How to Scotchgard a Chair
Furniture is expensive, so you want it to last a long time. But it can be a challenge to keep your upholstered furniture looking and smelling fresh and new--especially if you have kids and pets. Not to worry. Scotchgard Fabric Protector is every homemaker's best friend. According to the manufacturer, 3M, one application will provide water- and stain-proof protection for up to one year, as long as you follow the directions and be sure to blot up any spills as soon as they occur. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Painter's mask
- Scotchgard; 1 can (14 oz.) per chair
- Clean, white, lint-free cloth
- Baby brush
- Optional:
- Plastic tarp or old sheet
Instructions
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1
Look at the label on your chair, if it has one. Some manufacturers provide cleaning codes. "W" means you can clean the fabric with water, "S" means only use solvents, and "W/S" means you can use either. Both of these fabrics should be safe to Scotchgard. If your label says "X" that means it should only be vacuumed or brushed and you should not even try to put Scotchgard on it.
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2
Choose a small spot that is not easily seen, like the underside of a cushion, and spray it with Scotchgard until it is damp. Wipe the damp spot with a clean, white, lint-free cloth. If any of the fabric's color comes up, the fabric should not be Scotchgarded.
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3
Put on your painter's mask. Shake the Scotchgard can well, and then hold it six to eight inches away from the chair. Spray the Scotchgard in slow, even sweeps, making sure to overlap rows so that the chair is completely covered. Scotchgard will come out as a foam, but it will be absorbed into the upholstery.
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Let the chair dry for at least six to eight hours, though the manufacturer recommends that you let it sit for at least 24 hours before subjecting it to normal use.
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Use the baby brush to remove any powder residue that may result from a too-thick coating of the foam.
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Tips & Warnings
Reapply Scotchgard once a year to keep the optimal level of protection.
Place a plastic tarp or old sheet under your chair and over nearby furniture if you are concerned about possible over-spray.
Always use Scotchgard in a well-ventilated area.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit swivel rocker chair image by James Phelps from Fotolia.com
