How to Remove Leather From a Desk Top

Dry Peel

Vintage writing desks typically have a leather top or inlay.

1. Protect any wood by taping off the wood with painter's tape, along the leather's edge.

2. Remove tacks or brads (if any) holding the leather to the desktop.

3. Peel a corner of the leather with a putty knife. If it comes away easily and the adhesive is dry and crumbly, it is a water-based adhesive or rubber cement. You should be able to remove the entire top in one piece, slowly and carefully. If the glue is fairly resistant, use lacquer thinner.

Lacquer Thinner

1. Dampen a clean rag with lacquer thinner, and rub any lacquer or wax off the leather to expose the raw leather.

2. Dampen a fresh rag, and apply to one corner of the leather, allowing it to penetrate. Reapply until the corner peels easily with your putty knife.

3. Apply lacquer thinner to the surface and underside of the leather until you have removed the entire piece of leather.

Preparation

1. Rub down the exposed surface with lacquer thinner or wood stripper, to remove any dried glue or scrap leather. Anything you leave behind will show through the new leather.

2. Sand down the exposed surface, removing any dried glue or scrap leather. Use a palm sander or a block, for an even surface.

3. Apply tung or lemon oil to the exposed surface, as the lacquer thinner or wood stripper will have dried the wood. Allow one application of oil to absorb completely, before applying a second. Allow it to penetrate completely before attempting to replace the leather or stain the wood.