How To Hide Staples On Upholstery (5+ Ways)
When upholstering furniture, staples are often used to attach the fabric to the frame. However, exposed staples can snag on clothing or look unsightly. Hiding staples is an important finishing step to create a clean, professional look.
This comprehensive guide will teach you several methods to conceal staples on any upholstered project. We will cover common issues, solutions, preventative measures, tips and tricks from experts.
Whether you are reupholstering a chair, headboard, couch or other furniture, these staple-hiding techniques can help you achieve flawless results. Read on to learn the fundamentals of working with staples, when to hide them, and how to make them virtually invisible.
Why Hide Staples?
Exposed staples on upholstery can cause several problems:
Snagging Hazard
Loose threads and clothing can get caught on protruding staples, creating tears or pulls. Hiding staples helps create a smooth surface to prevent snagging.
Visual Appeal
Exposed metal staples disrupt the look of a cleanly upholstered chair or sofa. Concealing staples helps you achieve a flawless, professional finish.
Comfort
Sharp staples along the edges or backs of furniture can poke users. Hiding staples properly makes upholstery more comfortable.
When Should You Hide Staples?
Any exposed staples along the edges, sides or backs of upholstered furniture should be hidden:
Edges and Arms
The front edges of a couch, loveseat or chair should have concealed staples. Visible metal detracts from visual flow and can catch on clothing.
Inside Backs
We often staple directly onto inside backs of furniture frames. These should be covered with filler to create a smooth surface.
Underneath
For upholstered benches, ottomans or stools, staples underneath should be hidden too. They may snag on people or scratch floors if left exposed. Essentially, any staples visible from the exterior or that people can touch should be concealed for functionality and aesthetics.
Upholstery Staple Hiding Materials
To properly hide staples on upholstered furniture, you’ll need:
Upholstery Filler
This spackling compound blends into fabric and wood trim for invisible repairs. It spreads smoothly and dries hard to create a staple-free surface.
Sandpaper
Fine grit sandpaper (120-220) smoothly sands filler without scratching material. Lightly sand when dry to level and blend.
Fabric Scraps
Use leftover upholstery fabric to create seamless patches over filled-in staples along edges and arms.
Trim Pieces
Wood, faux leather or other iron-on veneer pieces conceal staples on inside backs or underneath furniture.
Hot Glue Gun
A hot glue gun neatly adheres fabric scraps and trim pieces over concealed staples without visible threads or stitches.
Expert Tips for Hiding Upholstery Staples
Take advantage of these pro tips when concealing staples for flawless results:
Remove Protruding Staple Legs
Use pliers to flatten any staple legs sticking out before filling holes. This prevents lumps or visible indentations.
Apply Filler Thoroughly
Cover staples with a smooth, thick layer of filler compound. Lightly overfill holes to allow for sanding. Let dry completely.
Sand Uniformly
Gently sand dried filler to a uniform surface, blended into surrounding material. Work slowly to avoid scratches or low spots.
Match Fabrics
When patching edges or arms, use scrap upholstery fabric with the same pattern, pile and color as the original.
Melt Fabric Edges
Carefully melt and seal frayed edges of fabric patches with a lighter or hot knife to prevent unraveling over time.
Affix Trim Securely
Attach veneer or trim pieces over stable, filled staples using a hot glue gun for the strongest bond and invisible look.
How to Hide Staples on Upholstery Step-by-Step
Follow these key steps to flawlessly conceal staples for professional upholstery results:
Step 1: Remove Protruding Staple Legs
Examine the stapled areas and use pliers to flatten any loose metal prongs sticking out from the material. This prevents lumps or dents when filling holes.
Step 2: Prepare the Upholstery Filler
Squeeze the putty-like filler compound directly from the tube onto a plastic spreader or taping knife. Apply a generous amount to fully conceal staples in the next steps.
Step 3: Cover Staples Thoroughly
Use the spreader to fill over all exposed staples, working the filler into each hole with firm pressure. Overfill slightly to allow for sanding later.
Step 4: Smooth and Level
Once covered, smooth the upholstery filler flush and evenly with surrounding material, eliminating ridges. Work systematically from one side to the other.
Step 5: Allow Proper Drying
Give the filler several hours to fully cure and harden before sanding or applying fabric. Drying times vary by product. Follow manufacturer guidelines.
Step 6: Sand Filler Uniformly
Once dry, lightly sand the filled staple areas using fine 120-220 grit sandpaper. Blend edges evenly and smoothly into the upholstery.
Step 7: Wipe Away Dust
Use a dry cloth to remove all dust and debris from sanding to prepare the surface for patching or trim attachment in finishing steps.
Step 8: Patch Edges with Fabric
For visible areas like furniture arms, carefully glue scrap upholstery fabric over filled staples using a hot glue gun. Match patterns and melt fraying edges.
Step 9: Apply Iron-On Veneer
In hidden areas like furniture backs, use hot glue to firmly adhere thin veneer or trim pieces over filled staples for a flawless concealed finish.
Step 10: Reupholster Item
With all staples now perfectly hidden, complete reupholstering the furniture by securely attaching the remaining fabric and trims to the frame.
Common Issues Hiding Upholstery Staples
Avoid these potential problems when concealing staples under filler, fabric or trim:
Visible Indents
Failing to remove protruding staple legs can create visible dents in the filler and finished upholstery.
Insufficient Filler
Not thoroughly covering staples with enough putty leaves edges exposed under fabric or trim.
Uneven Sanding
Inconsistent sanding pressure creates uneven spots and texture differences over filled staple areas.
Unmatched Fabrics
Using scrap upholstery fabrics which don’t match the original print or color is obvious under light.
Ragged Edges
Without sealing fraying with a lighter or hot knife, fabric edges may unravel and lift over time.
Weak Bond
Rushed glue that hasn’t fully dried, cooled and bonded properly may loosen and detach.
Upholstery Staple Hiding Tips & Tricks
Further refine your staple concealment skills using these helpful upholsterer’s tips:
Stagger Indents
Offset the placement of staples from side to side instead of directly across from each other to minimize visible dents if legs poke through filler.
Blend Treated Areas
Gently roughen surrounding upholstery material using sandpaper to better blend edges of filled sections.
Tint Filler
Liquid shoe dye or fabric paint can tint filler putty to better match darker upholstery colors for less visible filling.
Use Oversized Patches
Cut fabric patches slightly wider than underlying filler to provide more material to glue down firmly along all edges.
Weight Patches
Place heavy books over freshly glued patches and trim for several hours to ensure full drying contact with stable pressure.
Check Bond Strength
After glue dries, test corners of patches and trim pieces to ensure they are completely secured and won’t lift or detach over time.
Preventing Exposed Upholstery Staples
While hiding staples is important for finishing, preventing visibility from the start makes the process much easier:
Strategic Stapling
Angle staples toward less visible areas and use fewer fasteners along highly visible outer edges and arms.
Tuck Stapled Sections
Fold and position fabric with stapled sections faced inwards or downwards, out of sight.
Coordinate Patterns
Align fabric prints over fastened areas or choose solid colors to disguise uneven textures if staples poke through.
Reinforce Edges
Run beads of hot glue along finished edges and creases to keep them firmly aligned and prevent sagging to expose staples underneath.
Upholstery Staple Hiding FAQs
For more information on concealing staples when reupholstering furniture, explore these common questions:
What is the best filler to hide upholstery staples?
High performance auto body fillers bond well to wood and fabrics to create a smooth, hard surface once dry. Upholstery supply stores also sell specialty putties designed specifically to hide staples.
How long does upholstery filler take to dry?
Drying times vary based on products and humidity levels, but most fillers cure fully within 24 hours. Check manufacturer guidelines for recommended drying times before sanding or upholstering over.
Should you always hide staples in upholstery?
It’s not essential to hide every single staple on undersides or completely hidden areas that won’t be seen or touched. But any potentially visible, felt or contacted staples should be concealed for safety and aesthetics.
What is the best way to attach trim over staples?
High-temp hot glue guns provide the strongest bond for adhering upholstery trim pieces over filled staples without visible threads. Allow glue to fully cool and cure before use.
How do you smooth edges after filling staples?
Gently sand cured filler and surrounding areas with fine 120-220 grit sandpaper using light, even strokes. Carefully feather and blend edges to create a seamless transition.
Conclusion
With some basic materials and techniques, hiding upholstery staples is an easy process to dramatically elevate your finished results. Concealing visible fasteners helps furniture appear flawlessly upholstered while preventing snags and discomfort.
Strategically apply upholstery filler, patches and trim pieces over protruding staples across edges, sides or backs of the furniture frame. Allow putty to fully cure before sanding smooth. With practice, you can achieve invisible, professional outcomes.
For beautifully tailored upholstery without exposed metal or seams, be sure to properly hide any visible staples on your next project using these detailed steps and expert recommendations.
