Expert: Eileen Cronk - 3/31/2009

Question
My grandfather made this desk in question.  I am refinishing it (oak), but am unsure how to handle the leather inlay.  It is in fair condition, but there are some paint drips, dents, etc., and I wonder if there is anything besides mineral spirits to remove 80 years of wax build up?

Answer
Hi Marlene
Nice to hear from you.
I would be very careful about using much on the leather to remove this buildup but the mineral spirits will certainly remove wax buildup.
Maybe gently rub the paint spatters with a fine steel wool but be gentle or try a fine scraper to get the paint off. Its just trial and error really and no set way of doing this.
I have in the past (although I'm not recommending you do this), used paint stripper on the inlay as a last resort but I was prepared to replace the top if I ruined the leather. It worked out fine.
Have you considered a new piece of leather?
Just be careful if you really want to retain the old leather.
Kind Regards
Eileen