Inside Cushion Covers Flaking

[Tricky Mik]

I got a set of original 1980’s era Burro cushions. I took the foams out to wash the covers and treat the foam.

On the inside of all the covers appears to be old dried up adhesive or something. Does anyone know what it is or how to remedy it.

As it is, the washed cushions are hanging one the line, but if you touch them you get a dust storm from whatever that is inside that’s deteriorated

[Tricky Mik]

No one has had a similar finding in their old original cushions?

[LarryTheresa]

Although I'm guessing, suspect the life of the covers is ended. Some new (outdoor) fabric might give you an opportunity to create a new look.

[GayleBooth]

I have had that problem in both sailboat cushions & an old sofa I owned for a long time. I discarded the fabric & reupholstered both the boat and sofa cushions. I'm just today completing the foam replacement for my sailboat cushions.

I use www.sailrite.com for my supplies. They have a good selection of fabrics and supplies needed in making cushions. Additionally, you'll find lots of "how to" videos on their site demonstrating very clearly the steps in completing projects using their products.

Upholstering cushions is much easier than sewing clothing. The old cushion covers have to be seam ripped into individual pieces. Those pieces provide the pattern for cutting the new covers. If the foam is still in good condition, I add a layer of polyester batting to give "loft" and restuff the new cushions into the old foam. Covering the foam & batting with a drycleaner's plastiac bag or upholstery help to slip the cushion into the new cushion.

[Ruban&Martha]

Yep, it sounds like there was a coating on the inside of your fabric (very common for upholstery fabric and/or outdoor fabric) that has lost its life. If you can live with the dust, put the covers back on and use until the fabric splits. Or, even better, have new covers made, because you're going to need them soon-ish anyway.

[Ev in Oregon]

Originally Posted by GayleBooth

I have had that problem in both sailboat cushions & an old sofa I owned for a long time. I discarded the fabric & reupholstered both the boat and sofa cushions. I'm just today completing the foam replacement for my sailboat cushions.

I use www.sailrite.com for my supplies. They have a good selection of fabrics and supplies needed in making cushions. Additionally, you'll find lots of "how to" videos on their site demonstrating very clearly the steps in completing projects using their products.

Upholstering cushions is much easier than sewing clothing. The old cushion covers have to be seam ripped into individual pieces. Those pieces provide the pattern for cutting the new covers. If the foam is still in good condition, I add a layer of polyester batting to give "loft" and restuff the new cushions into the old foam. Covering the foam & batting with a drycleaner's plastiac bag or upholstery help to slip the cushion into the new cushion.

Wow, lots of good info & tips here. They'll come in handy when I re-cover the cushions in my Bigfoot. Thanks!

[Borrego Dave]

The 80's fabric has timed out Michael, time for some new covers.

[gordon2]

Its common to use plastic wrap around the foam to facilitate getting it inside the fabric.. perhaps it is ~35 year old plastic sheet / bag?

[GayleBooth]

Originally Posted by Ev in Oregon

Wow, lots of good info & tips here. They'll come in handy when I re-cover the cushions in my Bigfoot. Thanks!

I just reread my post (something I should have done before posting) and noticed I left out “silk” upholstery wrap in the section where I discussed putting foam back into the foam cushions. I’ve always used dry cleaner plastic bags in the past but am trying the thin silk this go round. The honest truth is that I don’t have dry cleaner bags since my retirement lifestyle doesn’t require deycleaner services! Nice lifestyle.