How to Install Speaker Cloth

Speaker cloth is made from acoustically transparent fabric.

Sprucing up old speakers is an ideal home audio project for a do-it-yourselfer. Replacing the speaker's cloth, also known as grille cloth, can update a speaker and provide a visual barrier without losing audio quality. Speaker cloth can be purchased online, in home audio catalogs or at a local acoustic shop that sells instruments and stereo equipment. With the right equipment and a few basic tools, this project can be completed in one afternoon with ease.

Things You'll Need

• Speaker (grille) cloth
• Rubber cement
• Scissors
• Utility knife

Instructions

1. Detach the speaker's frame to remove the old speaker cloth. This varies according to brand and model of speaker, so refer to manufacturer's manual for precise instructions. Remove the cloth, starting at the corners, by running a utility knife cleanly around the frame to remove all cloth.

2. Cut new speaker cloth to the appropriate dimensions of the speaker. You can do this by laying the speaker's frame on the cloth and cutting the cloth with scissors. Be sure to leave a 3-inch margin around the entire frame.

3. Apply a thin line of rubber cement around the frame's edge. Allow the rubber cement to get tacky. Press the frame onto the cloth, making sure the cloth remains flat and taut. Let the rubber cement harden and secure the cloth.

References

• Acoustone Speaker Cloth: Video - How to Install
• Human Speakers: How to: Build Speaker Grills
• Simply Speakers: Grill Cloth Replacement (PDF)