Expert: Eileen Cronk - 9/3/2007

Question
This 50 year old table used to be gorgeous in my grandparents' home but time, cats, and general abuse has left it in need of refinishing if it is going to be in my home for 50 more years!  I am pretty adept at refinishing old wood but the leather inlay has me stumped.  The edges are starting to curl up!  Should I try to remove it, refinish the wood, and then glue the leather back on?  How and with what products?  Thank you!

Answer
Hi Ginger
Nice to hear from you.
This type of damage can be fixed, but I have never attempted to fix so much damage on the leather top.
Yes I have refinished tops with leather..very carefully.
And I have even glued small areas back down using plain carpenters glue (probably not what I should have).
But all edges curling is pretty severe damage.
Seek a pro's advice...now don't say thats what you did writing me LOL, its just that I want you to get the best advice there is on this, and I cannot give it.
I can tell you not to remove the leather though. This would be a big mistake.
Kindest Regards
Eileen