How to Repair a Damaged Steelcase Cachet Chair Armrest

Introduction

The Steelcase Cachet swivel chair is a desk chair model that has hollow plastic armrests. When extreme force is applied to these armrests, they can fracture, or even cave in on themselves. If your chair’s armrest has been damaged to this extent, follow the basic instructions in this guide to restore the armrest’s smooth surface and have your armrest safe for use again.

When following this guide, exercise caution while working with broken edges to avoid injury. In addition, be sure to wear protective latex gloves while working with plastic repair putty, as this substance can be toxic. The putty used in this guide does not match the chair to provide a clearer view of the repair process. However, you can purchase putty that matches the chair.

What you need

Step 1 How to Repair a Damaged Steelcase Cachet Chair Armrest

How to Repair a Damaged Steelcase Cachet Chair Armrest, How to Repair a Damaged Steelcase Cachet Chair Armrest: step 1, image 1 of 3

How to Repair a Damaged Steelcase Cachet Chair Armrest, How to Repair a Damaged Steelcase Cachet Chair Armrest: step 1, image 2 of 3

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Use an iFixit Opening Tool to remove the broken piece from your cracked armrest.
Avoid the jagged edges of plastic as they are sharp and could cut or scrape the skin.

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Step 2

Use sandpaper to lightly sand the edges of the broken piece of arm rest.
Remove any remaining debris from the armrest.

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Step 3

Wear gloves! The putty is toxic!
Cut or pull off a small section of putty.
Knead the putty in your hands for 30-60 seconds until it is a uniform color.

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Step 4

Work quickly! The putty will begin to harden in 5 minutes!
Apply a small amount of putty on the inside of the hollow space of the armrest.
The putty will act as a support for the broken piece.
Repeat Step 3 to use as many pieces of putty as needed.

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Step 5

Apply putty along the edges of the broken piece.

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Step 6

Set the broken piece back onto the armrest.
Try to make the broken piece level with the rest of the armrest, as this will make Steps 7 & 8 easier.
Let the putty dry for about 10 minutes.

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Step 7

Apply the plastic putty over the broken piece.
Press putty into any remaining empty spaces.
Repeat Step 3 as many times as needed.
Let the putty dry for 10 minutes in between applications.

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Step 8

Sand down the putty covering to make the surface smooth and level with the armrest.
Paint-match the color of the chair and paint over the putty for a cosmetically seamless result.

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