How to Install Tolex Covering Speakers

Tolex is a durable vinyl material used to cover amplifiers and speaker cabinets. It comes in a variety of styles, textures and colors. Tolex serves both a practical and an aesthetic function. It protects the speaker cabinet or amplifier and adds an element of style. If you are building a speaker cabinet or restoring one, at some point in the process you will want to cover the cabinet with tolex.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tape
• Razor blade/utility knife
• Sandpaper
• Denatured alcohol
• Cloth
• Contact cement
• Hair dryer

Instructions

1. Measure the width and length of the speaker cabinet dimensions. The tolex is installed on the back of the cabinet, the two sides, the top and the bottom. Measure the length and width of each and add 2 inches.

2. Purchase tolex fabric for the speaker cabinet. Tolex comes in a variety of styles and texures. It is available online. Consider purchasing a extra amount of tolex when you place your order. Extra tolex is good for two reasons. First, it is a good idea to practice several times before installing the tolex on a speaker cabinet or amplifier. Secondly, if you do make a mistake in cutting or applying the tolex, you have extra material for correcting the mistake.

3. Sand the cabinet with a medium- to fine-grit sandpaper. Sand the speaker cabinet until it feels smooth to the touch. Wipe the cabinet with clean cloth and denatured alcohol to remove the sanding dust. If you are installing tolex on an old speaker cabinet, clean the cabinet with an all purpose cleaner to remover dirt, grime and old glue.

4. Cut the tolex with a razor blade or utility knife according to the measurements. Remember to add 2 inches to each side. Tolex shrinks as the glue dries so it is necessary to slightly overlap the seams. Place the tolex on the speaker cabinet after cutting it to ensure that it fits properly.

5. Install the tolex one piece at a time on the speaker cabinet. Start with the piece for the top. Brush contact cement on the back side of the tolex and on the speaker cabinet. Wait for the contact cement to be tacky and glossy before attaching the tolex to the cabinet.

6. Carefully align the top piece of tolex with the front of the speaker cabinet. Keep the tolex taut as you press it down on the cabinet. Smooth it with your hands to prevent air bubbles from forming underneath the tolex. Blowing a hairdryer on the tolex keeps the contact cement more pliable as you are working with it. Allow the tolex to dry before installing the adjoining pieces. Slightly overlap the seams as you install the adjoining pieces. Follow the same gluing procedure in attaching the top piece. Cut off the excess on the edges and tuck the tolex into the edges of the cabinet.

7. Smooth the tolex several times with your hands during the curing process. The curing process takes up to 12 hours.

Tips & Warnings

• Practice on a scrap piece of wood several times to refine your technique before installing the tolex on the speaker cabinet.

• Veneer glue rollers work well to smooth the tolex.

References

• Price Amp: Tolex Recovering Tips
• Vibro World: Tolex And Fabrics