re-conditioning PA cabinets

[levyte357]

I recently acquired 4 18" scoop bins at an absurdly cheap price
due to reclaim of storage space.

Unfortunately, they are made of High Density chipboard,
and covered with aged vinly covering, but have good dimensions and are VERY, VERY solid.

My "Sound Guy" I took with me to check them out before buying them, said it would be worthwhile to strip the vinyl, and spray them with fibreglass resin.

I am in E London.

Q1. Where can I get fibreglass spray in London?
Q2. Is it better to paint boxes first, then spray/paint on resin?
Q3. Would it be cheaper for a cabinet maker to do it ?

Thanx in advance.

[sreten]

fibreglass spray ? You'd need a specialist fibreglass fabricator
that has the equipment for spraying chopped fibre, why you'd
want to do this I'm not sure.

Fibreglass resin is polyester resin, I can't see the advantage
of using the stuff over say rollering on scuff resistant paint.

If you strip the vinyl depending on the glue uses to attach the
vinyl your likely to end up with some very ropey looking cabinets.

If the vinyl is not damaged I'd simply remove all protrective fittings
and spray or use a roller with black paint. Even black shoe polish
works a treat on very tired looking vinyl, though black spray paint
is obvoiusly more permanent, try black hammerite spray paint.

Then refit all protective fittings.

sreten.

[levyte357]

Thanks for info.

I like the sound of the "old hammerite ploy"..

However the vinyl will definetly have to go as couple of the bins have big rips and tears.

The sound guy mentioned the fibre glass spray as we know of a PA manuf. who uses chipboard boxes and sprays them.

I thought the fibre glass waterproofed and strengthened, but I guess not. So if Hammerite waterproofs and goes on OK.. why not..

If there is "ropey" glue left after removing vinyl, what can be used to remove it safely from the chipB?

Can the Hammerite be applied straight to the bare chipboard ?

Cheers.

[sreten]

If the vinyl is going I'd roller on scuff resistant paint.

sreten.

[richie00boy]

'spray fibreglass resin' is something I would imagine is nothing short of horrendous and probably comes from the same factory as 'asbestos christmas decorations'

Hammerite paint has glass fibres in it as well as the silicone -- that's why it dries so hard. It's possible that's what the person meant. Hammerite can chip though. Maybe if you can get a big trade tin of car anti-stonechip paint that would be the best solution (with a standard overcoat to pretty it up).

[bigmike216]

Also, a good coating is the rubberised truck bed liner. You can get it in good sized cans, and roll it on yourself. The stuff isnt cheap, but it isnt too expensive either

[levyte357]

I think I have been convinced into forgetting fibre spray/resin.

The Boxes have obviously lasted quite a few years and are still very solid. I just want them to be water/moisture/weather proofed enough for transit to/from indoor events (wedding receptions/hired halls/dinner&dance).

Carpet looks nice, but hassle to maintain...

Have been told today about a Product from a company in Uxbridge UK, called "Trimite".

Appararently a Primer/Single Coat application used precisely for PA/Band enclosures.....

Anyone know of/used this before ?

[Bull]

So you said they are made of high density chipboard??? most chipboard is low density crap.
So all I can guess is they are a cement loaded grade of chipboard,being high density.

Anyway fine for install use only [in a pub/club permentally].But you said you want them to be moisture/water resistant LOL chipboard will crumble if it gets wet.

So either u flightcase them with metal corners and aluminium edge pieces and put at least 10 coats of paint on the crappy chipboard.They mite last ok if not got wet or moist.

But for any moist/wet condition, FORGET IT, and use normal ply or birch ply and nothing alse!

P.S.
Also chipboard don't hold screws well at all; put T nuts and use pozi head bolt/screws on every screw hole.

[Bull]

Oh and if u decide to go with the idea of flight casing them.
To remove the ripped black vinyl use a electric sander and a scraping tool [used normally for scraping off wallpaper].

[HiSPL]

Fiberglass is very water proof when you use the right stuff. What do you think boats are made of? Don't get the polyesther resin it is not completely waterproof. What you want is WEST system epoxy http://www.westsystem.com/ . It is quite strong and chip resistant. And, you don't have to use ANY fiberglass cloth if you don't want too. I believe it can also be tinted black if that is your preference. And most importantly, it can be applied right over any kind of wood, plastic, or steel. Just remove your vinyl, sand smooth and apply the epoxy.


BTW, check out some of the homemade boats in the photo gallery.... http://www.westsystem.com/cgi-bin/ewmag_readproj.pl .

Good luck