Preparing the desk recess
See loose backing and stubborn remnants removed methodically until the recess is ready for its replacement leather.
Tutorials
Removing an old desk leather
Two desks demonstrate how removal can vary, from a leather that lifts readily to one requiring smaller sections and additional preparation.
Simple Steps to Refitting a Desk Leather
- Preparation: Clean the desk surface thoroughly to remove all old leather, glue, and debris to ensure a smooth finish. Remember, any small debris left on the surface will show through on the finished job.
- Dry Fit: Lay the new leather (skiver or hide) onto the desk to check the alignment and dimensions before applying any adhesive.
- Applying Adhesive: Apply an even layer of wallpaper paste to the desk surface. Please do NOT use anything else, such as PVA or contact adhesives.
- Positioning: Carefully lay the leather down, taking care to ensure that the tooling fits to the edge of the recess.
- Smoothing: Use a dry soft cloth to smooth the leather from the centre outward, ensuring it is flat and firmly bonded to the desk surface, with no air bubbles, taking care not to allow the tooling to go past the recess edge.
- Trimming and Finishing: Before the wallpaper paste dries, use a scalpel or craft knife, with a new blade, to trim any excess leather from the edges for a flush, professional finish.