speaker veneer refubishing

[evo6tme]

I`ve been restoring some kef 104/2 speakers over the last couple of months and have nearly finished . So before i put them back together i`m going to fix the wood veneers (black ash) . I`ve taken 20 years of crud off and sanded the veneers back , allough some black remains in the grain ,which without bleeching is permenant . Not a problem as i want to stay black .

Originally the black was satin with the lighter grain just shinning through .... does anybody have any idea how this was done ???? [*-)]

 

[Richard Allen]

I suspect that the 'black' was in actual fact a black dye applied to the cabinet first. Then, 4 maybe 5 coats of 20% gloss lacquer on top. This will give the satin effect. In fact, if it took you quite some time to rub them back, that is probably the way they were done originally.

 

[Anonymous]

Agree with Richard, if you are going to re-apply the dye then remember the rule of less is best, take your time until you are happy with the final colour, then lacquer with a very good quality brush, or spray if you have the knowledge again light coats and rub down in between with fine wet or dry. If you can get a local spray painter to finish them then all the better.

 

[evo6tme]

Cheers chaps , i like a consensus makes my mind up

. now got to find a desent laquer. I dont want to use polyurethane as it will end up quite thick ... Edging towards nitro-cellulose . If its good enought for gutars it should be fine for my speakers ??

 

[Anonymous]

If your going to use cellulose then it will have to be sprayed, when it dries it will be cold to the touch, and when you rub it down it will turn white, don,t fret, re-applying the lacquer will have a clear finish.

 

[Richard Allen]

johnnyjazz:If your going to use cellulose then it will have to be sprayed, when it dries it will be cold to the touch, and when you rub it down it will turn white, don,t fret, re-applying the lacquer will have a clear finish.

Johnnyjazz is dead right but, if you want a finish you can apply yourself, try Shellac. It's basically the oldest finish ever used. Brush or rag, doesn't matter. The only drawback is the fact that you will need to apply at least 16 (16!!!!) coats, rubbing down with 400-1000 grit flour paper in between coats but, I promise you, they will shine. You can normally get Shellac from most artist supply companies.