sherriez Report post Posted April 30, 2014 I recently bought an old coffee table and 2 end tables at an estate auction. The wood needs some work, which I have done that type of stuff before so that is not a worry. However, I have never done any work on leather like this has on it. There are marks and scuffs on the leather, and places where it looks like the leather is actually worn down. Is anyone familiar with what it looks like when you spill fingernail polish or polish remover on furniture and when you wipe it up it just strips everything off in that spot? That is what places like this looks like. Is there anything that can be done to help it? They are really neat old tables and I want to do them justice. Thanks for all who can help and take the time to post. I look forward to any advice given. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Hi Im Joe Report post Posted April 30, 2014 Some pictures would really help. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sherriez Report post Posted April 30, 2014 I will try to post pics. Thanks. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Hi Im Joe Report post Posted April 30, 2014 Man that really is a cool table. I'm not sure about the cracking though. If that's just the finish that is cracked and the leather underneath is good you have to figure out how to strip off the top finish and then re-do. If that's the leather that's cracked I think you are stuck with it. All you could do is try to condition the leather and buff it back to a nice lustre but the cracks will remain. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sluggo001 Report post Posted April 30, 2014 That looks like a "painted" finish with hot foil embossing. Bicast leather (also known as bycast leather, split leather or PU leather) is a split leather with a layer of polyurethane applied to the surface and then embossed. I think it's the poly thats cracked. It's going to be difficult to remove the finish without removing the embossing. If the finish is still firmly attached, you may be able to color match and fill the cracks. I wish it were mine, I'd love a crack at restoring it...well bought. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WyomingSlick Report post Posted April 30, 2014 I can sure understand why you wish to salvage the leather. Frankly, you need a good restoration expert for this one who can examine the work firsthand. Before beginning, several things will have to be evaluated. The top finish will need to be identified so a suitable removal technique can be determined. The nature of the gold design will have to be established....Is it real gold leafing, or just gold paint of some kind. If it is actually guilding....how good is the bond to the leather, that is...is the sizing still stable. If it is just a paint, then there probably is no help for it coming off with the top finish. Once the top finish is stripped, if possible...then you will need to evaluate the remaining color, and determine your course of action there. If you are doing all the work yourself, it shouldn't hurt too much to do some testing in a small area where you already have serious damage. But like I said before....a hands on evaluation by a restoration expert is suggested here. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
