How to Replace A Leather Desk Top - Part 2 - Laying The Leather

[@jmselvon1]

Thanks a lot, got one to do, was a bit stress, this video release all the stress, hello from Belgium

[@jacquirozdoba7594]

Thanks for the video and hint about wallpaper paste. All set to spruce up my desk!

[@patrickgallagher3513]

The one thing I think that's useful to know before cutting a leather to fit. Ensure that the cut is 90 degrees to the desk or giving an overhang of the leather's surface because whilst one can shave down the leather if it's a little too large, if the angle of one's cut is exposing the underneath of the leather then that's going to show as it's generally lighter. One can hide problems by waxing but better to think about the angle of one's blade at the outset.

[@Horizon344]

Luvin' the music 🎵

[@andrewarthurmatthews6685]

As a qualified experienced restorer - conservator of antique furniture I would suggest NOT to use PVA adhesive to lay a new lining. With over 30 years of doing such work the best method is to use fresh water based wal, paper paste. Why ? Well because the wall paper paste is forgiving in that it does not grab like other glues, but allows repositioning which is often necessary. Once a lining has even a small amount of pressure applied it will grab the hairy side of the leather insert. Trying to lift or adjust the insert is now impossible! With wall paper paste it is possible to lift part or all the lining, being careful not to stretch it.

[@bonnieblack925]

Thank you. Doing this tomorrow

[@ernestbeech6517]

I would recommend wallpaper paste, it is more forgiving if you feel the need to reposition the leather. The ready-mixed type is even better. Waxing after fitting the leather enables you to “hide” any mistakes by blending the wax into any gaps between the leather and the outer wood.

[@margonat1]

What brand of wallpaper paste would you recommend?

[@ernestbeech6517]

Nataliya Margolin any brand will do. If you use the powder stuff that you have to mix with water, make sure you use the weakest mix and stir it well, you don’t want any lumps.

[@mmpoggs2033]

Hi thanks for the vid. Why did you choose pva instead of wall paper paste?

[@rebal1681]

Where do you find the leather with decorative edge detail?

[@gavinhougham841]

It seems like this channel is no longer monitored by the original poster, so let me suggest that these leathers can be ordered directly online. Just do a simple search for "desk leather skiver replacement" and a number of dealers will come up, most that I've found are in England. "Skiver" is the normal type of leather used for smaller areas, which is actually lambs hide leather. Regular cow hide is a little thicker and stiffer and might be better if you are doing a whole desk top.

[@rebal1681]

@@gavinhougham841 Thank you!!

[@filitsaroca2436]

@@gavinhougham841 I m not sure if it is always leather or oilcloth or something else I removed it from my antique desk and it is so soft like paper.. you can cut it like a piece of paper

[@blakejohnson2206]

a final photo would go a long way.

[@gavinhougham841]

Nice vid but that music has got to go! What's the point? Talk us through what's going on and share your expertise, please.

[@priscaj4092]

Thank you very much for this video. I recently just picked up crafts & DIY as a hobby, as an amateur I'm still very new to all this and wanted to ask a question about the type of desks you can refurbish with the leather inserts (typically vintage/regency-type writing bureaus). I noticed these desks have an indent built in specifically for the leather which you called a "rebate" I think... My question is this, is it possible to affix the leather on a modern-ish desk which doesn't have a rebate?

[@gavinhougham841]

Prisca, I'm curious if you tried this, but I'd say it would be best to make a recess. this can be done using a router, going only about 0.050" or so deep. If you tried to just glue it on top of a desk, the edge will look pretty unfinished. However, there are nice ways to finish leather edges by burnishing them, so that's a possibility. However if you were doing it that way without making a recess (or rebate), I'd consider just using a nice leather desk cover pad that is NOT glued down. That way you retain what value there might be in the furniture in closer to its original surface condition.

[@johndunn36]

Details of leather supplier would be appreciated - many thanks for video.

[@gavinhougham841]

It seems like this channel is no longer monitored by the original poster, even though you posted this many years ago (!) so let me suggest that these leathers can be ordered directly online. Just do a simple search for "desk leather skiver replacement" and a number of dealers will come up, most that I've found are in England. "Skiver" is the normal type of leather used for smaller areas, which is actually lambs hide leather. Regular cow hide is a little thicker and stiffer and might be better if you are doing a whole desk top.

[@barriejames7732]

Very Helpful. Thank you.

[@MrTHEORIGINALICEMAN]

Where do you get the leather from?

[@ellewoods8246]

How would this work with vinyl? More specifically would my glue or any other supplies change? I know I don't need the wax as I'm painting the desk.

[@wildernetic]

Cracking job, now to find out how to treat coffee mug circles in the wood.

[@tinycatification]

so helpful, thanks :)

[@katherinegordon1482]

Hello, may I ask where you found your replacement leather?

[@Horizon344]

Googling it will give you companies that sell them

[@alixmak]

I resented that blues riff so much I had to turn off the video after i left a comment

[@priscaj4092]

...& if possible, is there a different method of installation? Thanks in advance!

[@strangevintageyeah6674]

Where did you get the replacement leather desk top?

[@ladalle1]

Could you show how to do it if you're right handed...

[@dancestar1018]

Thank you for the video, just a suggestion….ditch the music.

[@terrillpercussion536]

Great demonstration, but please kill the harp player...it was sSOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO annoying.

[@thepenultimateninja5797]

Good god, that music is excruciating.

[@andrewarthurmatthews6685]

Awful annoying music by the way

[@jayroland9481]

Try losing the atrocious music.

[@LysanderLH]

How about that music? Lets hear it for the band!

[@gavinhougham841]

Kidding, right?