Compiled by Juli Case

Question: We’re working on a boat upholstery job and we need some sort of button form that we can cover with leather. The form can be plastic or another non-rusting material, size 20, 22 or 30. Do you know where I can find something like that?

Answer: You’re probably referring to a button shell, and we found a number of suppliers.

Active Foam Products has them in sizes 22 and 30, and they’re made with an aluminum shell with a plastic back. The hooks are purchased separately.

Fasnap also carries non-rusting button shells in different styles. If you don’t have the button equipment, they can cover the button for you.

A+ Products doesn’t stock button shells, but it can order them. Inform the company of the type of button needed, either one that uses a machine to cover the material or the type that the covering material is glued on.

Other potential suppliers include C.S. Osborne & Co. and the Handy Button Co.

SOURCE Active Foam Products, +1 414 462 9220 or 800 347 3603

SOURCE Fasnap

SOURCE A+ Products

SOURCE C.S. Osborne & Co.

SOURCE Handy Button Machine Co.

Juli Case is IFAI’s information and technical services manager.