The Upholstery Forum

Is a steamer used only when the vinyl is sewn and ready to put on the seat? Is a steamer ever used before sewing it to the foam backing?

I personally only use the steamer when fitting the finished skin onto the cushion, and if i am cutting apart the old skin for a pattern i will steam the pieces flat so i get good patterns

I mostly use the steamer when installing the cover. There isn't really a reason to steam anything before everything is sewn up.
I also use the steamer when wrapping objects with a lot of shape to them like dash boards and headliners. I use it to revive old foam. Getting carpet to stretch in to a shaped area. There are a ton of uses for a steamer.