Is it possible to paint a vinyl veneer?

[Rob_63]

I would like to paint a cherry JBL LC2 to match my black L880's, is there any kind of special prep I would need to do to the center speakers veneer? Any particular kind of paint that should be used?

Thanks!

Rob

 

[bikdav]

As for vinyl veneer, no special prep need be done. If anything, you should consider putting two coats of paint on the speakers for bets results.

 

[highfigh]

I would like to paint a cherry JBL LC2 to match my black L880's, is there any kind of special prep I would need to do to the center speakers veneer? Any particular kind of paint that should be used?

Thanks!

Rob

You can buy vinyl dye, usually used for changing the color of auto upholstery. It sticks really well but the vinyl needs to be very clean. Water-based paint will never stick unless you use the proper primer.

 

[benjammin]

I've had good luck using spray paint labeled "paint for plastic".

 

[Rob_63]

thanks for the replies fella's. I used to do Autobody and paint work for a living 20 years back and am familiar with how to properly prepare metal, fiberglass and urethane substrates but wasn't sure how to go about a vinyl laminate. I imagine using a scotchbrite pad to scuff up the surface and a couple of coats with an appropriate paint from a spray bomb would do the trick, hopefully it will remain adhered and not lift/peel in the future.

 

[Emig5m]

Yes, I did it to a B&W HTM61 nearly brand new so that it would match my other black speakers:

One of the speakers I was matching:

I used Krylon Plastic Paint. I believe it was matte finish. I was actually shocked at how perfect of a match it was to B&W's black ash. Only prep I did was tape off any areas I didn't want painted. I've painted monitors, Xbox's, etc.. this way.

 

[bikdav]

Wow!

Yes, I did it to a B&W HTM61 nearly brand new so that it would match my other black speakers:

One of the speakers I was matching:

I used Krylon Plastic Paint. I believe it was matte finish. I was actually shocked at how perfect of a match it was to B&W's black ash. Only prep I did was tape off any areas I didn't want painted. I've painted monitors, Xbox's, etc.. this way.

That looks like one seriously excellent paint job. For my information [because I'm always looking for a better way to do something], was that sprayed on or applied with a brush?

 

[Emig5m]

That looks like one seriously excellent paint job. For my information [because I'm always looking for a better way to do something], was that sprayed on or applied with a brush?

Sprayed from a can bought at Walmart: Walmart.com: Krylon 12 oz Fusion for Plastic, Satin Black: Paint & Home Decor

The pic in the link above says gloss on the can but definitely don't get the gloss if you're trying to mimic something like black ash like I did (I tested the gloss vs satin on an old Cerwin Vega vinyl finished cabinet before going to town on the brand new B&W). I know I said matte above but I'm pretty sure it was satin. The only other prep work I might of done is dusted/cleaned the cabinet with Windex and a automotive microfiber rag. It really did come out good and I had no trouble selling the speaker on Audiogon even with the disclosure that I had painted it myself.

Oh wait, one important detail; After painting and letting the paint dry for about 45 minutes to an hour, take a old white T-shirt and buff the finish to get all the paint dust off and to leave the finish perfectly smooth.

And lastly, although you can safely touch and final buff the paint within 45 minutes, this paint takes about four days+ (at least) to stop emitting toxic fumes that will give you the migraine from hell! (just a warning and I normally like the smell of fresh house paint, but this stuff will give you the migraine from hell! Worse than any other type of paint I've ever used!) Of course, multiple light coats rather than one heavy coat. I think the final buffing with a T-shirt is extremely important because this paint left a lot of paint dust on the finish, moreso than any other type of paint I've used before. It will look and feel on the rough side until dry buffed (i.e. use nothing other than a clean dry T-shirt). And some minor visible streaking will totally disappear after the paint has fully cured. I actually took that pic within an hour of the final coat right after the dry buff with a T-shirt.

 

[Rob_63]

Emig5m thanks very much for taking the time to post those picts, and it looks like an excellent job was done on it! I am now inspired and motivated to tackle the LC2, I will get the paint and a tack rag and get busy this weekend.

 

[bikdav]

Thank you clearing this up. I think that I'll try the spray paint procedure. But, thank you also for the warning about the fumes.

 

[BarthrenK]

First I would make sure the paint would not affect or distort the sound of your speakers. I have done some furniture refinishing and vinyl is difficult to paint. You can really make a mess. Perhaps you could practice on something else. Getting it to adhere is the tough part. My best guess is a plastic spray paint and lots of luck.

 

[charmerci]

First I would make sure the paint would not affect or distort the sound of your speakers. I have done some furniture refinishing and vinyl is difficult to paint. You can really make a mess. Perhaps you could practice on something else. Getting it to adhere is the tough part. My best guess is a plastic spray paint and lots of luck.

I'm sure he's already finished - as this is a 4 1/2 year old post.

 

[BarthrenK]

Perhaps...and perhaps not...I was so caught up reading and thinking about the project that I didn't look at the date. Caught your eye, didn't it? See, I told you it was spellbinding...