Aboutrobert klein Expertise In regards to antique, vintage and collectible furniture I can help with wood identification, styles, age, and periods. As with all things, looking at pictures is not as good as actually handling the object. I am a qualified to answer questions about repair, restoration, refinishing, finishes, coatings, stains, historical coatings and materials.
SEND PICTURES WITH YOUR QUESTIONS OR THE QUESTION WILL LIKELY BE REJECTED.
Experience I have been in the antiques furniture and restoration business for 40 years and have continued my education in the trade by attending workshops and seminars through the Smithsonian, MESDA, and other organizations.
Organizations Professional Refinishers Groop, Int.
AIC
Education/Credentials BA Florida State University 1970
BA University of West Florida 1971
Past/Present Clients This is a list of people that i know personally across the country that are competent, knowledgeable and skilled refinishers, restorers and conservators.
AL Elberta Jim Cole Antique Works;
AZ Phoenix Hal Resnikoff The Village Woodsmith;
CA Fort Bragg Joe Amaral Wood Finish Services;
CA San Clemente Michele Rosen Michele Rosen Woodfinishing & Conservation;
CT Bridgeport Jim Young Old Gold Furniture Restoration;
GA Atlanta Brian Hillman Hillman's Restoration;
GA Bogart Fred McLean McLean's Refinishing;
GA Atlanta Alan Noel A. Noel Furniture Refinishing;
GA Atlanta Brian Webster Brian Webster;
KS Topeka Dave Macfee Macfee Refinishing;
KS Topeka Ben Myre Macfee Refinishing;
MA West Newbury Bruce Hamilton Bruce Hamilton Antique Restoration;
MA Dedham Robert Judd Judd Refinishing;
MD Monrovia Kevin Hancock Hancock Piano Restorations;
MI Armada Al Venditelli Armada Furniture Services LLC;
MN Bemidji Don MacKinnon MacKinnon Woodworks;
NC Winston Salem Martin O'Brien Martin O'Brien Cabinetmaker;
NY Holbrook Dean Camenares East End Wood Strippers;
NY Brooklyn Emily MacDonald Korth Emily MacDonald-Korth;
NY Latham Mike Mascelli Fine Upholstery;
OR The Dalles Frank Laroque LaRoque's Wood Shop;
SC Charleston Paul Garbarini Heirloom Finishes;
TN Oak Ridge David Reeves Classic Furniture Restorations;
TX Aledo Joe Hornor Little Jack Horner's Furniture Restoration;
TX Houston Fred Woodall Fred Woodall Repair Service;
VA Roanoke Dick Patch Astonish Antique Restoration;
WI Milwaukee Bill Balsiger Artisan Restorations;
Question QUESTION: I have old oak table with leather inlay top. The leather has deteriorated to the extent that it has to be replaced. Is it possible for me to do this ? I am a generally handy person not afraid to tackle projects I have noy done before
ANSWER: I would prefer to see a picture of the top before answering. Much of the leather can be restored rather than replaced.
Replacing leather is not dificult if you follow directions. I buy my leather tops with the gold and blind embossing in the UK.
I use wheat paste glue to fasten leather tops done. Contact cement which is used by many is just not acceptable, nor is white or yellow glues.
If you are intent on doing this, send me a picture and I will go through the steps to do it your self.
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QUESTION: Believe me, the leather is totally beyond repair. The leather measures 890mm x 500mm, happens to be red in colour and has a golden design around the edge. I am not very particular as to a design,but the red is very acceptable.
I live in South Africa. Can you advise me where you purchase your leather ? When you fix the leather to the wood, do you weight it to fix it ?
Answer I buy my leather from K Restoration in the UK.
Procedure:
to remove the old leather you may have to try several methods. first just try to pull off as much as you can, use a putty knife but you must be careful NOT to gouge the wood under the leather. sometimes you must dampen the edges and just keep working it slowly till it is all off. then dampen the area if needed and scrape all the residue off till you have CLEAN wood. DO NOT GOUGE THE WOOD. refinish the desk now if it is going to be refinished.
when you are ready to attach the new leather do not trim it until it is in place. mix wheat paste glue according to directions on the box, this is what old wall paper hangers used, K Restorations may send you some.
Lay the leather on the desk and see how it fits, make reference marks with a grease pencil for reference lines at the corners.
Mix the paste in a bowl, have a throw away brush ready about 3", paint the paste on the wood, don't worry if it is messy it will clean up with a damp rag. Use plenty and paint the back of the leather too. flip the leather over and put it in place, it will move around for adjustment while the glue is wet, use a rolling pin working from the center out to the edges and get all the excess glue and air out from under the leather. Use a damp rag to rub it smooth as well also working from the center out. Have a metal straight edge or metal yardstick and a sharp new blade in a box cutter (utility knife). Carefully trim the excess leather and roll it flat again paying careful attention to the edges. You may have to place plexiglass cauls at the ends/edges and weight them for a couple of hours or over night as the edges/ends try to curl up somewhat.
That is all there is to it.
If you are not in a hurry, I am going to do ones within the next month and can take pictures if it will make you more comfortable.
