J_Rock
Ex Member
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I promised someone I would start a thread on how to cover a box in fabric, so here it is.
No pics yet, tomorrow I promise.
First Off, I start by making the box, I have done so many of these it takes me about 45 minutes with an airnailer and a table saw.
I made this box out of Maple Vennered Fiber Core Plywood. Densest scrape I had around(well, in quantities to build a box.)
After making the box I went out and purchased 1.33 yards of fabric. This gives plenty left over and is about the least I can purchase and not have to squeeze my brain to fit the pieces.
I purchased leather this time around.
I wanted to do designs on the side of this box so, Next I bought some 1/8 inch foam and cut designs out of making sure I held the blade at 45 degrees to the surface.
I then glued these designs to the box using spray adhesive. 3M 77, or similar strong fabric/multiuse adhesives work. (I would use real upholstery contact cement but I have no access to it.)
With my designs carefully mounted in the areas of the box I wanted them, I than cut out my fabric. I like to start big and trim the fabric down, so I cut pieces roughly 2-3 inches larger in each dimension.
Next I spray the fabric and the box with adhesive. A good coating is needed, but 3M 77 works best with a light to medium coat, not too heavy or stuff doesn't dry.
With designs on the side of the box, things become a little difficult. I lay the fabric onto the desing first and work my way to the edges of the box smoothing everything out. Its best to have something smooth and small to roll creases and wrinkles out(I use a sharpy marker, no idea why).
After the glue drys for 15-20 minutes a side, I cut the excess fabric off. On this box, I trimmed to 1/4 inch of the edges because I planed on trim.
If you wish, you can learn to sew and sew all 4 sides of the box together slightly smaller than the actuall box. This is then pulled down the sides and smoothed out. It ill allow only 4 nice seams (or one depending on how you lay out) at the corners. The slightly smaller requirement is for a tight fit with no wrinkles.
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