I see custom auto upholsterers layer different types of foam and other sites have recommended this also for best results and comfort. How and why are they layered and what the best foam adhesive to use? I have a 1948 Pontiac and I either want to get rid of the springs altogether or use them and start from scratch with new foam
Hi Jeff, Yes, it is common to glue sections of foam together to achieve a specific feel and also to keep from bottoming out. For car upholstery we use a High Density Polyurethane foam typically with a firm IFD throughout (we do not use a medium or soft on-top). We often want the holding power (to keep the rider in his/her seat) of a firm foam rather than the comfort of a medium or soft foam glued to a firm IFD on the bottom. However, it is all based on preference. You may want to use a firm foam on the bottom and medium IFD on the top, it is up to you. Use these links for the foam and the glue: www.sailrite.com/Foam-and-Pillows/Foam/Foam-Firmness/Firm/Foam-Usage/Frequent www.sailrite.com/NG633-Foam-Lock-Spray-Adhesive-12oz Let's look at sleeping mattresses: Most mattresses are made by using layers of different types of foam. Typically a base foam (bottom layer) is what is called a “support foam”. This base foam is usually a high density Polyurethane firm foam from 4 to 6 inches in thickness. The next layer is typically a “comfort foam” and is typically a high density Polyurethane medium or soft foam from 2 to 3 inches in thickness. Then the top layer (if desired) is sometimes a memory foam from 2 to 3 inches in thickness. The overall thickness of the matters ranges from about 9 inches to 11 inches when all the layers are combined. The above are guidelines and do not necessarily need to be followed. For a firm mattress you may want to use two 4 inch sheets of a high density firm foam and maybe just one 2 inch sheet of a high density medium foam. Or maybe just order one 6 inch firm and another one 4 inch firm for an extra firm mattress. The possibilities are endless…..
Foam Firmness is a measurement of the foam’s softness. Indention Force Deflection, or IFD, is the pressure in pounds needed to compress a 50 square inch circular plate 25% of the way into the foam.
Thanks for the quick reply. Does the sample kit give you an idea of the different firmness of different IDF rated firmness.I guess I'm trying to figure out the right firmness and thickness if I redo the cushions on my Catalina 36. I want the longest lasting but very comfortable too. I would like to add that I can't thank you enough for the great instructional videos you guy share! They have helped me make some wonderful boat project that came out beautiful with your help! Thanks Again!
Yes, the foam sample box will give you a few selections of IFD in medium and firm feel. So, you can feel the difference between the two. If your seating application is 3" or more I would pick the medium firmness (if you are going for comfort). If you are less then 3" then I would pick firm. But that is a preference and not a rule.
What do you recommend for creating a cushion for a harder surfaced office chair? I weigh 200lbs and my butt starts going numb after 10 minutes with most every cushion I have tried. I am getting very frustrated. Thank you.
Buy High Density Foam. It will last for years without bottoming out. How thick can your foam piece be (1", 2"...)? Let me know and I will make a recommendation.
i am looking at your site and would like to buy something for my needs if i may explain, i am 6'3 and 290lbs back in october 11, 2023 i received a 3" piece of foam 22"x22" from a different retailer (Density 2.24 LB/CF ) - i sit on it every day for 8-12 hours while working from home 7 days a week it already has flat spots from my butt and near the knees - and when i sit on it first thing in the morning, after about 20 minutes its flat and my butt hurts and my back hurts which foam from your site would be best for my situation? cost is not an issue thanks in advance
You need a higher density foam. I suggest CushionRite Premium foam from Sailrite. It has a density of 2.8 pounder per cubic foot. Here is a link: www.sailrite.com/Foam-and-Pillows/Foam/Upholstery-Foam/Foam-Type/Premium-SLASH-High-Density DENSITY (longevity/quality) Low Density: about 1 to 1.5 Medium Density: about 1.5 to 2.2 High Density: about 2.3 and above IFD (softness) Extra Soft: less than 24 lbs Soft foam: IFDabout 25-39 lbs IFD Medium foam: about 40-59 lbs IFD Firm foam: about 60-75 lbs IFD Extra firm foam: above 76 lbs IFD
I would use this foam: www.sailrite.com/Foam-and-Pillows/Foam/Upholstery-Foam/Foam-Type/High-Density/type/Products?order=custitem_popularity If these are dining room chairs I would use the 1" Extra Firm foam at the link above.
High Density Polyurethane Foam in Firm: Here is a link: www.sailrite.com/Foam-and-Pillows/Foam/Foam-Firmness/Firm/Foam-Type/High-Density/type/Products?order=custitem_popularity
What do you have about the mounded foam they use in a rv dinette table. I need to reupholster one but it has several elevated levels.
Do you have a video that demos how to go from cushion top to round foam top loveseat?
I see custom auto upholsterers layer different types of foam and other sites have recommended this also for best results and comfort. How and why are they layered and what the best foam adhesive to use? I have a 1948 Pontiac and I either want to get rid of the springs altogether or use them and start from scratch with new foam
Hi Jeff, Yes, it is common to glue sections of foam together to achieve a specific feel and also to keep from bottoming out. For car upholstery we use a High Density Polyurethane foam typically with a firm IFD throughout (we do not use a medium or soft on-top). We often want the holding power (to keep the rider in his/her seat) of a firm foam rather than the comfort of a medium or soft foam glued to a firm IFD on the bottom. However, it is all based on preference. You may want to use a firm foam on the bottom and medium IFD on the top, it is up to you. Use these links for the foam and the glue:
www.sailrite.com/Foam-and-Pillows/Foam/Foam-Firmness/Firm/Foam-Usage/Frequent
www.sailrite.com/NG633-Foam-Lock-Spray-Adhesive-12oz
Let's look at sleeping mattresses:
Most mattresses are made by using layers of different types of foam. Typically a base foam (bottom layer) is what is called a “support foam”. This base foam is usually a high density Polyurethane firm foam from 4 to 6 inches in thickness. The next layer is typically a “comfort foam” and is typically a high density Polyurethane medium or soft foam from 2 to 3 inches in thickness. Then the top layer (if desired) is sometimes a memory foam from 2 to 3 inches in thickness. The overall thickness of the matters ranges from about 9 inches to 11 inches when all the layers are combined.
The above are guidelines and do not necessarily need to be followed. For a firm mattress you may want to use two 4 inch sheets of a high density firm foam and maybe just one 2 inch sheet of a high density medium foam. Or maybe just order one 6 inch firm and another one 4 inch firm for an extra firm mattress. The possibilities are endless…..
What kind of foam would be best for a bed and seat area in a cuddy cabin? I was looking at 3 inch but not sure what would be best.
1:09 Wrap the foam in a what now?
Silk film!
www.sailrite.com/Cushion-Wrap-Silk-Film-Center-Fold-54
Thanks for the video! Would you please talk about the IDF a bit more. I don't understand how to get the right firmness.Thanks!
Foam Firmness is a measurement of the foam’s softness. Indention Force Deflection, or IFD, is the pressure in pounds needed to compress a 50 square inch circular plate 25% of the way into the foam.
Thanks for the quick reply. Does the sample kit give you an idea of the different firmness of different IDF rated firmness.I guess I'm trying to figure out the right firmness and thickness if I redo the cushions on my Catalina 36. I want the longest lasting but very comfortable too. I would like to add that I can't thank you enough for the great instructional videos you guy share! They have helped me make some wonderful boat project that came out beautiful with your help! Thanks Again!
Yes, the foam sample box will give you a few selections of IFD in medium and firm feel. So, you can feel the difference between the two. If your seating application is 3" or more I would pick the medium firmness (if you are going for comfort). If you are less then 3" then I would pick firm. But that is a preference and not a rule.
What do you recommend for creating a cushion for a harder surfaced office chair?
I weigh 200lbs and my butt starts going numb after 10 minutes with most every cushion I have tried. I am getting very frustrated. Thank you.
Buy High Density Foam. It will last for years without bottoming out. How thick can your foam piece be (1", 2"...)? Let me know and I will make a recommendation.
i am looking at your site and would like to buy something for my needs
if i may explain, i am 6'3 and 290lbs
back in october 11, 2023 i received a 3" piece of foam 22"x22" from a different retailer (Density 2.24 LB/CF ) - i sit on it every day for 8-12 hours while working from home 7 days a week
it already has flat spots from my butt and near the knees - and when i sit on it first thing in the morning, after about 20 minutes its flat and my butt hurts and my back hurts
which foam from your site would be best for my situation? cost is not an issue
thanks in advance
You need a higher density foam. I suggest CushionRite Premium foam from Sailrite. It has a density of 2.8 pounder per cubic foot. Here is a link: www.sailrite.com/Foam-and-Pillows/Foam/Upholstery-Foam/Foam-Type/Premium-SLASH-High-Density
DENSITY (longevity/quality)
Low Density: about 1 to 1.5
Medium Density: about 1.5 to 2.2
High Density: about 2.3 and above
IFD (softness)
Extra Soft: less than 24 lbs
Soft foam: IFDabout 25-39 lbs IFD
Medium foam: about 40-59 lbs IFD
Firm foam: about 60-75 lbs IFD
Extra firm foam: above 76 lbs IFD
Could somebody please elaborate more on the high-density foam + silk film for outdoor use please?
Here is a great blog on foam types: www.sailrite.com/Foam-Series-Comparing-Types-of-Cushion-Foam
which foams do you use for your chair upholstery for household chairs?
I would use this foam: www.sailrite.com/Foam-and-Pillows/Foam/Upholstery-Foam/Foam-Type/High-Density/type/Products?order=custitem_popularity If these are dining room chairs I would use the 1" Extra Firm foam at the link above.
do you have foams that are recommended for use in a truck bench seat ?
High Density Polyurethane Foam in Firm: Here is a link: www.sailrite.com/Foam-and-Pillows/Foam/Foam-Firmness/Firm/Foam-Type/High-Density/type/Products?order=custitem_popularity
Which one is good for outdoors? Thank you!
This helpful PDF should help you make a determination: www.sailrite.com/Foam-Series-Which-Foam-Should-I-Use-Flowchart
This guy is hottt.