How to Repair the Canvas of a Roll Top Desk

Remove the top section of the roll top desk from the desk base. This is usually done by removing screws that are driven in from the underside of the desk surface into the bottom edges of the top section.

Move the top section of the desk forward so that it overhangs the front of the desk. Carefully roll the tambour down so that it comes out the front of the slot where it is housed. Having someone help you to do this makes it much easier.

Lay the tambour on a flat workbench with the canvas side facing up.

Reattach any strips of wood that have come loose by applying glue between the back of the strip of wood and the canvas, then pressing the canvas down against the wood and placing a weight on top of the canvas for several hours until the glue is dry.

Repair torn canvas by cutting a piece of new canvas that is 2 inches wide and the length of the tear in the old canvas. Spread contact cement over the surface of the old canvas around the tear and over one side of the new canvas. Allow the contact cement to set for several minutes, then place the new canvas over the tear in the old canvas and seal the two together by rubbing over the surface firmly.

Note that the edges of the strips of wood have no canvas backing; this is so they can slide easily in the slots of the desk. Don't let any new canvas interfere with the ends of the strips of wood; trim it off so that its edge is even with the edge of the old canvas.

Reinsert the tambour into the slots of the desk, slide the top section back in place and replace the screws that hold it to the bottom section of the desk.