My uncle has a desk that he wants to give to his daughter. The top has a large leather writing surface that is badly worn, so my uncle used a black shoe wax to bring the color back. The problem is that although the top is a nice black color, there is so much wax on the top that it instantly smudges (not to mention sticky) and the excess can’t be wiped off without taking the color with it. He had wanted to use a clear aerosol finish over the wax to keep it from smudging, but I told him that the finish would not stick to the wax and there was a better way to do this. I have never dealt with leather before, but put some thought to it and figured that this might be a good approach to re-color and protect the leather:
1. Wipe off the excess and use mineral spirits to remove the rest of the wax, using plenty of paper towels.
2. Use a dye/stain to recolor the leather. (water, alcohol, oil?)
3. Seal the top with a leather finish. (???)
Would this be a good way to go? Is there something else that I need to do to the leather? Products to use? Any other recommendations?
Thanx in advance…
Kevin
Edited 12/19/2005 7:37 pm ET by grainwise
Replies
Hopefully, Uncle didn't ruin the top. You need to use products specifically designed for leather care. Don't use mineral spirits or woodworking products. This company has many products including dyes and preservatives. You may want to contact them with your problem in removing the shoe polish. Sometimes the leather is beyond repair, new tops are available.
http://www.leathermagic.com/
Beat it to fit / Paint it to match
Thanx for the info, Hammer. I'll relay to my uncle and let him decide what he wants to do.
You may want to look here for more than a few suggestions..
http://www.furniturestuff.com/
Glycerin works well on saddles.. What I use and never had a problem
OH! By the way.. Not selling anything.. Look at the TIPS near the bottom of the page..
Edited 12/22/2005 7:38 am by WillGeorge
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