Forum Discussion

jamierae's avatar
jamierae
Explorer
Aug 03, 2014

reupholster camper couch?

My husband and I recently bought a 1995 prowler camper. I wanted to update the couch at some point in time, just not right away. I was painting the cabinets when my 10 month old son grabbed the towel the paint was sitting on and knocked it all over the couch that folds put into the bed. Now it has a HUGE paint stain. I bought some fabric thinking I would just staple it onto the frame, but to my surprise the frame was metal. I took a further look and the fabric is clipped to the metal by tiny rings. So I am scared to try to reupholster this couch and not be able to get it back on. Plus I am just average at sewing. I can not afford to get it professionally done. So to try to do it myself is it fairly easy? Anyone who has done this before or any one with suggestions are greatly appreciated!
  • Unless you need it as a bed I took the sofa out and replaced with a leather love seat. A lot more comfort.
  • Hey Jaimerae--if you would even consider reupholstering your couch, you can do it! Those little rings are called "hog rings" and they are used in automobile upholstery. I'm sure you could get a tutorial on YouTube to guide you. They sell the hog rings and a special pair of pliers to install them. Good luck!
  • chast wrote:
    Hey Jaimerae--if you would even consider reupholstering your couch, you can do it! Those little rings are called "hog rings" and they are used in automobile upholstery. I'm sure you could get a tutorial on YouTube to guide you. They sell the hog rings and a special pair of pliers to install them. Good luck!


    Held to the frame with "hogrings" just like auto upholstery...you can buy the special pliers and the rings at an auto upholstery supplier...try www.gencosupplies.com in Highpoint , NC.
  • Ron3rd's avatar
    Ron3rd
    Explorer III
    X2 on the Hog Rings. Used to work in an upholstery shop years ago. Very easy to use and common in the auto industry. A lot of upholstery shops just clip them in half with cutters to remove. I believe Harbor Freight has a kit you can buy with the hog ring pliers. As noted, youtube is your friend.
  • Can you bolt/screw some 1x2 wood or 1/2" plywood to the metal frame? That'd give you something for your staples to grab.