The iconic looks of a retro dinette are still worthy of taking center stage on your own kitchen or dining space, provided that the furniture is in good form. Grungy chrome, damaged seats as well as stained formica are fixable in several cases without sending the group to your furniture restorer. If you are reupholstering the pieces yourself, keep the old material intact to utilize it as a template in addition to a style suggestion for the brand new, if you would like to maintain the look true to your original furniture.
Wash That Chrome
If the chrome in your dinette set is anything but shiny and bright, there can still be hope under the dirt and rust. Wipe the chrome down with a either a soft, dry cloth or a damp cloth to remove surface dirt; then remove rust with aluminum foil. Cut the wires to squares a few inches across, wet the foil, then rub a square lightly over each affected region. A chemical reaction creates a polishing compound that removes rust and polishes the chrome. Wipe away the compound with a fresh clean, soft cloth, then continue with fresh foil until you’ve washed all the chrome. A chrome shine following the cleaning helps protect it and keep it shiny longer.
Alter the Upholstery
If the fabric on the chairs is past its prime, reupholster the pieces with fresh fabric, like plastic. Specialty upholstery providers carry colors and patterns similar to those found on retro vinyl. Remove the fundamentals, which might be hidden beneath the trim, holding the fabric in place. Save the old material as a template to trace onto the new. A staple gun secures the newest material to the chairs. New upholstery tacks across the tops of chairs provide them a retro vibe too; a little tack hammer pushes the tacks in place.
Funky Formica
If this older dinette table formica is filled with stains, it isn’t beyond help. Some household cleaners lift the stains out of the tabletop or make them less evident. Some stains fade entirely with time. Wipe the stains along with your favorite household multi-surface cleaner and a sponge, testing an inconspicuous or small area first to ensure that the cleaner doesn’t bend the formica. To get a non-chemical method, mix a paste of baking soda and water and then cover the stain. Place a wet paper towel over the paste, then allow it to sit for many hours. Gently wipe away the baking soda.
Wash the Seats
If the chair backs and seats are in good condition but have lost their luster, a good cleaning abode them back to shape. Light dish soap on a damp sponge cleans lightly soiled places; intense stains may need a diluted bleach with a single part bleach to 10 parts water. Test the bleach mixture in an inconspicuous area. To restore the glow on vinyl mounts, spray on furniture wax, then buff with a soft cloth.
