How to Repair Your Eames Chair

Getting Started

• 1

  Before proceeding with any repair, you must accurately determine what is causing the problem and whether the chair is worth a costly repair by a professional tradesman or if a minor do-it-yourself repair will suffice. If you attempt to fix damage best repaired by a professional, the value of the Eames chair can be greatly compromised, which means the value can be significantly reduced.

• 2

  Identify the problem. Due to its simple construction, an Eames lounge chair may be repaired even by an amateur if the rubber shock mounts are still in useable condition. During construction, the rubber shock mounts are glued to both the backrest and the arms. If the back of the chair has become detached or has fallen off, it is because the glue, the wood or the rubber is the cause of the problem and you can simply re-glue or re-attach the shock mounts.

• 3

  Obtain the proper materials. Rubber shock mounts must be in re-useable condition for a do-it-yourself repair to be successful, and an excellent glue is mandatory. E6000 Industrial Strength Multi-Purpose Adhesive manufactured by Eclectic Products, Inc. in Pineville, Louisiana, is one possible brand to use.

The Repair Process

• 4

  Clean the rubber shock mounts and the mounting area of the chair by giving them a vigorous sanding. Wipe the sanded area with a lacquer thinner.

• 5

  Follow the the product instructions for applying the E6000 Industrial Strength Multi-Purpose Adhesive or other adhesive used. To ensure stability, clamp each rubber shock mount with several C-clamps and wood blocks.

• 6

  Leave the work clamped like this for about two weeks, keeping it indoors so that it will remain both warm and dry. After removing the clamps and wood blocks, allow the chair to remain unused for at least another week.