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Eames Wire Chair?  

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phonegirl
(@phonegirl)
Prominent Member
Joined: 14 years ago
Posts: 168
30/08/2013 5:05 pm  

Hi there, I love this forum and have spent several hours, reading all kinds of posts about Eames wire chairs.
A week ago, I purchased the four chairs (see link to my blog). I didn't know what they were but loved the look.
My friend says they're fake because: the wire should be coated in plastic (I can't find any like that online), they've been faked since they were first made, the gliders are white (I've seen lots online with white ones), they're always stamped (can't find anything)...the list goes on!
I'd love to have covers made but it's probably not a great investment if they're repros.
Would love your feedback!
(edited by DA - link removed, pictures added - no links to personal websites please)


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objectworship
(@objectworship)
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Joined: 14 years ago
Posts: 1185
30/08/2013 8:28 pm  

They're not fake, don't...
They're not fake, don't worry about that. There is a white seat version that is coated.
The only problem with this chair style is that the wires tend to break at the bend, so it's good to treat it somewhat delicately.


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phonegirl
(@phonegirl)
Prominent Member
Joined: 14 years ago
Posts: 168
30/08/2013 8:43 pm  

thanks!
actually, all the wires are intact. I really appreciate you responding. next question, is there anyone who makes new full seat covers that you know of?
p.s. sorry, didn't realize I couldn't put links to my website. next time, I'll upload photos only.


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NULL NULL
(@teapotd0meyahoo-com)
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Joined: 5 years ago
Posts: 4318
30/08/2013 9:57 pm  

Yes
There are aftermarket covers available. You may be able to find vintage ones in good condition as well.
Regarding the wire shells, the earlier versions did not have reinforcement welds at the seat bend, so they are more susceptible to breaking.


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phonegirl
(@phonegirl)
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Joined: 14 years ago
Posts: 168
30/08/2013 10:18 pm  

woodywood (ha! - good name!)
thanks for your reply. I just checked the seats and there doesn't seem to be any reinforcing welds.
i'll hunt for seats - was thinking I'd like the full covers. the bikinis - not so much.
am excited to be here. I have so many questions about so many of the things i've bought at thrift shops!
metal light fixtures up next! maybe raak. maybe not!
thanks again!


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onegroovydude
(@onegroovydudegmail-com)
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Joined: 5 years ago
Posts: 327
30/08/2013 10:40 pm  

If you plan on
keeping these, I'd think a small restoration would be nice to match your brand new cushions, as they all look pretty rusty, and weathered.
I can't tell for sure from the photos, but if the rust is too deep, and paint loss is under all those areas, it would be a nice idea to either wire wheel them, or sandblast them first, then cup gun them afterwards, or have them re-painted to look nice, and match your new cushions.
As woody said, the wires are delicate, and break at the bends. The more rust that builds on those tiny welds, and bends, the easier it will be for them to break over time. The paint not only makes the metal look nice, but it acts as a shell to protect it from all the elements that's trying it's best to eat it away right now. Rust can be a pretty bad cancer. Without snuffing it out, it will only spread and get worse over time.
The rust will also transfer to the cushions over time, staining them. Some worse than others depending on the fabric chosen. If nothing else, a good cleaning, and rattle can job would be better than just leaving them untouched, and throwing cushions on. Some protection is better than none.


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objectworship
(@objectworship)
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Joined: 14 years ago
Posts: 1185
31/08/2013 1:02 am  

IMHO
Millions of children will surely NOT die if you do not spray paint these chairs.


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onegroovydude
(@onegroovydudegmail-com)
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Posts: 327
31/08/2013 1:52 am  

What does
that have to do with the price of tea in China?


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jw468
(@jw468)
Estimable Member
Joined: 14 years ago
Posts: 88
31/08/2013 2:28 am  

.
I think what objectworship is saying is that you might be exaggerating the importance of repainting these chairs.


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onegroovydude
(@onegroovydudegmail-com)
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Posts: 327
31/08/2013 2:52 am  

I know...
I forgot rust is in now. It looks good on your white pants when you brush up against it. Adds a lot of resale too, especially once it starts bubbling, and the welds give. And all your friends can't wait to be around it, because it's so clean, and looks so nice all over your fingertips.
I said a good cleaning might just be all they need. I couldn't see close. If they were too bad, and actually rusting then they need to be repainted, if you want to properly protect them. Rust is cancerous. It spreads untreated.
The parts that are painted have no rust, and the parts that are rusted have no paint. So how does it not help? Especially if they ever end up outside, it's a must for longevity. Everyone with common sense knows that. You don't have to paint anything if you don't want to. Don't paint your next car, to see how long the metal lasts.
Rust 101: Knowledge is your first line of defense:
http://taurangasandblasting.co.nz/Articles/rust-101-knowledge-is-your-fi...


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phonegirl
(@phonegirl)
Prominent Member
Joined: 14 years ago
Posts: 168
31/08/2013 6:16 am  

rusty
you're right OGD. there are rust spots on them and I totally get that rust continues to rust. I'm in Toronto and can't imagine who would be able to work on these. Currently, there are no breaks in the welds but I suspect these were in someone's garage for years. you mention some kind of treatment - I don't even know what that is. I really do appreciate everyone jumping in with feedback - even though some of it is feisty! 🙂 thanks so much. they're lined up in my living room right now. yeah, also get the point about rust on clothing. not cool.


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phonegirl
(@phonegirl)
Prominent Member
Joined: 14 years ago
Posts: 168
31/08/2013 6:37 am  

paint
i'm a bit of a purist and am happy when I find things that have been well-loved. But, that said, I'd love to see these survive for another couple of generations so others can enjoy and appreciate. So? Do I take them to someone to have the work done? Any recos on what I tell them to do (in case they don't know what to do). What kind of tradesperson would be best to do the restoration? Any advice appreciated. Thanks everyone!


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Mark
 Mark
(@mark)
Illustrious Member
Joined: 14 years ago
Posts: 4586
31/08/2013 8:49 am  

Dearest one gdude,
Please post your links in the proper space below (associated web link). It makes it much easier to reference for old folk like me. I'm lazy.
Affectionately,
Aunt Mark
http://right here!


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Eameshead
(@eameshead)
Illustrious Member
Joined: 13 years ago
Posts: 1366
31/08/2013 7:22 pm  

A little rust...
Might be good for you.
I would just leave 'em alone.
Especially if you are gonna get full covers, nobody's ever gonna care. The more you "fix them up" the more they lose value. If you don't repaint, you will have vintage original condition chairs which are far more desirable than re-painted ones. I would get vintage covers too.
If the rust is only slight, think of it as a patina. It is also proof of their age.


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Mark
 Mark
(@mark)
Illustrious Member
Joined: 14 years ago
Posts: 4586
31/08/2013 8:00 pm  

Very well said, EamesHead.
Also be forewarned not to attempt to sit in/on these lovely chairs naked. The resulting skin indentations on your bottom will be brutal. Of course, a proper bikini pad would eliminate the situation.
just a helpful hint.
Aunt Mark


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