Welcome to the Porch, Waylan.

That desk likely is finished with shellac (which, as you've probably
noticed, is a recurring theme here).  To find out, take a Q-tip and dip it
in alcohol - isopropyl rubbing alcohol will work, or even vodka, if you
happen to have any about.  Rub the Q-tip on the finish in a spot that you
plan on refinishing anyhow.  If the finish softens up and sticks to the
Q-tip, it's shellac.  Which would be good for you because shellac is easier
to repair than varnish.

I'd think that you could mask off the leather and just be careful in working
near its edges when working on the wood.

Dunno much about repairing the leather, but I'd bet 17 donuts that if you
did a little creative Googling, the information is out there.  It always is,
in my experience.

Best regards,

- Bill T.

-----Original Message-----
From: oldtools-bounces@r...
[mailto:oldtools-bounces@r...] On Behalf Of Waylan Limberg
Sent: Wednesday, March 26, 2008 4:37 PM
To: porch
Subject: [OldTools] Bio: Waylan Limberg

Speaking of which, we have an old desk in the shape of a quarter
circle with a leather pad inlayed in the top. It's a beautiful old
desk, but the finish (I'm guessing varnish) is chipped in high use
areas and I'm not sure how to approach the leather top. I don't want
to have to replace the leather or the gold leafing border on it. It
appears there is some kind of finish over the leather, but I don't
know what - maybe the same at the wood or maybe just a wax or
something. Any suggestions on how to refinish the desk without ruining
the leather?

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