RTi70 Speaker Refinishing

team_canada

Is it expensive to get them re-veneered, is it worth it??

VR3

EMail Ken and tell him your cabinet has faded.

They put their cabinets through rigorous testing to make sure it can withstand any type of weather. So if its under warranty, he may send you a new cabinet.

team_canada

Yeah, I didn't think of that, I guess because I thought it was not a warranty issue. Much appreciated.

burdette

I don't quite think a fading cabinet because you set them in the sun is a 'warranty issue'. Now.. if you had a *bad* finish, that would be different. But I don't think you can blame Polk for damage due to your placement decision.

Sure you can refinish the speakers. True enough, you'd have to be careful to not sand through the veneer. But it shouldn't be a problem especially if you go the same color or darker. You wouldn't have to do THAT much sanding. You could also try a chemical stripper (on the bottom). I'd take all the drivers out no matter what you do.

I don't know much about Polk's 'new' wood cabinets. Are they sealed with poly or anything like that, or just oiled wood??

If there is a protective finish, that would have to come off first to actually refinish the wood. You mentioned spray paint... on a nice wood finish?? You could do that without stripping off a finish, but what you'll end up with could be worse that what you've got. You'll definitely lose any woodgrain if the wood was sealed at the factory.

team_canada

Thanks Burdette, the last thing I would do is spray paint them, this was only a thought. I wanted to see what other thoughts were out there. I want to try a light sanding and apply a wood finish to match if possible. The fading is mostly to the back of the speaker and a bit on each side and top. Enough that it is noticeable.

I also agree that this is probably not a warranty issue as it is my fault that I placed the speakers too close to the window. I am mad at myself for that.

Anyways, thanks for the advice!!

markmarc

20 years ago I put a red oak flexible veneer over IMHO butt ugly rosewood vinyl on a pair of Polk 10B's. The result was a much better looking speaker. It can be done and their are more veneer choices and less expensive as well today.

There is a polyurethane/lacquer finish you will need to remove. If you go this route just make sure to protect the drivers.

Airplay355

Yea, protect them by taking them out. Fumes from stuff like that can hurt the speaker cone or rubber surrounds.

VR3

A LSi owner was sent new panels because it had faded in the sun.

Polk puts their products through the testing to make sure they can survive the extremes for a lifetime (in-doors). Be it sun, salt, etc...

Did he do something under a warranty? Who knows...E-Mail Ken and find out.