How to Re-Veneer Speakers
Wood veneer is a popular choice for giving your speaker boxes a refined finish. Veneer manufacturing involves slicing and forming wood into thin sheets. Hardware stores carry veneer in a huge variety of thicknesses, styles and colors. Properly applying veneer to a speaker box requires a steady hand and patience. Even when you have learned the basic steps, it's quite possible to make a mistake. Follow all directions and safety guidelines, and you'll soon be an accomplished applier of true wood veneer. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Paint scraper
- Handheld sander
- Work gloves
- Goggles
- Bondo
- Single-ply wood veneer
- Contact cement
- Measuring tape
- Box cutter
- Straight edge
- Paint roller or brush
- Respirator
Instructions
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Taking Off Old Veneer
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1
Choose a work area outside or in a garage with the door open. If you work in a garage, lay down a tarp to catch dust and debris.
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2
Remove the old veneer with a paint scraper. Find the seam and force the scraper underneath. Move the scraper side-to-side as you remove the veneer from the wooden box.
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3
Sand off any leftover veneer or glue spots with a handheld sander. Wear sturdy gloves and goggles, because particles can easily get into your eyes.
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4
Fill any dings or holes in the speaker boxes with bondo or a similar product, and use a router to give a slight curve to the corners. Curved corners are important because veneer will break before it will fit to a 90-degree corner.
Applying New Veneer
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Measure the box dimensions. Specifically, measure the length all the way around the box as well as the front-to-back depth.
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Cut a section of veneer that is about 4 inches wider than the box is deep and 4 inches longer than it is around.
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Test the fit of the veneer before applying any contact cement. You want to catch potential problems sooner rather than later.
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Lay the veneer face-down. Apply an even layer of contact cement to the box and the veneer with a roller or firm brush. Don't go all the way to the edges of the veneer. Leave a couple of inches free of contact cement on each side and about 4 inches on the ends. Wear gloves and a respirator during this process. Allow the contact cement to dry.
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Apply a second coat of contact cement. Wait for this second coat to dry as well. This kind of glue retains its sticky qualities for hours after it dries.
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Set the box squarely in the middle of the veneer. Press down firmly. Roll the box onto one side, being sure the the veneer on the bottom remains stuck to the box.
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Roll the speaker box onto its other side, leaving only the top uncovered by veneer. Press down one section of veneer onto the top, and rest the other section flat on top of the first section.
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12
Trim excess veneer from the side with a sharp box cutter knife and metal straight edge. Determine the best point to trim the veneer at the top to provide a seamless appearance. Add a little more contact cement to the top flap to ensure it stays in place. Allow the speaker box to rest for a day while the contact cement completely dries.
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Tips & Warnings
A perfect veneering job requires practice. Don't get upset if you see an air bubble in your finished work. Consider practicing on junk boxes before trying your hand on speakers that you'll actually have in your house.
Contact cements is highly flammable and gives off noxious vapors. Wear a respirator as you work with this substance.
