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 CorrectionAdding a few one-of-a-kind pieces to our homes are what make our spaces unique. (Let's face it, no one wants their interiors to look exactly like a page from Crate & Barrel catalog.) And what's more original than vintage? But finding these secondhand elements to complete our rooms isn't always so easy. Although it's fun on the occasion, the though of waking up at the crack of dawn every weekend to hit up local auctions and flea markets is daunting. But don't worry, we have your back. And you don't even have to leave your living room to shop. We compiled the best vintage furniture websites (besides Etsy and eBay, of course) that are surefire spots to find the goods.
Let us know in the comments below which are your favorites and if there are any hotspots we've missed. 1. 1stdibs: If you're looking to splurge on an original piece, head to 1stdibs for a beautifully curated and exclusive collection. This site has been interior designers' secret source for years. 2. One Kings Lane: Although it started as one of the premiere "flash sales" sites for decor, recently this site has been focusing on vintage and market finds. Make sure to check out the weekly sales curated by well-known tastemakers. 3. FleaPop: The new kid on the block, this site is perfect for those who like to buy and sell their fabulous finds. Setting up an online shop is totally free, and you can browse for what you're looking for by location to find the best stuff in your area. 4. Furnishly: The team behind this startup curates listings from all over the web, aka they do the Craigslist searching for you! 5. Lushpad: If you love modern design, this site's for you.
Based in Vancouver, this site features authentic modern originals as well as licensed originals and great lookalikes. 6. Lauritz: If you're looking for the real thing, Lauritz is a global marketplace for 20th century vintage modern design originals. 7. Ruby Lane: This site's been around since 1998, and it's easy to see why. Stop here for a beautiful selection of art, furniture and lighting. 8. Krrb: The coolest thing about this website is it's uniquely meant for for local and in-person commerce. So not only do you get your hands on cool stuff, you also get to meet your neighbors. 9. Proxibid: This one's a bit unusual because you'll find all sorts of items (like livestock and firearms) but it's also a great source for bidding on furniture from auctions. 10. LiveAuctioneers: Another online auction source, this one has a cool app for bidding on-the-go.Check out HuffPost Home on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, Tumblr and Instagram. Do you have a home story idea or tip?