Reupholstering a Luggage Rack

Luggage Rack Level: Easy

Think again if you believe that the old luggage rack stored in the attic for many years is beyond restoration. I intend to show you how to make it beautiful again with a little paint and a sliver of fabric. Before you start, however, decide if the wood joints are strong enough to withstand sanding, painting, and heavy suitcases.



Materials:
luggage rack
fabric for the straps
thread and needle

Step-by-Step:

1. Remove the existing straps from the luggage rack and set them aside. Don't throw them away even if they are tattered and awful.

2. Prepare the surface before painting. Using a medium grit sand paper, sand the surface until the previous paint or finish no longer has a sheen. Clean any grease or dirt from the joints too.

3. Prime and paint one or two finish coats of oil-based enamel. It will hold up better than latex paint on this type of surface. Choose a color to coordinate with the room's décor. Let the oil-based enamel paint dry thoroughly before continuing.

4. There are many options when choosing new strapping for the luggage rack. It's not just old burlap straps anymore, either. Fabric stores are full of new and interesting braids and ribbons that work well for a luggage rack. You could even combine the braid and ribbon together. Tapestry-type fabrics could be hemmed and used for this purpose. Another option is to use extra fabric from your drapes or toss pillows for a totally coordinated look.

5. Cut the fabric long enough and wide enough, including seam allowances, to duplicate the straps that you removed. Make a tube in this fabric to slip over the old straps by folding the long sides together and sewing a seam from end to end.

6. Attach the new straps to the painted rack with staples on the under side. Good job!

Sandy's question and answer column appears regularly in the Personalities area. HouseNet, Inc.

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