Disclosure: This site is reader-supported & contains affiliate links. We may earn a commission through products purchased using links on this page. Learn more
Did you accidentally tear your vinyl chair armrest and are searching for a budget way to repair it? Or is your old vinyl chair still stylish so you can’t consider applying a slipcover due to a mishap on the armrest?
Vinyl chair armrests degrade due to accidental damage, UV exposure, frequent usage, excess heat, or abrasive cleaners.
This piece shows how to repair vinyl office chair armrest in four elementary steps.
You repair an arm vinyl chair by first gathering the right equipment like washcloths and sandpaper. Next, you repair a cracked vinyl armrest with a vinyl repair kit. Vinyl repair kits work by sealing the damaged areas with liquid or patches. Of which, you apply vinyl fillers with a spatula.
Table of Contents
How to Repair Vinyl Office Chair Armrest
Get your repair equipment ready, including:
- Vinyl repair kit
- Washcloths
- Mild soap
- Sandpaper, 320-grit
- Q-tips or Cotton swabs
- Scissors
Optional additions:
- Rubbing alcohol
- Blow dryer or fan
- Heating lamp
- Finishing oil or spray
How Do You Repair an Arm Vinyl Chair Armrest? Step 1: Area Cleaning
You’re ready to begin with all the necessary equipment available.
- Heat some water to the highest temperature, bearable to touch.
- Soak a washcloth in it until fully saturated.
- Wring out extra water such that your washcloth doesn’t drip.
- Apply a small amount of liquid soap on the moist cloth and wipe the damaged section of your office chair.
- Wipe the split or cracked region of the arm while removing any debris, body oils, dust, and other pollutants.
- Wash two inches beyond the damaged region, if not the whole armrest, to ensure that your patches adhere correctly to the adjacent fabric.
- Take a fresh cloth, wet it, and use it to wipe the detergent off your armrest.
- Rinse the washcloth and wipe it over the area two to three more times to adequately remove the soap.
- Use another washcloth to dry the armrest before leaving it for 10 minutes to air dry.
How Do You Repair a Cracked Vinyl Armrest? Step 2: Sanding
- Use a sandpaper piece to softly scrub over the afflicted region, polishing the damaged areas plus 1/2-inch beyond them. Avoid over-sanding because it damages the topcoat. A quick once-over is enough.
- Wipe away any sandpaper residue with a dry cloth.
How Do Vinyl Repair Kits Work? Step 3: Liquid or Patch Application
Your vinyl repair set includes patches and glue or liquid vinyl. So, based on the kit, you’ll have a different procedure.
For liquid vinyl, use a stir stick to mix the paint applied to the chair.
Some liquid vinyl formulae require you to paint color after liquid vinyl application. So, check your set’s directions.
How Do You Apply Vinyl Fillers? Vinyl Liquid Repair
- Use a spatula (typically included in the set) to smear the first vinyl coat across the damaged region and approximately 1/2 inch past it on all sides. Because this is the base, ensure it’s as seamless as possible.
- You’ll need to put several applications to the damaged area, waiting for 1/4-hour between them for the preceding layer to totally dry.
- Use a hair dryer or fan to blow cold air over your armrest to promote rapid drying.
- With each application, wipe your spatula clean to prevent a clumpy residue.
Vinyl Patches Repair
- Trim the patch to size. It should encompass the split or crack entirely and stretch out around 1/4-inch onto the undamaged region.
- Combine the glue with the paint matching your chair.
- Apply the patch to the afflicted area. If it’s a slit, insert the glue into the split, spreading it to the edges with tweezers or your fingers.
- Apply the adhesive to the patch and mildly beyond it.
- Wipe down your spatula after each glue layer.
- Let the section dry before smoothing it with damp hands.
Check your kit as some need many patch-adhesive layers, while others only have one patch with various glue layers.
How Do You Repair a Peeling Vinyl Chair? Step 4: Finishing Touches
- Apply rubbing alcohol to the restored area with a Q-tip or cotton swab.
- You can also smooth it with sandpaper, but only a few brisk swipes.
- Apply vinyl finishing oil or spray over your armrest as a reinforcement (optional).
FAQs
What is Vinyl Filler?
Vinyl filler is a moderately dense substance used to repair holes and cracks in vinyl, plastic, or leather. It has high tensile strength, making it ideal for larger repairs.
Can You Use Leather Filler on Vinyl?
You can use leather filler on vinyl upholstery. Moreover, you can apply leather filler over vinyl fillers. Nevertheless, use a heat gun with graining sheets for a superior, longer-lasting finish.
Can You Use Leather Repair on Vinyl?
You can use leather repair on vinyl. The two materials, though dissimilar, have many common attributes. In fact, many vinyl repair kits also work with leather.
So, while the materials are different, the appearance, textures, and maintenance routines are comparable. Hence, this is convenient if you have both kinds of office chairs.
Similar Guides:
Best Way to Clean Vinyl Recliner
How to Clean the Wheels of an Office Chair
How to Remove Greasy Head Stains from a Leather Chair
Conclusion
Once you complete the process of how to repair vinyl office chair armrest, ensure you correctly care for it to keep it looking fantastic for longer. Despite the similarity in repair kits, vinyl doesn’t need leather-specific cleaners.
However, leather conditioners are still superb for vinyl chair cleaning. They weatherproof the covering and clean vinyl upholstery to the innermost layers. They also give your furniture a polished appearance for a long time.
Lastly, prevent cracks and splits by regularly oiling vinyl with baby oil. Doing this preserves the fabric’s softness and deters it from flaking out.
Recommended Reading
▷ Top 3 Herman Miller Sayl Alternative
Herman Miller Sayl was designed with ergonomics in mind, but it's an expensive chair. Luckily, a Herman miller sayl alternative delivers similar benefits.
8 Best Heavy Duty Office Chair of 2022
Are you searching for the best heavy duty office chair? Click to find one in the list below. There’s something to fit different sizes, tastes, and more!
How to Fix an Office Chair That Leans Back
If you have an office chair that leans back and you don't like it, you can fix the problem yourself and save yourself some money. Here's how.
10 Best Antique Office Chair in 2022
Antique office chairs are a great way to add a touch of class to your home or office. Here's how to find the best antique office chair for yourself!