For open-plan or loft living, shop our collection of industrial-chic furniture. Whether you're looking to redo a whole room or add hints of vintage charm, stay inspired with our affordable prices on dining tables, desks, shelving, lighting, and accents full of sleek industrial style.Classic chrome tables often feature Formica tops. Classic 1950s chrome kitchen sets lend a vintage charm to modern homes. Unfortunately, many antique chrome tables and chairs show their age in the form of rusty legs, peeling laminate and cracked or dirty seats. With a bit of elbow grease, you can restore '50s kitchen sets to their original glory to add character and one-of-a-kind style to your space. Cleaning Chrome The secret to successful chrome restoration lies in removing rust and dirt without scratching the shiny metal surface of your table and chair legs. Chrome tables and chairs in fairly good condition can be cleaned using a simple cheesecloth dipped in a mild detergent, like liquid dish soap. Remove stains using a soft cloth dipped in baby oil, then wipe clean with a damp rag.
Tackle rust on chrome chairs or tables using a piece of crumpled aluminum foil to gently brush rust away. If you're faced with heavy rust and corrosion, try dipping the foil in warm water or vinegar for greater effect. Leave Replating to the Pros Tables and chairs more than half a century old can develop severe rust, pitting and discoloration that you may find difficult to remove. To restore badly damaged tables and chairs, consider having the chrome replated using an electroplating technique. This process involves stripping, polishing and plating the chrome to give it a smooth, shiny finish. Electroplating involves dangerous chemicals, and is strictly regulated in many areas, so this is a job best left to the pros. To mimic this effect on your own, consider spraying the chrome with a chrome paint product. These products won't hold up against close scrutiny, but they will hide the worst of the damage and give the chrome legs a clean, shiny finish. Refinishing Formica The classic chrome 1950s kitchen table typically featured a Formica or laminate top.
To restore laminate table tops, use a simple epoxy to secure any loose or peeling laminate. Fill small chips using a laminate repair kit, or mask these voids using two crayons that are roughly the same color as the laminate. Fill the hole using the lighter crayon, then add a layer of the darker crayon to help conceal the damage. The Formica Company lists a number of recommended cleaners, including lemon oil, that can be used to shine and restore laminate. If the top is badly damaged, consider covering it with a new sheet of laminate. Clean the surface with a solvent to remove grease and oil, then sand to roughen up the laminate. Use contact adhesive to add a layer of laminate to the table top, then roll out air bubbles and secure the surface using a laminate roller. Restoring Upholstry Chrome kitchen chairs with leather seats should be cleaned using a mild dish detergent and warm water, then dried with a soft cloth. Use solvent to spot clean fabric, or simply vacuum with an upholstery attachment.
Dip a soft bristle brush in dish detergent and warm water, then use it to gently scrub vinyl seats. If vinyl is cracked or damaged, pick up a vinyl upholstery repair kit, which uses heat to rejoin the vinyl and repair signs of damage. For badly damaged chairs, consider having the seats reupholstered in the material of your choice. : Understanding Chrome Plating -- FAQsAlkat Restoration: How to Repair Damaged Laminate or Veneer SurfacesFormica Group: How to Remove Tough Stains on Laminate Photo Credits Hemera Technologies/PhotoObjects.net/Getty Images Suggest a CorrectionAdd to My Favorites 4-Piece Wicker Conversation Set in Brown Keter Rio 3-Piece Patio Set in Brown Abbyson Living® Hampton 4-Piece Outdoor Wicker Sofa Set in Brown Real Flame® Baltic Sofa in Black Crosley Lauderdale 4-Piece All-Weather Wicker Conversation Set in Sand Mosaic Stone Bistro Table Barrington 3-Piece Wicker Club Chair Set in Sand Barrington Wicker Stacking Chairs (Set of 2)
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