Wood polish for UV protection for my LSiM speakers

eclypse

Wondering what I can use to protect my new LSiM speakers from sun light?

I had my Rti70s in front of the front window for the last 5 years and the right one is seriously faded and that's the one that was in direct sun light and the left side was not and looks just fine.Not wanting to have this happen again so thought theres gota be some wood product I can put on the speakers to protect it.

I have some howard Feed-N-Wax wood polish & conditioner Beeswax & Orange Oil that I thought I could use but it don't say anything about UV protection.

I was just gona leave it alone but I read the manual for the speakers and it says I can use a wood polish on it if wanted.

zane77

You can get a UV protective film tat you can put on the window to protect the speaker, Google it I can't remember the name.

eclypse

Thanks for the suggestion.. sounds like too much trouble to use the protective film on the windows.

Did a search online and found this..

http://www.amazon.com/Howard-SWAX16-SunShield-Furniture-Protection/dp/B001EXZY8K/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1368035210&sr=8-4&keywords=howards+wax

F1nut

There isn't anything made that you can apply to your speakers that will prevent or even **** UV damage. There are a few things you can do such as keeping the curtain closed during the day and/or have UV blocking film applied to your windows. You could also cover the speaker during the day. There are companies that will make custom fitted covers for said purpose.

One other thing, throw that polish in the trash can. If you absolutely need a polishing product for dusting purposes, use Guardsman. Otherwise, all you need is a damp cloth to remove dust.

F1nut

That product is made for items without a clear coat finish, which rules out your speakers. One would get the same results on outdoor furniture using any product containing wax. The claimed UV protection is a joke.

eclypse

Ok thanks..

eclypse

Guardsman Ultimate Dusting Cloth looks pretty good. I'll have to order up a 12 pack from amazon shortly.

I guess the only option is to look into the uv protective window film as the window is always open during the day. Wifes wants it open.. if it wasn't such a big deal i'd throw the tv in front of it like I had it for 5 years when we first moved in but she wants the window hehe.

F1nut

When looking into UV film, some are better than others and even then the ideal solution would be to block the sun completely. Any chance your wife would let you put a cover on the speaker?

eclypse

I'll ask her about it when I see her on her lunch break.

B Run

I'd be very careful about putting UV film on your windows. At least here in Texas where it gets 100+ all summer, if you tint the inside of a double pane window it greatly decreases the life of the rubber gasket inside the window, causing it to "fog" and lose visibility. It might be different up north so ymmv but just thought i'd throw that out there.

jbooker82

Could the damage to your RTi70 been caused by vinyl wood grain? I could see vinyl degrading a lot faster than real wood.

F1nut

The color (dye or stain) applied to the wood or added in the finish will fade more quickly than vinyl. One can add a UV inhibitor to the clear coat, but it's not all that effective.

steveinaz

Jess is dead-on. NOTHING "spray-on" will stop the sun from fading most anything. Take it from a Southern Arizonan. We had curatins fade even on the shadey side of the house, just from indirect sunlight!

codyc1ark

I would just drape a towel over it when not in use. Everybody loves a towel... :razz:

rpf65

I say compromise. Board upthe window, paint the wall like an outdoor scene, maybe with a little blue bird sitting on a tree branch. Paint a window to frame it all in. Window is there, and no reason to worry about uv damage. If your wife goes for that one, you're welcome.:biggrin:

eclypse

Mentioned the speaker cover to the wife and she didn't like the idea as in "We don't have the money to buy custom made covers". So whatever.

How much would a pair cost for the 705s?

Geese.. no idea this was going to be this big of a deal.

I don't see how a towel could stay on the speaker as the top and back are so curved. I'd have to have some kind of paper weight on top to hold it from falling heh.

eclypse

The sun really only beams the front window till like noon but theres still sunlight coming on all day threw the window.

F1nut

C'mon man, use your head......a blanket, a bathrobe, etc.

specd_out

F1nut wrote: »

The color (dye or stain) applied to the wood or added in the finish will fade more quickly than vinyl. One can add a UV inhibitor to the clear coat, but it's not all that effective.

Listen to this guy, he know a lot about wood.

He helped me out a ton when I refinished my speakers

eclypse

I've spent too much money to look at these sexy speakers then to cover them up with a towel/bathrobe ext.. I'd rather just forget about it and if they look like **** in a year or so (hopefully move out sooner to a new house) i'll worry about it then.. strip them and restain.. of course not without a ton of expert advice or help before I take such a task on.

sk88

Would 303 Aerospace Protectant work? I use it for the leather in my car and a lot of people use it on anything outdoors. UV protectant doesn't last forever so you'd have to reapply it according to instructions. If you don't mind the trouble every 2 months or so, it will protect the rubber surrounds for sure.

I am not associated with this product company in any way, but below is the production information from their website:

303 is THE LEADER in UV Screening Technology. 303 Aerospace Protectant really is like "SPF 40 Sunscreen ... For Your Stuff." Regular use gives 100% Prevention of UV caused slow-fade with regular use. No other "protectant" beautifies as intensely, protects as powerfully or lasts as long.

The World's Most Manufacturer-Recommended Product:
Because of its enduring cosmetic properties, the resistance of 303-treated surfaces to dust, soiling, and staining, its water repellency and unparalleled protective characteristics, manufacturers worldwide recommend 303 Aerospace Protectant.

303 Aerospace Protectant keeps UV-sensitive materials "like new" year after year.

Use on Rubber: Tires, neoprene, latex, door and trunk seals, weather-stripping, EPDM rubber roofs, CV boots, waders, wet suits. Vinyl: Convertible tops (and the clear vinyl windows), isinglass, marine seating, tonneau covers, car bras, covers, spa covers, pool covers. Inflatable boats: Hypalon, PVC and urethane blends. Gelcoat fiberglass: Boats, RV's, snowmobiles, jet ski's.Plastics, acrylics, polycarbonates: Lexan® and acrylic panels, windows, , windshields, covers. Carbon-fiber/resin composites: Fishing rods, "nude" bike frames. Finished leather: Upholstery, motorcycle leather, trim, tack, fine apparel. Pool & Patio: Plastic furniture (not fabric), pool inflatables, slides, covers. Sailcloth: Dacron® and monofilm.

F1nut

It doesn't appear that product is recommended for clear coats such as lacquer found on most household furniture, so I would not use it on speakers, etc. without contacting the company first.

eclypse

Thanks Sk88!

Just shot off an email to ask them about it.

Will let everyone know if it is safe to use.

F1nut

Just saw this, ""nude" bike frames". That means no painted or lacquered finishes.

ZLTFUL

Ask any professional auto painter (similar finishes to the clears used on your speakers) what the biggest enemy is to a painted finish and after most of them say "Bad prep", they will always add "And those silicone based tire shine products".

These products will literally kill the clear coat finish. So use it if you want but don't say you weren't warned when your clear starts deteriorating.

eclypse

Heres the response I just got from them in email..

Thank you for contacting Gold Eagle Co. 303® Aerospace Protectant is excellent for protecting finished wood (such as lacquer) and even teak. However, be advised that 303AP beautifying properties may change the look a bit (some might like it) because of the protective UV shield. If you would like, I can send you some information along with a sample for you to try. Simply respond with your mailing address and I will get this out to you right away.

Best regards,

Conrad Manzano
Consumer Specialist
(800) 367-3245
marketing@goldeagle.com
Gold Eagle Company

Protecting, Preserving, & Performing Since 1932.

I think i'll try a sample on a older Rti speaker and see what happends first.

ZLTFUL

Please don't.
You're just asking for trouble. Find a local furniture maker/cabinet builder and I can assure you that a vinyl/rubber/leather protectant product will not be their recommended wood protectant.

However, be advised that 303AP beautifying properties may change the look a bit (some might like it) because of the protective UV shield.

That alone would steer me away immediately. Wood care products should not change the appearance of anything. Only the stain coat and top coat should change the appearance. That right there says to me "I will react with the top coat on your wood product and maybe not in a way that you would want."

eclypse

Heres another response I got..

Thank you for your reply. I sent a sample of 303® Patio Furniture Protectant (same as 303® Aerospace protectant) along with a brochure for you to review. Please let me know of any questions or comments you may have.

? I guess they are sending me something else.

AsSiMiLaTeD

and keep in mind the finish on your RTi speaker is nothing like that on the LSiM

AsSiMiLaTeD

Do what you want dude, but you've been warned...

leftwinger57

I have the same problem only that it's the fabric that would fade. My DCM TF 350s were refoamed and resocked to their original dark brown color. Some of the sets on E-Bay are unbelievably faded. When I'm not home I cover them w/ a large towel. If I have to play tunes I go the other speakers that are not affected by the sun at that time.