Hi John, should I do anything to the surround on the wood surrounding the leather before I take the old one off. It has been rubbed to the bare wood in use. I am not confidant to do this but I can gentle sand and apply stain and wax? the desk is meant to be like a dark cherry oak colour but the person who has it has worn the colour off to a light sand. Should I just give it a wax all over? Stained wax or neutral?
Hi. It's not necessary but it wouldn't do any harm. Wax is okay, but you may find it better, or longer lasting if you apply a little button polish or french polish to seal it before you wax all over. I can't comment on the colour without actually seeing it, but if you just wet the area that hasn't got any polish left, it will give you a good idea of what it will look like when you wipe some button polish over it. Hope that helps. John
Absolutely the best, no question. You don't have to rush, and if you get it wrong just lift the leather up and try again. Some recommend PVA but this can dry it you're a bit slow, particularly on large leathers, and is unforgiving if you try and lift it. It's also a nightmare to remove the leather next time it needs replacing and I hope t goes without saying, should never be used on antique furniture! Wallpaper paste is perfect!
So long as you have a quality leather to fit, it's very easy to get a first class job in a very short time with very little effort. www.deskleathers.com
Hi John, I'm in need of a skiver size 18.5 x 10.5 finished. Your website isn't showing me any images or tooling. Can you give me a price for just one off please? I am restoring an old davenport desk that someone gave to me, so I am a novice when it comes to replacing skivers like this, though a competent DIYer. Thanks.