I picked up an Eames aluminum group ottoman of the older style consisting of a four-pronged base and black stem/post. The aluminum needs some cleaning and am not sure where to begin. My research suggest the newer style has a lacquer coating that needs stripping. I was hoping to attack it with some fine steel wool without the need for stripping. Anyone out there have experience with these pieces? I'm not looking for a museum quality piece, just something to present well. I also plan on re-painting the post/stem and replacing the vinyl upholstery. Any suggestions on where to find ready-to-mount upholstery would be appreciated as well.
Hey i just got an old aluminum group chair and ottoman....
My chair has thickly lacquered arms with polished aluminum base and frame. I looked up the the chair in the 1961 herman miller catalogue which stated this in the description of the chair.
My chair's aluminum surface has graying and some pitting from moisture exposure. I used Noxon metal polish and steel wool with pretty good results. Its hard work to get a mirror effect but i achieved a decent satin surface. Google aluminum polishing for advice from the experts.
Good Luck!
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