How to Clean Eames Shell Chairs

Pioneering industrial designers Charles and Ray Eames made shell chairs famous in the 1940s. Eames shell chairs were the first mass-produced plastic chairs, and grew in popularity as midcentury modern pieces due to their ability to mold to the body as well as their adaptability for both the office and the home. Since the '40s, various manufacturers have replicated these chairs. Both the originals and some reproductions are considered valuable antiques and thus require cleaning and special care.

Vinyl gloves
Safety glasses
Mask
Oil paint conditioner
Detergent
Sponges
Fine sand block
Fiberglass cleaner
Rag
Hose

Instructions

- 1
  Move the chair outside, and spray the entire shell of the chair with a hose.
- 2
  Using a fine sand block, lightly sand the entire shell of the chair while it is still wet.
- 3
  Spray off the sand dust with a hose, and wash the chair with a sponge and detergent.
- 4
  Let the chair dry.
- 5
  Pour some oil paint conditioner that is used to restore fiberglass on a rag, and generously rub the entire chair until the chair has a sleek, shiny look.
- 6
  Let the oil conditioner "sink," or settle, into the chair for several hours before sitting on the chair. Apply additional coats of the oil paint conditioner if necessary to reach a desired shininess.

Recliner Styles

How to Clean Straw Rocking Chairs

Chairs