Questions about refinishing a black CF-3?

[Cleve]

One of the pair of CF-3s I purchased back in November is in good

cosmetic shape, the other looks like the finish was damaged by water at

some time in the past. The cabinet doesn't appear warped -

but the black finish is spotty. Also, there's a plastic coating

on the wooden trim on the front of the cabinet. Part of this

plastic-like coating is peeled off and missing in places.

So first, what type of paint/finish should I use on the cabinet?

And what would I use to replace the plastic coating on the wooden

trim? Also, what's the best painting technique?

Spray, brush, etc? I know next to nothing about

woodworking or finishing wood. Thanks for your help and patience!

[Flason]

Can't say how to replace the plastic trim, but I seem to recall others saying Krylon black #777 spraypaint was what they used to refinish their black speakers. Too bad the search function ain't what it use to be or I'd find the post. I'm going to need it sor my scratched up Academy someday.

[colterphoto1]

Hi Jim, I remember those CF's. Seems that one of them must have sat outside and become wet on top and had some sun exposure.

The top appears to have had the grain lifted considerably, so some sanding will be required to get it flat again. I'd just block sand maybe 150 to start, go coarser if it doesn't do the trick. Then use a putty knife to apply some wood filler (the smooth kind, not with wood fibres in it), let dry, then sand back down with fine grade papers. The 777 sounds right.

I don't know what to do about that black trim bezel piece. It looks like it was warped by the sun, then bits cracked off. You might be best cutting away the warped section and trying to paint the underlying wood board with the same 777 paint to match. Either that or contact Klipsch, but doubt if you could get a replacement grille from them. Maybe fabricate replacement 'standard' grilles for both CF3's or just keep em in the dark (they're rear surrounds, right?).

Good luck with the repairs, I've got a KG4 with the same top problem.

Michael

[Cleve]

I don't know what to do about that

black trim bezel piece. It looks like it was warped by the sun, then

bits cracked off. You might be best cutting away the warped section and

trying to paint the underlying wood board with the same 777 paint to

match. Either that or contact Klipsch, but doubt if you could get a

replacement grille from them. Maybe fabricate replacement 'standard'

grilles for both CF3's or just keep em in the dark (they're rear

surrounds, right?).

Michael

It's not part of the grill assembly - it's a one-piece (or it was once)

layer of plastic that coats/covers the entire faceboard of the

speaker. The water must have caused it to lift from the wood, and

then cracked/peeled away to reveal the bare wood

underneath. I don't know how it was applied to the

wood, or how best to repair it. I could cut the defective section

away (a couple feet long) and paint, but it would look shoddy

IMO.

[T2K]

Four (4) sevens.

http://www.rustoleum.com/product.asp?frm_product_id=19&SBL=1

Keith