JohnW Posted January 25, 2022 Share Posted January 25, 2022 I bought a pair of ‘85 La Scalas yesterday, and the finish is pristine raw birch. I mean, like brand new. As in, they look like they’re literally made of plywood (because they are). I’ve always seen them with a thirty-year old patina, or stain. It’s cool, but it’s not going to fly in the family room (WAF). So this is a refnishing question: what can I put on that will accentuate the grain, add a finish (satin—even glossy, if it improves the depth) and depth but not really color the wood? And preferably something that won’t yellow over time (like boiled linseed oil). Note: I am NOT experienced at wood finishing. I use Watco Rejeuvenating Oil on my oiled walnut 85 Cornwalls, but it works because they’re dark and all I have to do is rub it on. From what I’ve read, the preparation steps are: light sanding with >220 grit sandpaper, followed by a mineral spirits wipedown, followed by a prefinishing conditioner (obviously with time in between for drying/evaporating). I guess the $64 quesion is: what to apply after that? I only get one shot, I want to get it right the first time. I’ve got a real opportunity here. Thanks in advance. 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave MacKay Posted January 25, 2022 Share Posted January 25, 2022 Beautiful speakers! Since I'll be refinishing my BR La Scalas this spring, I'll follow this thread with interest. A few questions: What are the black rectangles on either side of the tweeters? Are they cut-outs? Velcro patches for attaching grills? I'm unfamiliar with prefinishing conditioners. How do they help? What have you used? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnW Posted January 25, 2022 Author Share Posted January 25, 2022 14 minutes ago, Dave MacKay said: Beautiful speakers! Since I'll be refinishing my BR La Scalas this spring, I'll follow this thread with interest. A few questions: What are the black rectangles on either side of the tweeters? Are they cut-outs? Velcro patches for attaching grills? I'm unfamiliar with prefinishing conditioners. How do they help? What have you used? That’s Velcro from the previous owner. Removed with a heat gun last night. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
soundbound Posted January 25, 2022 Share Posted January 25, 2022 Those are beautiful. Congratulations. Enjoy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
No.4 Posted January 25, 2022 Share Posted January 25, 2022 Does the bottom of the speaker match the rest of the panels? If so, you can test oils and stains there and see what you like. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NBPK402 Posted January 25, 2022 Share Posted January 25, 2022 Personally... I would remove the drivers, and have it sprayed with a clear coat of paint with a tint of your choice added...or have the wood professionally dyed a color of your choice. Just make sure the Birch is a good candidate for dying.Sent from my SM-G985F using Tapatalk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jorjen Posted January 28, 2022 Share Posted January 28, 2022 Wow, nice to start with cabinets that look that nice. Would like to see closer pictures of both tops, both fronts(dog house, etc.)and all four sides before commenting. Also, if you feel there are any areas that concern you beyond the norm, post pics. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.