BigmouthinDC Messages: 41 Registered: February 2010 Location: No VA
Baron
I did manage to get the the braces glued in place and the backs on all three boxes this weekend, Started to Bondo the seams and do the first sanding. However now I need to shift gears this week for a kitchen counter top installation and then do a subway tile back-splash so the cabinets will be aging for a week. Crossover parts should be delivered today but one of the caps is back-ordered for later this week.
I've been reading a number of sources on painting the cabinets and haven't quite decided. Some of the favorite finishes like duratex look a little to shining for the front baffle. I may end up with putting one finish on the whole cabinet and then shooting some flat black on just the front.
Anyone, Any suggestions? I like a little bit of texture (like vinyl) and I dislike the rough feel of the truck bed liner solutions.
Rubberized black bumper paint has come up on some thread.
Wayne Parham Messages: 18758 Registered: January 2001
Illuminati (33rd Degree)
I've used truck bed liner and I've also used black formica. Both are excellent. The truck bed liner is easier to apply, in my opinion, and not as shiny. You can also spray over it with flat black to make it even more dull.
rkeman Messages: 78 Registered: March 2010 Location: Florida
Viscount
Duratex and LSS Aligator finishes are both excellent choices and can provide a fairly matte appearance while still having some life and body. Both are very tough when dry. If cost is an issue, Valspar satin acrylic latex in Kettle Black can be found at Lowes and produces a mild orange peel finish with a smooth roller. At least two coats are necessary over unprimed MDF and plan for about 10 days before the finish is fully dry before monting the drivers.
BigmouthinDC Messages: 41 Registered: February 2010 Location: No VA
Baron
Thanks Rkeman for the LSS lead.
I can find plenty of pictures of Duratex painted speaker projects including this one which shows exactly what I DON'T want:
Too shiny and I'd like a much more subtle texture.
I haven't found a single LSS painted project with a Google images search.
I did find this documented project that used a foam roller with the Duratex. This is close to what I want and I bet I could hit the front baffle with a coat of flat if needed.
Wayne Parham Messages: 18758 Registered: January 2001
Illuminati (33rd Degree)
It's durable and easy to apply. I think you'll be pleased. That's what I put on the 12π hornsubs, and the finish holds up well even under massive abuse. They've taken everything from summer sun (105° in the shade) to load-in/load-out on semi trucks to rowdy crowds and they rarely even need touch up. At 285lbs, rolling them up the truck ramps and then sliding them across the bed, you would expect the bottoms to wear through but they really don't. It's good stuff.
I know your application won't need any of that but I'm just sayin'.
BigmouthinDC Messages: 41 Registered: February 2010 Location: No VA
Baron
UPDATE:
I put on two coats of Bulls-Eye sanding sealer and sanded. The MDF soaked it up like a sponge.
Sprayed on a coat of sanding primer. While not required for the Duratex it will help in finding any remaining voids and rough spots that need some attention before putting on the Duratex.
Also pics of the recesses for the banana binding posts.
Thanks for posting the pics. Great to see other builder's work- yours appears exceptional. Looking forward to reading your listening impressions. BTW- do you have a dedicated two channel system in addition to your HT?
BigmouthinDC Messages: 41 Registered: February 2010 Location: No VA
Baron
Thanks for the feedback. As for two channel listening, I do enjoy music, I tend to enjoy it mostly as a sound track for my life while I am either on the move or taking an exercise class. I'm afraid a dedicated two channel listening set up would get little use in my house.