How do I restore or remove leather- like Desk top ?

Renee: since it's a desk, you may want to simply look for another leather or pleather desk cover.

You can paint leather, which is the most likely material. Consider trying to restore it with automotive leather restoration kit. I think the pits would give it depth and character.

You could replace or paint it. Then have a piece of glass cut to protect it?

Hello, It’s hard to see from the picture clearly -it looks like it has some dings and damage perhaps removal might be the best option. If not it could be restored and possibly a safety glass covering might help the surface be smoother.

I have a small leather insert on my desk. It just lifts out (maybe a small screwdriver inserted at the edge to pry it up enough to grab it. Your leather may be fastened in place from below. Others have given good restoration hints.

You can make the leather top look a lot better by applying Old English Furniture Polish to the top of your desk, then buff well.

Here's a video I found about how to totally reline the top, if you choose to do that instead.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aQDSUQcnOv0

Here is some info for your desk repairs

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/323977766917469394/

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/552605816748558939/

you could always cover it with a wood piece that you could paint or stain as well

I would just find something to replace it, add a piece of wood and stain it or paint it, or get a piece of stone for the top.

Is that leather or old soapstone? It looks like an old lab desk from a chemistry lab..... I know I had a few. https://www.doityourself.com/stry/how-to-repair-scratches-in-a-soapstone-countertop

I would not go there ... I would simply painted or resin coat

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Pleather (aka vinyl fabric) will not withstand normal use that a desktop is subject to, and will be very difficult to attach so that it is completely flat.

Both genuine leather and glass will be very costly.

My suggestion is to purchase a piece of laminate countertop cut to size to fit the top of the desk. It is easy to clean, durable for the price, requires little maintenance, and comes in many colors.