Repainting speakers

[Entrigo]

So, after MUCH reading and researching, I think I might have found the right speakers for me - pending demo (hopefully next weekend).

And I have found a pair which are heavily discounted.

So, aside from the demo telling me that what I think I want is not actually what I like (neutral and resolving, departing from my previous penchant for slightly warm), there is one BIG issue.

This pair of speakers - which also seem to be the only ones on sale anywhere in the UK (Revel F206, by the way) are gloss white.

I have never even considered gloss white speakers before and still not enamoured of them - add that a resounding WAF failure, and I have a problem.

Hence I started thinking about respraying them - or better, getting someone to do it for me.

So:

1. Has anyone ever done anything like that?
2. Does anyone know of any company that does this? Found one around Peterborough but they state up to 5 months lead time. Obviously that's a non-starter.
3. How much could I expect to pay for the pleasure?
4. Alternatively - does anyone know of any company that does made to measure vinyl wrapping?

And last but not least - is repainting (and secondarily vinyl wrapping) a really bad idea??

P.s. These would be very much on show in our living room, so aesthetic and WAF are essential...

 

[Shrek]

So, after MUCH reading and researching, I think I might have found the right speakers for me - pending demo (hopefully next weekend).

And I have found a pair which are heavily discounted.

So, aside from the demo telling me that what I think I want is not actually what I like (neutral and resolving, departing from my previous penchant for slightly warm), there is one BIG issue.

This pair of speakers - which also seem to be the only ones on sale anywhere in the UK (Revel F206, by the way) are gloss white.

I have never even considered gloss white speakers before and still not enamoured of them - add that a resounding WAF failure, and I have a problem.

Hence I started thinking about respraying them - or better, getting someone to do it for me.

So:

1. Has anyone ever done anything like that?
2. Does anyone know of any company that does this? Found one around Peterborough but they state up to 5 months lead time. Obviously that's a non-starter.
3. How much could I expect to pay for the pleasure?
4. Alternatively - does anyone know of any company that does made to measure vinyl wrapping?

And last but not least - is repainting (and secondarily vinyl wrapping) a really bad idea??

P.s. These would be very much on show in our living room, so aesthetic and WAF are essential...

there is plenty of car vinyl wrapping shops around that will do it for you im sure be easy for them.

 

[Entrigo]

there is plenty of car vinyl wrapping shops around that will do it for you im sure be easy for them.

Good call! Didn't even think about that.

 

[Gray]

Do you think you'd be up to removing / refitting all the drivers, before handing them to someone else for cosmetics?
Could save you money and potential problems if you could.

I'll be following your story...I was listening to these old Kefs yesterday that have been stored in a loft....could do with some cosmetic attention:

I think your Revel choice might also be front ported - which is a good thing.

 

[Entrigo]

Do you think you'd be up to removing / refitting all the drivers, before handing them to someone else for cosmetics?
Could save you money and potential problems if you could.

I'll be following your story...I was listening to these old Kefs yesterday that have been stored in a loft....could do with some cosmetic attention:
View attachment 11609
I think your Revel choice might also be front ported - which is a good thing.

Good looking speakers!
They look good from here - would you be looking at varnish/staining?

Edit - I see some spots at the bottom now.

As per me removing the drivers. I thought about it for a whole of 27 seconds. Absolutely not..

It will end up with half drivers taken apart, half still in, half of the screws missing and potentially something cracked as I got impatient and used too much pressure 😂...

At the moment, vinyl wrapping seems the front runner. Found a domestic wrapping company (kitchen cabinets etc) and asked. Let's see. Wife is concerned that once wrapped, they might lose resale value (as I would definitely want to change again in a few years), but from where I am looking at it, they are great value at less than half RRP so worth a punt.

 

[Shrek]

Good looking speakers!
They look good from here - would you be looking at varnish/staining?

Edit - I see some spots at the bottom now.

As per me removing the drivers. I thought about it for a whole of 27 seconds. Absolutely not..

It will end up with half drivers taken apart, half still in, half of the screws missing and potentially something cracked as I got impatient and used too much pressure 😂...

At the moment, vinyl wrapping seems the front runner. Found a domestic wrapping company (kitchen cabinets etc) and asked. Let's see. Wife is concerned that once wrapped, they might lose resale value (as I would definitely want to change again in a few years), but from where I am looking at it, they are great value at less than half RRP so worth a punt.

the wrap can be easily removed with a little heat with no damage to the speakers.

 

[Gray]

Good looking speakers!
They look good from here - would you be looking at varnish/staining?

Well a mate suggested I painted them...to which I said it was a project for him (then he wasn't so keen 😁)

As per me removing the drivers. I thought about it for a whole of 27 seconds. Absolutely not..

😆 That's my attitude to painting.

Wife is concerned that once wrapped, they might lose resale value

She's got a point.
I assume you'd be buying them new, in which case it does seem a shame that the finish needs changing - some would argue you should find a wife that likes white.

Whether painting, staining or wrapping, I would think driver removal will be necessary.
Hopefully they can either avoid that necessity, or at least be careful 👍

 

[Dave_]

Well a mate suggested I painted them...to which I said it was a project for him (then he wasn't so keen 😁)

😆 That's my attitude to painting.

She's got a point.
I assume you'd be buying them new, in which case it does seem a shame that the finish needs changing - some would argue you should find a wife that likes white.

Whether painting, staining or wrapping, I would think driver removal will be necessary.
Hopefully they can either avoid that necessity, or at least be careful 👍

Wrapping is at least not permanent and relatively easy to return to their original finish

 

[Entrigo]

the wrap can be easily removed with a little heat with no damage to the speakers.

Great. I thought it coul. That sounds more and more like the preferred solution.

 

[Entrigo]

Well a mate suggested I painted them...to which I said it was a project for him (then he wasn't so keen 😁)
😆 That's my attitude to painting

Hahah yeah. Not an easy undertaking even if you do like painting. And it seems we share a very healthy dislike for it.

She's got a point.
I assume you'd be buying them new, in which case it does seem a shame that the finish needs changing - some would argue you should find a wife that likes white.

Whether painting, staining or wrapping, I would think driver removal will be necessary.
Hopefully they can either avoid that necessity, or at least be careful 👍

Yeah well according to the other helpful members, seems it might be reversible. The only concern - as I would be buying new as you say - it is if it might somehow invalidate warranty or whatever.


And as per getting a wife who likes white... Wouldn't help as I am not keen myself. Gloss black at a pretty long stretch but these are really not my cup of tea. Matt blacks or darker wood finishes for me (cherry, walnut)...

Good thing is that my current Focal Aria are already vinyl from the manufacturer, so it wouldn't be a "step down" finish -wise...

 

[Entrigo]

Wrapping is at least not permanent and relatively easy to return to their original finish

Good to hear - again 🙌

 

[record_spot]

Brillo Pads and a blowtorch - problem flingin' flingin' solved.

 

[Angle Poise-Lamp]

So, after MUCH reading and researching, I think I might have found the right speakers for me - pending demo (hopefully next weekend).

And I have found a pair which are heavily discounted.

So, aside from the demo telling me that what I think I want is not actually what I like (neutral and resolving, departing from my previous penchant for slightly warm), there is one BIG issue.

This pair of speakers - which also seem to be the only ones on sale anywhere in the UK (Revel F206, by the way) are gloss white.

I have never even considered gloss white speakers before and still not enamoured of them - add that a resounding WAF failure, and I have a problem.

Hence I started thinking about respraying them - or better, getting someone to do it for me.

So:

1. Has anyone ever done anything like that?
2. Does anyone know of any company that does this? Found one around Peterborough but they state up to 5 months lead time. Obviously that's a non-starter.
3. How much could I expect to pay for the pleasure?
4. Alternatively - does anyone know of any company that does made to measure vinyl wrapping?

And last but not least - is repainting (and secondarily vinyl wrapping) a really bad idea??

P.s. These would be very much on show in our living room, so aesthetic and WAF are essential...

Had a look myself, are you looking to buy from Nintronics? If so, for a price reduction like that, I would learn to live with white...

 

[Entrigo]

Had a look myself, are you looking to buy from Nintronics? If so, for a price reduction like that, I would learn to live with white...

Yeah that's what I thought. My good wife not as much. She actually made a VERY disgusted face when I showed her the picture and called them MTV speakers... 🤣.

If I find someone who can vinyl wrap them for a couple of hundred quid, it's a deal.

 

[Entrigo]

Brillo Pads and a blowtorch - problem flingin' flingin' solved.

Hahahaha don't... I'd end up seriously thinking about it 🤣

 

[Jasonovich]

So, after MUCH reading and researching, I think I might have found the right speakers for me - pending demo (hopefully next weekend).

And I have found a pair which are heavily discounted.

So, aside from the demo telling me that what I think I want is not actually what I like (neutral and resolving, departing from my previous penchant for slightly warm), there is one BIG issue.

This pair of speakers - which also seem to be the only ones on sale anywhere in the UK (Revel F206, by the way) are gloss white.

I have never even considered gloss white speakers before and still not enamoured of them - add that a resounding WAF failure, and I have a problem.

Hence I started thinking about respraying them - or better, getting someone to do it for me.

So:

1. Has anyone ever done anything like that?
2. Does anyone know of any company that does this? Found one around Peterborough but they state up to 5 months lead time. Obviously that's a non-starter.
3. How much could I expect to pay for the pleasure?
4. Alternatively - does anyone know of any company that does made to measure vinyl wrapping?

And last but not least - is repainting (and secondarily vinyl wrapping) a really bad idea??

P.s. These would be very much on show in our living room, so aesthetic and WAF are essential...

Personally, I think white looks nice. I'd leave alone, particularly if you wish to sell in a few years, it'll greatly impact on the resell value. Is it really worth it?

Or ask the question to repaint or resurface it, how much will it costs, would it not be better looking for one with alternative colour and just pay that little extra?

 

[Jasonovich]

Personally, I think white looks nice. I'd leave alone, particularly if you wish to sell in a few years, it'll greatly impact on the resell value. Is it really worth it?

Or ask the question to repaint or resurface it, how much will it costs, would it not be better looking for one with alternative colour and just pay that little extra?

View attachment 11611

The next model up has various options, even though price greatly reduced, still pricy 🙂

Revel F226Be Floorstanding Speakers

The Revel F226Be joins our award-winning PerformaBe series as a compact floorstanding loudspeaker. As part of the PerformaBe loudspeaker line, the F226Be includes a 1-inch (25mm) beryllium tweeter driven by massive 85mm dual ceramic magnets. F226Be The Revel F226Be joins our award-winning...

nintronics.co.uk

 

[Shrek]

Do you think you'd be up to removing / refitting all the drivers, before handing them to someone else for cosmetics?
Could save you money and potential problems if you could.

I'll be following your story...I was listening to these old Kefs yesterday that have been stored in a loft....could do with some cosmetic attention:
View attachment 11609
I think your Revel choice might also be front ported - which is a good thing.

would not a very light rub down and a similar colour wood stain do the job ?

 

[Entrigo]

Personally, I think white looks nice. I'd leave alone, particularly if you wish to sell in a few years, it'll greatly impact on the resell value. Is it really worth it?

Or ask the question to repaint or resurface it, how much will it costs, would it not be better looking for one with alternative colour and just pay that little extra?

View attachment 11611

Well that's the problem. This is THE only one available. Nintronics seem to be the only UK retailer that sells Revel (there's probably something to unpack there - but all reviews are glowing, including on that measurements website...). The only other option is the 236BE - but that's nearly double the price, meaning I would have to wait until next year 🤣.

Unfortunately, as always with aesthetics, it's very much a case of personal taste. While not too keen, I might get used to it, but my dear wife made it clear that she isn't having it.. And as 1 - they'll be in the living room and 2- she lets me do whatever I want, I need to concede in those rare occasions when she says no. 🤷🏻

 

[Entrigo]

would not a very light rub down and a similar colour wood stain do the job ?

The next model up has various options, even though price greatly reduced, still pricy 🙂

Revel F226Be Floorstanding Speakers

The Revel F226Be joins our award-winning PerformaBe series as a compact floorstanding loudspeaker. As part of the PerformaBe loudspeaker line, the F226Be includes a 1-inch (25mm) beryllium tweeter driven by massive 85mm dual ceramic magnets. F226Be The Revel F226Be joins our award-winning...

nintronics.co.uk

Ah yeah - 226B. Well I have asked to demo these as well anyway but have far too many expenses in the next six months to be able to stretch... But hey, should I fall in love with them, might be a little quest - see how quickly I can save up for them. No more records and actually flogging off some (I already started by listing on the bay a 1st pressing of Black Sabbath first album which I don't really care all that much about - less than about new speakers anyway 😂)

 

[Entrigo]

would not a very light rub down and a similar colour wood stain do the job ?

Probably but:
1. I assume it would require taking off all drivers so not necessarily a quick job.
2. It would be even more permanent in terms of resale value (vinyl could be taken off and the speakers returned to their original look, paint won't)
3. As per my answer to Gray, would need to pay someone to do it for many reasons. I feel vinyl wrapping might be considerably cheaper (I hope so at least). But hey, might ask a carpenter friend to see if he has any slow periods coming up and if he could do it). Or maybe my brother..

 

[Jasonovich]

Well that's the problem. This is THE only one available. Nintronics seem to be the only UK retailer that sells Revel (there's probably something to unpack there - but all reviews are glowing, including on that measurements website...). The only other option is the 236BE - but that's nearly double the price, meaning I would have to wait until next year 🤣.

Unfortunately, as always with aesthetics, it's very much a case of personal taste. While not too keen, I might get used to it, but my dear wife made it clear that she isn't having it.. And as 1 - they'll be in the living room and 2- she lets me do whatever I want, I need to concede in those rare occasions when she says no. 🤷🏻

Tell me about it, wifey always gets the final word! 🙂

 

[Entrigo]

After all that, just chatted to someone from Nintronics on eBay and they don't offer demo on clearance speakers... Well, it's a pity but not for me. ot spending £1.5-2k "sight unseen" - sound unheard?

They were obviously trying to use the old sales chestnut "it's on sale, they will not last". Not knowing I know these have been on sale for 1+ year - and forgetting that eBay shows they still have 5 in stock...

 

[Gray]

After all that, just chatted to someone from Nintronics on eBay and they don't offer demo on clearance speakers... Well, it's a pity but not for me. ot spending £1.5-2k "sight unseen" - sound unheard?

They were obviously trying to use the old sales chestnut "it's on sale, they will not last". Not knowing I know these have been on sale for 1+ year - and forgetting that eBay shows they still have 5 in stock...

Well done NINTRONICS.
You got the publicity you deserve....if not what you would've wanted.

 

[Entrigo]

Well done NINTRONICS.
You got the publicity you deserve....if not what you would've wanted.

Haha yeah. Pity. OK I get it these are only clearance items but £1.5 - £3+k speakers... And they don't offer demo? Well good luck keeping those speakers in stock another year or two.