old cone refreshing

[limono]

I'm sure this topic was covered somewhere but I can't find it . Anybody knows proven method to refresh the look of old paper cone? One speaker must have been closer to the window so the cone looks bleached out .I'm changing surrounds and would like to improve the overal look as well .Thanks, L

 

[spex]

I understand the desire to improve on the color of an old cone but I strongly recommend leaving it alone. I am reconing speakers for 35 years and I have never found a product that works well or that doesn't damage a cone, especially a vintage cone.
cathy@speakerex.com

 

[Don Hills]

Ebony wood stain, solvent based. Mask off all areas except the cone. Spray it on lightly with an airbrush and allow to dry between coats. Don't use a brush. Don't soak the cone. If it soaks through to the back, you're applying it too heavily. Practice on a junk speaker first. (Out of an old transistor radio or something.)

 

[David Gatti]

I would get hold of some water-based speaker doping compound and add a suitable food dye. It will look AND sound better.

Speaker repair tools - Speakerbits

 

[Don Hills]

Bearing in mind the original problem, food dye is not intended to be fade-proof. Check out "craft" or "artist" supplies. Look for water based dyes with "fade resistant" claims on the label. Also do a search on diyaudio.com for other threads where speaker coating has been discussed. "Modge podge" or "puzzle kote" are good search strings, these are commonly used craft products which have been suggested for speaker coating.