How to make a durable back panel?

tktran · 22nd February 2004, 04:59 PM

I think most speakers' back panels are matt black, and quite hard-wearing (in case of need to transport you'd probably want to lay the speaker down this way)

What's a good way to paint the back panel to give this durable finish? Is it achievable without having to use a brush (hate brush strokes, and don't have professional spraying equipment)

Hoping to get a piano gloss black without doing the hard work, I tried an enamel spraypaint (2 coats of gloss black) after 2 coats of MDF primer. This turned out really well, except it scratches very easily. Just gently running the back of my fingernails across it will leave scratchmarks.

HTRookie · 22nd February 2004, 05:06 PM

Aerosol spray bombs will not provide you with a durable finish. Assuming you do not have access to spray equipment, you could try a one-part polyurethane-these forumulations are harder than enamels.

The best approach would be to use a two-part catalyzed finish-spray only.. The paint is MUCH more durable, and will look great for a long time..

Good luck,

sreten · 22nd February 2004, 05:35 PM

Piano gloss finish requires several coats of clear lacquer on
top to protect the flat finish and allow buffing / polishing.

As you've found out.

Take a look at your average electric guitar, very thick clear coating.

If using car paint, use leveller spray on the black layer, and
after applying the clear layers, makes a big difference.

Rollering a durable matt finish is your best bet for the back.
I believe the cheap foam rollers are much better than the
expensive wool ones for this.
Still, apply the paint in several thin layers and never overload
the roller with paint.

edit : another tip - wrap the roller with a plastic bag or
similar between layers drying, saves lots of cleaning grief.

sreten.

tktran · 23rd February 2004, 06:43 AM

is it ok to put polyurethane on top of my painted back panels?

1 or 2 coats polyurethane on top of the already spray painted backs?

they already look good to me. not REAL high gloss piano finish, but friends have commented that it looks quite good.

tktran · 24th February 2004, 05:41 PM

anyone?

can polyu be used on top of oil based paints?

22nd February 2004, 04:59 PM	#1
tktran Account Disabled Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Perth	How to make a durable back panel? I think most speakers' back panels are matt black, and quite hard-wearing (in case of need to transport you'd probably want to lay the speaker down this way) What's a good way to paint the back panel to give this durable finish? Is it achievable without having to use a brush (hate brush strokes, and don't have professional spraying equipment) Hoping to get a piano gloss black without doing the hard work, I tried an enamel spraypaint (2 coats of gloss black) after 2 coats of MDF primer. This turned out really well, except it scratches very easily. Just gently running the back of my fingernails across it will leave scratchmarks.

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22nd February 2004, 05:06 PM	#2
HTRookie diyAudio Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Left Coast	Aerosol spray bombs will not provide you with a durable finish. Assuming you do not have access to spray equipment, you could try a one-part polyurethane-these forumulations are harder than enamels. The best approach would be to use a two-part catalyzed finish-spray only.. The paint is MUCH more durable, and will look great for a long time.. Good luck,

22nd February 2004, 05:35 PM	#3
sreten diyAudio Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Brighton UK	Piano gloss finish requires several coats of clear lacquer on top to protect the flat finish and allow buffing / polishing. As you've found out. Take a look at your average electric guitar, very thick clear coating. If using car paint, use leveller spray on the black layer, and after applying the clear layers, makes a big difference. Rollering a durable matt finish is your best bet for the back. I believe the cheap foam rollers are much better than the expensive wool ones for this. Still, apply the paint in several thin layers and never overload the roller with paint. edit : another tip - wrap the roller with a plastic bag or similar between layers drying, saves lots of cleaning grief. sreten.

23rd February 2004, 06:43 AM	#4
tktran Account Disabled Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Perth	is it ok to put polyurethane on top of my painted back panels? 1 or 2 coats polyurethane on top of the already spray painted backs? they already look good to me. not REAL high gloss piano finish, but friends have commented that it looks quite good.

24th February 2004, 05:41 PM	#5
tktran Account Disabled Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Perth	anyone? can polyu be used on top of oil based paints?

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