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If you have a rolltop desk that you want to refurbish, this DIY guide will show you how. You’ll also learn how to build a tambour door and refinish it. This project is easy enough that you can finish it in a single day! In addition, the stenciled detailing adds a splash of color and is both fun and fresh. The top portion of the rolltop desk features a partition that serves as the perfect document holder.
Refinishing a roll-top desk
To refinish a roll-top desk, you must first remove the existing finish. This can be done by sanding the roll-top surface. Depending on the type of wood, you may need to use two or three coats of stain. After the stain dries, you may apply lacquer over the sanded surface. To get into the small spaces between the slats, you can use a small brush or rag.
To begin, prepare the area where the roll-top will be placed. Clean the desk thoroughly before beginning the project. If the desk has drawers, place masking tape to mark them so you can paint them separately. Also, put the drawer fronts up. Next, paint the drawer fronts and sides. When you’re finished, use the brush and finish the desk top. You’ll have a beautifully restored roll-top desk in no time.
Next, apply a light coat of latex enamel paint to the roll top. You should use a medium-sized paintbrush for this job. Paint the horizontal pieces first, followed by the vertical ones. Next, paint the drawer fronts from side to side. After the desk is completely dry, pull the roll top down. Brush the paint lightly over the top, but take care not to get on the slats and track.
Before tackling the task of refinishing a roll-top desk, you should ensure that you are using the correct technique. The correct technique for refinishing a roll-top desk depends on the quality and type of wood. A high quality stain will be more durable than a cheap one. So, be sure to choose the best one for your roll-top desk and make sure it’s secure.
Building a tambour door
To build a tambour door for a roll-top desk, start by creating a design for the desk’s doors. The dimensions of the slats will determine the diameter of the curves on the tambour. Next, create the case and cavity for the tambour. Once you have built the case and cavity, you will be ready to construct the tambour door. Once the case is complete, you should finish the doors with a cap strip.
The lead strip will serve two purposes: it will be visible and provide a mounting point for a handle or knob. A lead strip is wider than slats and will not negotiate the curves of the buffet door. The lead strip will also give you enough room to slide it around the corner. The resulting tambour door will look great on your roll-top desk. And, if you are not sure how to cut a tambour door, here’s a step-by-step guide.
First, determine the type of rolltop desk you have. Many roll-top desks have tambour doors. These are a fancy way of calling a roll-top desk cover. The slats are joined by a hidden mechanism. Sometimes, the tambour is made of molded plastic, but the process is the same. If you choose to make your own tambour door for a roll-top desk, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Once you have a frame in place, you can begin attaching the tambour slats to it. First, measure the opening of the rolltop desk, and then mark the position of the slats on the sides. After measuring, cut a 45 degree angle at the top of the frame. After that, drill two holes on the sides of the frame, one for the door, and one for the drawer’s base.
Glue up a whole side in one go
To glue up a whole side of a roll top desk, you’ll need to assemble the lower side panels. The inner stiles between the two rails are glued to the lower side panels. The inner rails are glued to the bottom rail. After assembling the rest of the pieces, dry-fit them and place them on top of the glue. Make pencil marks on the inner stiles and bottom rails to help you align the pieces correctly.
Next, use a new canvas to cover the old tambour. Make sure that the slats are evenly aligned. Then, trace the old tambour onto the new cloth. If some slats need more glue, skip this step. Then, glue the new side and allow it to cure for 24 hours. You can also refinish the old side by removing the canvas.
The tambour is another part of a roll top desk. Over time, the canvas will tear or jam. To repair this, you’ll need to apply a glue that has a little bit of adhesive. Just enough glue to make the tambour fit, but not so much that it will make the doors unusable. It’s a delicate repair, and you should only use the glue in small spots so that it won’t cause a problem for the next time it opens and closes.
Materials needed
A roll top desk has a history of more than two hundred years. Originally, this type of desk was made only from wood, but later evolved to incorporate tambour doors and pigeonhole compartments. Woodworkers and mechanical engineers, Kenneth Baumert, were among the first to devise a tambour with a hinged door and an elongated ball-and-socket joint. In this project, you will learn the basic construction of a roll top desk and how to create a tambour and pigeonholes.
First, you need to cut the plywood to fit your needs. After cutting the plywood, you must cut a piece of fir plywood that measures approximately nineteen inches by fifteen inches. Once you’ve cut the wood to the desired thickness, you’ll need to drill holes on two sides of the plywood. Make sure the holes are about one inch apart for ease of installation. You can add a strip of hardwood to the bottom of the plywood.
A rolltop desk will usually have two sections, with the top section consisting of the desk top and drawers underneath. For added security, most manufacturers recommend that you install a locking mechanism to prevent drawer lids from accidentally opening. However, you don’t need this mechanism if you don’t plan on using the drawers to store large objects, such as books or papers. And a roll top desk will not break the bank.
Using hardwood plywood, you can cut the pieces for the top and bottom sides of the desk from a single sheet. Be sure to cut the wood across 49-5/8 inches. Cut another piece of plywood at an affordable price for the under shelf for the printer or CPU. The back sides of the shelves are cut so that cables can pass. Additionally, you can route out the openings to fit wall outlets and phone jacks.
Benefits of a roll-top desk
There are many benefits to owning a roll-top desk. Whether you’re planning to use the desk for home work or for your business, you will have plenty of storage space and many compartments for storing your belongings. Roll-top desks have a large workspace and are supported by columns of drawers on either side. The top of a roll-top desk can be opened and closed, making it a versatile piece of furniture.
While roll-top desks are bulky and difficult to move, they are also great for writing and paperwork, but they are not ideal for computers. These desks are also expensive to set up and maintain, as they are made of high-quality wood and feature elaborate designs. However, this investment will pay off over time because the roll-top desks will be sturdy and look just as good as they did when you first bought them.
The Sadie roll-top desk is a great example of this type of desk. It has a traditional farmhouse design with contemporary features. It features a drawer, ample storage space, and three different color finishes. It is also made from solid and engineered wood. It comes in four neutral wood stains for a stylish, yet functional piece for home use. The mini roll-top desk from Ikea comes with six small drawers and two interior drawers. Additionally, the desk has an open bottom shelf.
Roll-top desks have plenty of storage space. They come with a tambour (rounded sliding door), which can be hidden away. The tambour can conceal the desk’s clutter while allowing you to easily access your things. If you work long hours at your desk, a roll-top desk is a great option. These desks have many compartments and drawers to store all of your important items.
