Stapler
To secure things in place, you will need a heavy-duty stapler, such as a pneumatic staple gun. Using one of these will make for an uncomplicated upholstery project, such as fixing something to a frame.
Chalk
A tool that is usually overlooked, a piece of chalk can come in handy when doing upholstery for marking your material. You should use this to mark your fabric or material before cutting it for a more accurate finish. It’s also easy to wipe off material if you go wrong.
Gloves And Mask
To stay safe, tools like gloves and masks are a must when doing any type of DIY or upholstery project. For heavy-duty masks, look in the likes of hardware stores.
Tape Measure
To measure parts and fabric reliably, you need a flexible tape measure. A flexible one can move with your chair’s curve to provide more precise readings.
Shears
Using a normal pair of scissors can lead to your hand getting tired and hurting. To avoid this, purchase a pair of shears or heavy-duty scissors. To keep them sharp, you’ll have to sharpen them regularly; otherwise, they’ll grow blunt.
Things You May Already Have
You may already have bits lying around that can come in useful in a DIY project. Here are a couple of things you may find around the house to use for your DIY project.
Markers
Markers can come in handy when planning and marking out where to cut fabric. However, try not to use permanent markers in case you go wrong and ruin the fabric.
Sandpaper
Have some sandpaper lying around? This can come in useful when painting surfaces. The sandpaper will make the area smooth, which is required for a good finish.
Drill
Most people have a drill somewhere in their tool cupboard. You can use this to remove or add in screws quickly and safely.
Apron
To avoid ruining your clothes, use an old apron. It can prevent anything from dust, paint, or any other stains.
The Right Tools Are Essential
Once you have these main tools in your kit, you will be able to do the majority of DIY projects without a problem. But before starting a job, it’s essential to make sure to double-check if any specific tools are needed.
With the correct upholstery supplies, you can feel more confident in doing a decent job with your DIY projects and upholstery renovations.
