How to Keep the Canvas on the Inside of Antique Roll Top Desks From Drying Out

The sliding cover on a roll top desk, known as the tambour, consists of a series of wooden slats. The slatted design allows the cover to have flexibility. Canvas commonly lines the interior of tambours on antique roll top desks. Canvas helps to hold the slats in place and to maintain's tambour flexibility. Over time, old canvas linings can start to dry out. A dry canvas lining can grow stiff, eventually compromising the flexibility of a tambour. Maintain supple canvas lining to preserve the functionality and value of an antique roll top desk.

Vacuum
Sponge
Evaporative cooler
Humidifier (optional)

Instructions

- 1
  Clean and wash the canvas periodically. Vacuum the canvas to remove dust, then wipe it down with a damp sponge. Periodically wipe down the canvas with a damp sponge to remove contaminants and help maintain healthy, flexible material.
- 2
  Keep the roll top desk in a cool location away from drying agents, such as sunny windows and heating vents. Do not allow incandescent light to shine inside the desk, which will also dry out the canvas.
- 3
  Turn on an evaporative or swamp cooler to cool the environment during periods of dryness and high heat. A swamp cooler will filter moisture into the air, further helping to keep the canvas from drying out. Avoid air conditioners, which dry out the air.
- 4
  Close the cover on the roll top desk whenever it is not in use to keep the canvas shielded.
- 5
  Keep a small container of water inside of the roll top desk, especially during periods of extreme dryness. The water will slowly evaporate into the air inside the desk and keep the canvas pliant. A humidifier placed in the room where the desk is stored will also help alleviate an extremely dry environment.

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