How to Add Foam to an Arm Rest in an RV
- 1). Remove the armrest fabric cover by using a staple remover to remove any staples underneath the armrest. Some covers are glued, so gently separate the glued fabric to remove it. Some covers are elasticized and simply slip off. Set the cover/fabric aside.
- 2). Remove any damaged foam by pulling it away from the armrest and discard it.
- 3). Measure the armrest width and length, and cut a piece of foam to the measurements with scissors. Foam can be purchased in large or small pieces and at any thickness desired. Measure the thickness of the other armrest to match the thickness to the new foam. The sides of the armrest will be covered with batting. The foam will be placed on top of the armrest.
- 4). Cover the seat and/or area beneath the armrest with newspaper.
- 5). Spray adhesive on the top of the armrest and onto the underside of the foam. According to The Foam Factory, wait at least ten seconds and then press the foam onto the armrest. Allow the glue to dry for about five minutes. Any all-purpose spray adhesive will work.
- 6). Measure around the armrest, beginning beneath the arm and wrapping your tape measure around the top of the armrest and back to the underside. Add 1 inch to this measurement. Measure the length of the armrest from the chair back toward the front end of the armrest, and down the front end of the armrest to include the thickness of the foam. Add 1 inch to this measurement to allow for affixing beneath the armrest.
- 7). Cut a rectangle of fiberfill polyester quilt batting or RV fiberfill wrap (essentially the same thing) to the measurements in Step 6. You can purchase RV fiberfill wrap at RV stores.
- 8). Wrap the batting around the armrest. Staple the edges to the underside of the armrest. Pull the batting tightly under the front of the armrest and staple. If the front batting appears too bulky, remove the staples, cut away some batting inside of the fold creases, re-stretch the batting tightly beneath the armrest and re-staple.
- 9). Replace the armrest cover/fabric and staple it beneath the armrest. You can staple your armrest cover into place even if the original cover had been glued.
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