Leather Desk Pads

[Moonshae]

My desk is oak and isn't particularly smooth; the grain can easily be felt, which affects writing when using a sheet of paper or anything thin enough to feel the grain. It isn't deep enough to affect pen movement, but it does substantially increase feedback. I'd rather avoid this and have a nice leather desk pad that will give me a nice, smooth writing surface.

 

What brands do you recommend? I was looking at Leatherology, but I'm happy to consider other options.

 

[Astronymus]

I heard bonded leather ( aka reconstituted leather or blended leather) is very durable, has excellent feedback while writing and is supersmooth.

 

I don't now any brands. I only know a German/Swiss shop that sells them though. https://www.manufactum.de/schreibunterlage-lefa-p761086/?a=16855&h=7&s=lefa

[Zdenek]

http://www.montblanc.com/en/collection/writing-instruments/desk-accessories/111461-desk-pad.html

 

 

[OCArt]

Ikea sells leather desk pads too! http://www.ikea.com/us/en/images/products/rissla-desk-pad-black__0190994_PE344543_S4.JPG

[Astronymus]

It's not leather. It's PU.

[Beauport]

Leather works well and if cost isn't as issue it makes a fine writing surface. Linoleum also makes a great writing surface, actually I prefer it, as it's slightly firmer than leather and generally less expensive. They are also made with leather side panels for a more finished look. Here is one good source. http://smithmcdonald.com/shop/mcdonald-products/desk-pads/linoleum-desk-pads/

 

[Moonshae]

Thanks for all the ideas!

[ac12]

Depending on what you write with, I find leather sometimes too soft.

If you have to write with a ball pen, you could indent the leather.

I prefer a harder material with a sheet of blotting paper or 2 over it.

[aderoy]

Find the old drafting table green/cream covering at an art store or old stock drafting supply. Does have a 'smoothing' effect for sure, low cost and proven history.

 

i.e.:

http://www.draftingsteals.net/catalog-drafting---drawing-equipment-vinyl-board-covers-vinyl-rolls-green-cream-vinyl-rolls.html

[cleosmama]

I know this isn't leather, but those writing mats sold by JetPens or Nanami Pens can be nice for writing on. They come in different sizes.

 

https://www.jetpens.com/Kyoei-Orions-Soft-Clear-Shitajiki-Writing-Board-A4/pd/14166

[JayHomeBody]

I have a giant desk calendar I use as a writing pad. I usually keep it flipped over so the blank back is what I'm actually writing on. and it's handy to have when I need to jot down a note or to pre-write a word to check spelling.

[Tasmith]

I've purchased large sheets of blotter paper from here:

 

https://www.theelegantoffice.com/shop/desk-accessories/desk-pads/

[Tasmith]

Find the old drafting table green/cream covering at an art store or old stock drafting supply. Does have a 'smoothing' effect for sure, low cost and proven history.

 

i.e.:

http://www.draftingsteals.net/catalog-drafting---drawing-equipment-vinyl-board-covers-vinyl-rolls-green-cream-vinyl-rolls.html

 

Been looking for a source of this material forever! Thanks!

 

Now I can replace the old dented and scratched one on my drafting table and get one for my writing slope.

 

 

Edited April 24, 2017 by Tasmith

[JayHomeBody]

 

Been looking for a source of this material forever! Thanks!

 

Now I can replace the old dented and scratched one on my drafting table and get one for my writing slope.

 

Writing_Slope_WEB.jpg

That's a gorgeous workspace you have there, Tasmith!

[Tasmith]

That's a gorgeous workspace you have there, Tasmith!

 

Thank you!

[ac12]

 

 

Find the old drafting table green/cream covering at an art store or old stock drafting supply. Does have a 'smoothing' effect for sure, low cost and proven history.

 

i.e.:

http://www.draftingsteals.net/catalog-drafting---drawing-equipment-vinyl-board-covers-vinyl-rolls-green-cream-vinyl-rolls.html

 

Nice, it looked good until I saw the prices, OUCH ... EXPENSIVE

It would make sense for a group buy, as 10 yards/30 feet will cover a LOT of writing boards.

 

But this brings up another option.

Smooth vinyl floor sheet.

Might be able to get some scraps that would cover a writing board.

[my63]

I got mine from eBay it is not real leather but it does the job especially with a decent piece of blotting paper.

The really easy solution would be to make your own I know that is easy for me to say as an amateur leather worker but it is literally a case of getting some artists grey board I pay £2.50 for an A1 sheet then some goat skin 0.5 mm thick which should be large enough use PVA or white glue to stick the skin to the grey board fold over the edges. Add some triangular shaped pieces to the corners to hold your blotting paper and you are done. Goat skins are around £25.

If anyone wants to have a go at making one I would be happy to help.

[Tasmith]

 

 

Nice, it looked good until I saw the prices, OUCH ... EXPENSIVE

It would make sense for a group buy, as 10 yards/30 feet will cover a LOT of writing boards.

 

But this brings up another option.

Smooth vinyl floor sheet.

Might be able to get some scraps that would cover a writing board.

 

Go to this page: http://www.draftingsteals.com/catalog-drafting---drawing-equipment-vinyl-board-covers-vinyl-sheets-green-cream-vinyl-sheets.html much better prices for standard sizes.

Edited April 26, 2017 by Tasmith

[ac12]

 

 

 

Go to this page: http://www.draftingsteals.com/catalog-drafting---drawing-equipment-vinyl-board-covers-vinyl-sheets-green-cream-vinyl-sheets.html much better prices for standard sizes.

 

My wallet thanks you

This I can afford, and I won't have 27 feet extra.

[Shybiker]

I love the high quality products from Levenger and am about to purchase one of their desk pads. Not cheap but I don't mind paying for quality.

 

http://www.levenger.com/DESK-13/DESK-SETS---PADS-87/Bomber-Jacket-Desk-Pad-5269.aspx