Johnson Desk Kilowatt Restoration

[WD4LUR]

I just picked up a Desk Kilowatt that I am going to restore. I am wondering if anyone knows exactly what material Johnson used for the desk top covering? It looks like some sort of a hard vinyl and not Formica. The material on it now has dry rotted causing it to crack. Does anyone know of a source for that material?

I see some people just paint it and leave it at that. But I would like to keep it original if possible.

Thanks,
Dan

[W1ITT]

Dan...  That covering is good old linoleum.  A company called DwellSmart is the US distributor for Forbo, a Brit company that makes linoleum desk covering material.  It isn't cheap and applying it is probably more art than science.
https://www.dwellsmart.com/products/forbo-furniture-linoleum-33565
73 de Norm W1ITT

[WD4LUR]

Thanks Norm!

Yeah, it looks like by the time you get the adhesive and enough linoleum it will be about $124 plus shipping. But it will be worth it to have it looking good and original.

Thanks again,
Dan

[w4bfs]

I had the desk part at one time.   If you set something heavy on it with small feet the feet will sink into to vinyl and leave a dimple.  use a spreader ....

[WB6NVH]

The desk itself was supplied by Steelcase, wasn't it?  They seem to still be in business in Michigan.  I wonder if they might have that material still in stock, but I suppose itf they did it wouldn't be any cheaper than the source already quoted.

The top of mine had plenty of dimples in it from the feet of receivers and accessories...