Iso Desk Pad / Blotter

[MG66]

I'm looking for a desk pad or blotter, preferably leather, that will protect a very large, old wooden desk that's been in the family for a while.

 

Does anyone have any recommendations? Of course, fountain pen friendliness is essential.

 

thanks!

 

C

 

[MG66]

So, nobody uses these, or did I ask in the wrong forum?

Edited December 10, 2018 by MG66

[bass1193]

I'd be surprised if anyone is making these anymore. I did see a nice desk set on Pendemonium a while back that included the corners for a desk blotter. Maybe reach out to Sam? She might have an idea on where to acquire what you seek.

[MG66]

Thanks @bass1193.

[kazoolaw]

They are out there: I received a set as a gift from my wife which also included a pen cup and stationery holder.

 

I can't easily copy links from my iPad, but a simple google search for leather desk pad turns up a number of sources. You can also insert mat for pad in your search.

 

gary

[MG66]

I found some on Amazon and elsewhere, but I like to get this community's input since most users wouldn't specifically be looking for fountain pen friendliness.

[aderoy]

Have you looked at Levenger? They have some rather nice desk pad sets. I have the Morgan desk set that has seen a few years of use.

 

https://products.levenger.com/search?w=desk%20blotter&af=cat1:desksetspads

[bass1193]

I'm glad to see that this type of item is still being made and appreciated! I had no idea! This is one of those anachronistic things that is genuinely still useful.

[aderoy]

Of course in the past I have used the 'green' drafting table covering. See sample

 

https://www.engineersupply.com/drawing-board-cover.aspx

[MG66]

That's interesting. I certainly hadn't thought of that.

[Octo]

Mine came from a thrift shop for the madnificent sum of one dollar.

[AlohaLani787]

At Staples I found these clear pliable mats for a reasonable price:

https://www.staples.com/Desktex-Anti-Slip-Polycarbonate-Desk-Mat-Clear-17-X-22/product_900325

 

Because my desk is a secretary style I am not able to use the standard rigid desk blotters, unfortunately. The clear mat provides a cushion without being too soft.

 

If memory serves me, I think the clear mats were recommended by Tom K. in an older post I discovered one day while searching the forum for desk blotters.

[Retro-user]

Check out Blick Art Matrtials. They sell 140# watercolor paper in 22x30 inch sheets that might be absorbent enough to blot with.

 

https://www.dickblick.com/mobile/products/blick-watercolor-paper/

[XYZZY]

This post's segues from blotter to drafting table covering to Blick made me think...a cutting mat might make for a nice writing surface. Personally, the ruler grid on those things would be something I would like, although probably a turn-off for somebody thinking of leather ones. And I think Blick caries some reversible mats that are green on one side and black on the other.

 

Closer to the main question: about 18 years ago I bought a desk pad from Ikea that I really liked. Heavy steal core, leather-like surface, a lip that hangs over the desk front, and a reasonable Ikea price. Their current one is https://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/40246156/. That's not the one that I had, but given my previous experience if I was in the market again then that's what I would check out. The weird bit along the left of it has me curious.

 

Edit: Added the missing link to Ikea product

Edited December 13, 2018 by XYZZY

[miwishi63]

This post's segues from blotter to drafting table covering to Blick made me think...a cutting mat might make for a nice writing surface. Personally, the ruler grid on those things would be something I would like, although probably a turn-off for somebody thinking of leather ones. And I think Blick caries some reversible mats that are green on one side and black on the other.

 

My wife is a quilter and has one of these cutting mats. I'm going to check it out for viability. Then when she gets her next batch of 50% of coupons at her favorite craft store I may purchase one. Great idea!

 

-Mike

[MG66]

I had not come across the IKEA product. Thanks @XYZZY.

 

C

[Retro-user]

I once used a sheet of Plexiglas to protect an old desk top. You could slide material under the surface and refer to it with ease.

[AlohaLani787]

Thought I'd update this thread due to stumbling across what appears to be a nice leather blotter for a reasonable price.

 

Federalist Pens shows a new product for Girologio: a blotter in three colors.

https://federalistpens.com/collections/girologio-products-new/products/girologio-leather-pads-blotters

 

Unfortunately, they neglected to include size.

[kazoolaw]

18 inches by 13 inches.

[MG66]

Good catch, @gary.

 

I ordered the Ikea one. We'll see how it works for me. My desk has a routered edge, so I'm not sure how the lip overhang will work. Probably fine.

 

If I'm not happy with it, I will probably go with something leather, which my library / writing room is filled with, but I was slightly concerned with the leather being too soft or padded.

 

I'll take a pic when I get it set up.

 

C