Expert: Eileen Cronk - 3/25/2005

Question
   I refinished this circa 1900 Moon Desk Co. S roll top desk 25 yrs ago and was able to leave the original canvas roll top backing intact.  It has now split and i wonder the best way to remove the old canvas and the best glue to attach new canvas to the original slats.

Answer
Hi Jim
Nice to hear from you.
I have only ever had the opportunity to work on one of these in my career.
I remember the canvas was a real chore to get off, but knowing what I know now, I could do it easier.
Now I would remove the section, lay it with the canvas side up, and wet well with hot vinegar.
This will soften the glue and make it easy to get off.
The vinegar must be fairly hot, and keep applying it until the glue softens.
I would use layered rags over the canvas and saturate with the hot vinegar.
This could take a while.
After the canvas is off, you must really clean the backs of the slats of all old glue.
Jim they make wonderful glues today for every material we could name.
I would look for one that bonds material to wood, but no doubt the original had a hide glue which is available today too.
Just a tip for your info.
I actually glued my roll top twice because the first time
was a disaster. I simply lay my canvas on a flat surface and glued the struts on. To my dismay when I installed it, there were big gaps between the struts were tha canvas showed.
My second attempt was fine...I placed the canvas over a "jig" I had made that fairly well matched the roundness of the desk top. Then I glued my struts on and voila..it worked fine.
The jig was simple to make. Just cut two 1/2 moon ends roughly the shape of the desk top sides .I covered this in a light masonite wood that bent easily and was the length of the struts.
I suppose a barrel or such like would work too as long as it was as long as the struts.
Jim if this is not clear I will provide a sketch.
Good luck with this job.
Regards
Eileen