jdbeachbum Posted May 9, 2009 Share Posted May 9, 2009 Hello all, this is my first post but read the site all the time. I just purchased a set of FORTE's on craigslist but the cabinets are looking a little weathered. Needs a good sanding and some repair (the bottom sectoin needs replacement) on the venear. My question to all is would it be a mistake to abandon the oak finish and put a black piano finish on the cabinets? The black is better suited for the room but don't want to have the speakers worthless by doing it. Any input will be appreciated. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jerohm Posted May 9, 2009 Share Posted May 9, 2009 Oak will take to Black JUST fine ... if that is what YOU want to do... walnut, because of the lack of grain depth, is ONE I wouldn't recommend. If you DO decide on painting them ... I highly recommend Rust-Oleum Black Satin #7777 and one of these http://yankeebelle.wordpress.com/2008/02/02/saving-my-trigger-fingers-life/ AND one of these https://www.hardwareworld.com/12-inch-Round-Lazy-Susan-Turntable-pW3ASQT.aspx Get your work up off the ground so you can stand while you paint. Good Luck Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Erniek Posted May 12, 2009 Share Posted May 12, 2009 Interesting, I am in the process of refinishing my Forte's as well. I had one of them with a water damaged top that I had to cut half of the veneer off of and sand down to where the water damage stops on the wood and then I am filling in the cavities with wood filler. I will then sand and reveneer that portion to see if I can match the oak well enough. My goal is to change the stain color on the wood from the natural oak finish to something of a cherry finish. Don't know if that can be accomplished but the worst I could do is end up painting them black. Anyone out there have any suggestions on steam cleaning the grills? They are dirty but have no defects. I am wondering if steam cleaning would damage them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daddy Dee Posted May 12, 2009 Share Posted May 12, 2009 Welcome to the forum. Yeh. I think I'd be changing the color to black as well. It's alot easier than trying to get all the veneer repaired to be up to snuff for visible wood grain finish. be careful sanding them down. That veneer is quite thin. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jdbeachbum Posted May 12, 2009 Author Share Posted May 12, 2009 Thanks Daddy Dee for the welcome. That sounds like good advice. I was thinking on the same lines also as Erniek about changing the color to cherry but thought if i stained them and it didn't turn out well then i have double the work getting that finish off to be ready for paint. Too many choices! What's a man to do! Jack Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jdbeachbum Posted May 13, 2009 Author Share Posted May 13, 2009 I need some good advice on the finish I am looking to acquire. I haven't researched for products yet but to get a piano finish I would think that a 2 part epoxy system is what I need. Not looking for just black paint in which the grain still shows but a deep black mirror finish. Might anybody know of a product that would give me that type of finish? Thanks, Jack Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jerohm Posted May 13, 2009 Share Posted May 13, 2009 about 50 coats of high gloss black lacquer then ... ( well maybe a 'few' less, but NOT many ). If you are really serious about piano black, lacquer is the way to go, but what you are asking for, will be almost impossible to attain without professional equipment/environment. Some others opinions: http://www.lungster.com/l/speakers/pianofinish.shtml Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Erniek Posted May 14, 2009 Share Posted May 14, 2009 There are some real nice alternate spray finishes that I think would hide the wood grain or give some effect that is unique. Today I spray finished my KA3500 metal case with a sand finish Rustoleum black paint and it looks really good. I am thinking about getting some creative with the finish for my Fortes but if I don't like the look it will be a chore to redo. Fun anyway. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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