Best thing to do for new sub...

Upstatemax
Upstatemax Posts: 2,680
edited February 2013 in DIY, Mods & Tweaks
So I just picked up a refurbished Velodyne SPL 1000 II from Velodyne. The problem is they only have had it in Maple... :neutral:

I want to refinish the cabinet once it comes in. Anyone happen to know if the Maple finish is vinyl or real wood? I can't seem to find the answer anywhere. If it's real wood, I would prefer to re-stain the wood.

If it's not real wood or re-staining is just not an option, what would you guys suggest?

Thanks for any help!
Post edited by Upstatemax on

Comments

  • cnh
    cnh Posts: 13,284
    edited November 2012
    Congrats! That looks like a nice sub. Compact, a lot or power and a huge magnet assembly for a 10".

    Frankly, I don't know if that's a wood veneer. But my guess is vinyl, because of the "curvature" and how difficult it would be to wrap a shape like that in "wood".

    Maybe someone else knows. But there are certainly, more expensive subs that do not have wood veneers, just look at Polk's own MicroPro line--no wood there, also curved shapes?

    Others will chime in, I'm sure.

    Have fun!

    cnh
    Currently orbiting Bowie's Blackstar.!

    Polk Lsi-7s, Def Tech 8" sub, HK 3490, HK HD 990 (CDP/DAC), AKG Q701s
    [sig. changed on a monthly basis as I rotate in and out of my stash]
  • drumminman
    drumminman Posts: 3,396
    edited November 2012
    Why don't you ask Velodyne?

    If it's vinyl I'm sure you could use a heat gun and carefully strip the vinyl off, but that may play havoc with your warranty.

    I've read that you can paint over vinyl wall paper so maybe the same applies to whatever that sub is covered with. As with all painting project careful prep and good quality paints would be important to achieve good results. However, IMHO this option should only be considered if you can't get the vinyl off.

    Good luck!
    "Science is suppose to explain observations not dismiss them as impossible" - Norm on AA; 2.3TL's w/sonicaps/mills/jantzen inductors, Gimpod's boards, Lg Solen SDA inductors, RD-0198's, MW's dynamatted, Armaflex speaker gaskets, H-nuts, brass spikes, Cardas CCGR BP's, upgraded IC Cable, Black Hole Damping Sheet strips, interior of cabinets sealed with Loctite Power Grab, AI-1 interface with 1000VA A-L transformer
  • Upstatemax
    Upstatemax Posts: 2,680
    edited November 2012
    cnh wrote: »
    Congrats! That looks like a nice sub. Compact, a lot or power and a huge magnet assembly for a 10".

    Frankly, I don't know if that's a wood veneer. But my guess is vinyl, because of the "curvature" and how difficult it would be to wrap a shape like that in "wood".

    Maybe someone else knows. But there are certainly, more expensive subs that do not have wood veneers, just look at Polk's own MicroPro line--no wood there, also curved shapes?

    Others will chime in, I'm sure.

    Have fun!

    cnh

    After searching for ever for a new sub I kept coming back to this sub... It seems like it will fit the bill perfectly for me. I wanted something that will be very musical yet still be able to shake things up for HT.

    For the price I paid for it, I don't think I'll find anything better.
  • Upstatemax
    Upstatemax Posts: 2,680
    edited November 2012
    drumminman wrote: »
    Why don't you ask Velodyne?

    If it's vinyl I'm sure you could use a heat gun and carefully strip the vinyl off, but that may play havoc with your warranty.

    I've read that you can paint over vinyl wall paper so maybe the same applies to whatever that sub is covered with. As with all painting project careful prep and good quality paints would be important to achieve good results. However, IMHO this option should only be considered if you can't get the vinyl off.

    Good luck!

    They are closed for the weekend... Figured I would ask here since I'm sure someone on this forum knows the sub.

    I'm going to call them this week anyway and see if they sell replacement cabinets. That might be my best option so I don't screw with my warranty.
  • Upstatemax
    Upstatemax Posts: 2,680
    edited November 2012
    Well, they don't have the cabinets anymore and they did verify that the finish is vinyl...

    Do you think I could do a self leveling primer to get rid of the texture on the vinyl and paint right over it?
  • drumminman
    drumminman Posts: 3,396
    edited November 2012
    The right primer would be absolutely key here. I've used Zinsser Bullseye to paint over glazed tile, which I didn't think anything would stick to.

    I would go to a really good paint store, not a big box store, and start there for advice.

    Will you be spraying, brushing or rolling?

    Just had a thought - you could try using truck bed liner, the stuff that you paint on. Would provide a textured finish that might look OK. Not sure how well it would stick, but a google search might give a clue.
    "Science is suppose to explain observations not dismiss them as impossible" - Norm on AA; 2.3TL's w/sonicaps/mills/jantzen inductors, Gimpod's boards, Lg Solen SDA inductors, RD-0198's, MW's dynamatted, Armaflex speaker gaskets, H-nuts, brass spikes, Cardas CCGR BP's, upgraded IC Cable, Black Hole Damping Sheet strips, interior of cabinets sealed with Loctite Power Grab, AI-1 interface with 1000VA A-L transformer
  • PubFiction
    PubFiction Posts: 105
    edited November 2012
    I am not sure it would of mattered if it is vinyl of veneer, veneer is so thin I cannot imagine you could sand it down without going through enough to restain it.

    As long as the paint is flexible and you sand the surface or treat it with something that roughs it up you should be fine, i do not know if you could smooth it out easily. Might be easier to try a heat gun and peeling the vinyl off.
  • jtshaw43
    jtshaw43 Posts: 161
    edited November 2012
    Congrats on your new sub! My question is, if you make any cosmetic changes to your new sub could that possibly void out your warranty? Just asking..
  • PubFiction
    PubFiction Posts: 105
    edited November 2012
    One other option might be to have someone make you a leather or cloth cover, could look nice , like an ottoman, but would not touch a warranty, and you could change it or remove it easily
  • Upstatemax
    Upstatemax Posts: 2,680
    edited November 2012
    drumminman wrote: »
    The right primer would be absolutely key here. I've used Zinsser Bullseye to paint over glazed tile, which I didn't think anything would stick to.

    I would go to a really good paint store, not a big box store, and start there for advice.

    Will you be spraying, brushing or rolling?

    Just had a thought - you could try using truck bed liner, the stuff that you paint on. Would provide a textured finish that might look OK. Not sure how well it would stick, but a google search might give a clue.

    I would spray the paint if I did it.

    However, the idea of a leather or cloth cover is not a bad place to start... I'll still have to spray the silver face.

    I'm also thinking about getting in touch with my paint guy (auto body) and asking him if he is up to refinishing it. He loves oddball projects and he does AMAZING work. At a minimum, I can get some direction from him...
  • drumminman
    drumminman Posts: 3,396
    edited November 2012
    Upstatemax wrote: »
    I'm also thinking about getting in touch with my paint guy (auto body) and asking him if he is up to refinishing it. He loves oddball projects and he does AMAZING work. At a minimum, I can get some direction from him...

    That's a good idea - interested in the advice he gives.
    "Science is suppose to explain observations not dismiss them as impossible" - Norm on AA; 2.3TL's w/sonicaps/mills/jantzen inductors, Gimpod's boards, Lg Solen SDA inductors, RD-0198's, MW's dynamatted, Armaflex speaker gaskets, H-nuts, brass spikes, Cardas CCGR BP's, upgraded IC Cable, Black Hole Damping Sheet strips, interior of cabinets sealed with Loctite Power Grab, AI-1 interface with 1000VA A-L transformer
  • Upstatemax
    Upstatemax Posts: 2,680
    edited February 2013
    Thought I would update this...

    I ordered some new mahogany veneer for the sub and I'm going to strip the original vinyl off and put this on and finish it again.

    It will take me some time as free time is not something I have a ton of, but I'm excited to start it!