Best thing to do for new sub...

[Upstatemax]

So I just picked up a refurbished Velodyne SPL 1000 II from Velodyne. The problem is they only have had it in Maple...

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!

[cnh]

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

[drumminman]

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!

[Upstatemax]

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]

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]

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]

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.

[PubFiction]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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.

[Upstatemax]

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!