Can I paint cherry to match black reference series?

[powershotpro]

I have a line on a good deal for a cherry RC-64, but I want it black to match everything else. Anyone know if it can be done? Would I be stupid to even think about trying it?

[tommyboy]

I definitely wouldn't try it....... If they were real wood finish, like the heritage line, maybe. But I wouldn't try to paint the ref series.......

[tommyboy]

I guess you could test drive it on yoru Polks! [6]

[sunburnwilly]

Here we go again [li]

[Jay481985]

I definitely wouldn't try it....... If they were real wood finish, like the heritage line, maybe. But I wouldn't try to paint the ref series.......

They are real wood finish!

Also still made in HOPE Arkansas.

[Rich_Guy]

I definitely wouldn't try it....... If they were real wood finish, like the heritage line, maybe. But I wouldn't try to paint the ref series.......

They are real wood, the higher end reference line is real wood.

I would not try to paint it, I do not think the result would be very good. If you can get it for a great deal I would buy to either resell or possibly even trade for one in black.

[BLSamuel]

They are real wood finish!

Also still made in HOPE Arkansas.

The larger Reference, RF-63, RC-64, RF-83 are veneered in Cherry or Black Ash, the Ash I believe is lacquered in black. I prefer natural wood but black lacquered wood can also be quite stunning.

I definitely wouldn't paint them black. The smaller black Reference are finished in black Ash woodgrain vinyl. In either case, painting the speaker would probably be a bad idea but refinishing in black lacquer would probably be fine though it wouldn't match exactly as Cherry has a different grain than Ash.

[powershotpro]

I emailed Klipsch to find out what they use. I'm not overly concerned about the grain because looking straight on you can't see it anyway, plus black tends to hide things well unless you're looking for something specific. Since it's a real wood veneer I should be able to sand the original finish off and it should work out ok as long as Klipsch lets me know what the correct finish is. I'm getting a boner thinking about having that beast in my house, yes!

[powershotpro]

I guess you could test drive it on yoru Polks!

Dude! Not nice. But in my haste a few years ago to replace my Blowse system I thought the Polks were pretty cool. And then one fine wintery day I stumbled upon the RF-82`s and fell in love and now I want it all. After replacing the RC-52 the plan is to is to get some RS-62 or 52`s and give the Polk`s to the kids to destroy.

[Groomlakearea51]

Yes.... it can be done.... but it will be irreversible...

The factory lacquer finish: the veneer was birch until the early 90's when they went with ash. Ash is more "figured" and looks nicer than lacquered birch. The factory currently uses a Valspar/OPEX production lacquers. "production" means that the part number, mix and sheen were specified by Klipsch and not available to consumers. That means you cannot go to a Valspar/ Sherwin Williams store and ask for "Klipsch type #40 SSG). The Klipsch production lacquer comes pre-thinned for spraying and the amount of thinner and flattening agent, drying agent, etc. is formulated for Klipsch based upon not only the sheen they want but also for the spraying environment (booth temperatures, humidity).

You can "roll" lacquer primer, but only on bare sanded wood. You cannot roll the actual lacquer, or the clear lacquer top coat (well... you could... but it will look like doo doo)

The veneer should be sanded with #220 or #240 grit using and random orbital sander to prepare the factory clear lacquer coat. You will know that you have scuffed it up because the sanding dust will be whitish/ yellowish dependent on the age of the speaker. Be very careful.... Try not to get into the veneer..... Change pads every side.

The first coat you will use is a #40 sheen semi-gloss (not satin) lacquer primer; it is available by simply asking for a black #40 sheen lacquer primer. If the paint store folks are clueless.... Have them look up lacquers and specify a semi-gloss. They may only have a #35 or #45, etc. The difference is negligible, and you can always add some "flattening agent" if you get #45.

To apply it, you should use an air compressor and a finishing gun. See http://forums.klipsch.com/forums/t/109618.aspx for the tools, and prepping, etc.

Ideally you should be ready to shoot all three lacquers starting with two light coats of the primer. As soon as the primer is dry to the touch, you should shoot two light coats of #40 sheen, semi-gloss black (called SSG), and then as soon as that's dry to the touch, shoot the coat of #40 sheen clear. I apply one coat of the clear because I like some more "grain" than some folks. The factory pretty much does about 2 coats.

Lacquer is funny stuff.... You should spray in a well ventilated area, wear a mask/ respirator, and the painting area should be completely enclosed with sheets, etc. lacquer will get on everything if it's not covered and you are inside a garage, etc. Once it's on something it's very, very difficult to get off... You can get it off with lacquer thinner.... but.... you can damage plastics, etc.

You will need lacquer thinner because the lacquer in the cans will be too thick to spray correctly. I suggest some practice mixes starting with 10% - 15% thinner, etc. You should also practice on pieces of plywood, etc. until you have your spray patterns correct and the effect is what you are looking for.

Best thing to do.... try to find a black RC and swap it for the cherry....\

Hope that is of some assistance.

[Daddy Dee]

I agree with Marshall.

Klipsch paints real wood black in the factory. If done carefully, a nice result can be obtained. It won't be a perfect match, but satisfactory, to my subjective taste. IMO, of course.

The change would indeed be irreversible.

[powershotpro]

Thanks for the detailed advice. That sounds a little daunting and maybe you're right, I should just find a black one.

[jacksonbart]

To answer your question I need you to pick the senario that best decribes how you would act if:

You owned the original painting of Mona Lisa as painted by da Vinci in the 16th century.

Would you rather:

A) Paint a mustache on her and call the painting Mona Larry

Install a non removable device which plays a women's sounds of joy at a high decible 24/7/365 and rename the painting the Moaning Lisa

C) Sell the painting for a small fortune and buy a matching center channel that is painted black.

[BigStewMan]

To answer your question I need you to pick the senario that best decribes how you would act if:

You owned the original painting of Mona Lisa as painted by da Vinci in the 16th century.

Would you rather:

A) Paint a mustache on her and call the painting Mona Larry

Install a non removable device which plays a women's sounds of joy at a high decible 24/7/365 and rename the painting the Moaning Lisa

C) Sell the painting for a small fortune and buy a matching center channel that is painted black.

JB--What kind of mustache? I mean, definately not if it would be a porn-stache or goatee; but, a nice handlebar mustache--got to think about that one.

[Rich_Guy]

To answer your question I need you to pick the senario that best decribes how you would act if:

You owned the original painting of Mona Lisa as painted by da Vinci in the 16th century.

Would you rather:

A) Paint a mustache on her and call the painting Mona Larry

Install a non removable device which plays a women's sounds of joy at a high decible 24/7/365 and rename the painting the Moaning Lisa

C) Sell the painting for a small fortune and buy a matching center channel that is painted black.

I think Mona would look cute with a mustache, maybe if I could also sign my name next to da Vinci's. OK I pick A) []

[tommyboy]

I definitely wouldn't try it....... If they were real wood finish, like the heritage line, maybe. But I wouldn't try to paint the ref series.......

They are real wood finish!

Also still made in HOPE Arkansas.

Doh!!! My bad.... [*-)][:#]

[powershotpro]

To answer your question I need you to pick the senario that best decribes how you would act if:

You owned the original painting of Mona Lisa as painted by da Vinci in the 16th century.

Would you rather:

A) Paint a mustache on her and call the painting Mona Larry

Install a non removable device which plays a women's sounds of joy at a high decible 24/7/365 and rename the painting the Moaning Lisa

C) Sell the painting for a small fortune and buy a matching center channel that is painted black.

Hmmm, I have a boner thinking about moaning Lisa so I'll have to go with moaning Lisa.

In the end the decision is.....I can get a new RC-62 for $329 so I might just do that and add a pair of surrounds (52's or 62's) for the same price as the 64, get rid of my Pork's and then convince myself that I am done. Ya sure, until I see a Palladium in person.