Alexei Volkov
Painting plastic speakers is a great way to give them a new look and feel. Whether you're refreshing an old pair of speakers or trying to match them to your living room aesthetic, it's a simple process that can be done with some light sanding, a coat of plastic-compatible paint, and a few hours to dry. You can use Vinyl Dye, which is waterproof and won't crack or peel, or a simple spray paint made for plastic.
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What You'll Learn
Sanding the speaker surface
If you are aiming for a super-smooth finish, you may want to consider wet sanding. Wet sanding is superior to dry sanding in the high grit ranges when trying to achieve a mirror finish. The water acts as a lubricant and helps the sandpaper stay unclogged, allowing it to cut better and last longer. However, it is only worthwhile on high-grit paper (600+). If you are going for a less smooth finish, dry sanding will be sufficient.
Once you have finished sanding, use a cleaning cloth to wipe down the speaker surface and remove any dust that has accumulated as a result. If there are any holes or imperfections, fill them with wood filler or putty and sand them smooth once dry.
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Using plastic-compatible paint
Painting plastic can be challenging due to its smooth surface, temperature responsiveness, and tendency to expand and contract, which makes it prone to cracking or flaking over time. However, with careful preparation and the use of plastic-compatible paint, you can achieve a durable and aesthetically pleasing finish on plastic speakers.
Clean the Speaker Surface
Start by dismantling the speaker and setting aside any hardware that will be painted separately or left untouched. Next, clean the plastic surface with a scrub brush, removing any dirt, grease, or chalking. For outdoor speakers, use a powerful cleaner to eliminate mildew or algae. After cleaning, ensure the surface is completely dry.
Prepare the Work Area
Set up your workspace in a well-ventilated area, preferably outdoors, to manage fumes and overspray. Cover the surrounding areas with cardboard, a tarp, or a drop cloth to protect them from paint. Always wear a painting mask for safety.
Sand the Surface
Lightly sand the speaker's surface with fine-grit sandpaper (300-400 grit) to create a rough texture that promotes better paint adhesion. This step is crucial for plastic because of its typically smooth surface. Make sure to sand until the surface is no longer shiny, creating a mechanical adhesion for the paint to grip.
Apply a Plastic-Compatible Primer
After sanding, remove the dust with a dry cloth and then a wet rag with mineral spirits or isopropyl alcohol. Once the surface is clean, apply a plastic-specific primer designed for hard-to-stick surfaces, such as a bonding primer with fusion technology. Spray the primer in thin, even coats, moving in one direction without retracing your steps. Allow the primer to dry completely before proceeding.
Use Plastic-Compatible Paint
Select a spray paint specifically designed for plastic surfaces. Popular options include Krylon Fusion, Rust-Oleum Universal, and Rust-Oleum Painter's Touch 2X Ultra Cover. These paints are formulated to adhere well to plastic and provide a durable finish. Apply thin, even coats of paint, following the manufacturer's instructions, and allow adequate drying time between coats.
By following these steps and using plastic-compatible paint, you can transform the appearance of your plastic speakers and enjoy a long-lasting finish.
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Applying vinyl dye
Painting plastic speakers can be a tricky task, but using vinyl dye can be a great option as it is waterproof, doesn't crack, and doesn't peel or scratch off. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to apply vinyl dye to your plastic speakers:
Prepare the Speakers
Before you start, ensure that the surface of your speakers is clean and free of any dust or residue. You can use a standard kitchen degreaser and a microfiber cloth to wipe down the speakers. It is important to ensure that the vinyl is very clean for the dye to adhere properly.
Spot Testing
It is recommended to perform a spot test by applying a small amount of dye to an inconspicuous area of the speaker. This will help you determine if the dye is adhering properly and if the colour is as desired. If the dye peels off after the test, the plastic may need to be gently sanded first.
Mix the Dye
Once you are ready to begin, open the can of vinyl dye and mix the contents thoroughly by swirling the bottom of the can, keeping the top stationary. It is important to mix the dye occasionally between sprays as well to ensure that all the chemicals are properly combined.
Apply Thin Coats
When applying the dye, start by spraying very fine, dust-like layers to build up a single coat. This allows the dye to penetrate the material effectively. Apply around 3-5 layers, allowing each layer to dry completely before applying the next. Each layer may take about 15-20 minutes to dry.
Buff the Finish
After you have applied all the coats and allowed them to dry, use an old white T-shirt or a similar soft cloth to buff the finish. This will remove any paint dust and leave a smooth, streak-free surface.
Allow for Curing
While the paint may feel dry to the touch within 45 minutes, it is important to note that it takes several days for the paint to fully cure and stop emitting toxic fumes. Therefore, it is recommended to keep the speakers in a well-ventilated area during this time.
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Masking the speaker
Masking your speaker is an important step in the painting process, as it helps to protect the components that you don't want to be painted. Here are some detailed instructions on how to mask a speaker before painting it:
Firstly, it is important to remove the grille and the scrim cloth from the front of the speaker. This will ensure that the paint does not clog any of the grille holes or stick to the scrim cloth. If you are painting a speaker that is already installed, such as an in-wall or in-ceiling speaker, you may need to mask off the entire room or wall to protect the surrounding area from paint.
Next, gather the necessary materials for masking. Painter's tape is highly recommended as it is designed to be removed easily without leaving any residue. It is also resistant to wrinkling or shrinking when it comes into contact with paint. The width of the tape will depend on the area you are masking. For windows, trim, and molding, use tape that is 1.41 to 1.88 inches wide. For tight spaces, a narrower width of 0.94 inches is ideal. For floors and ceilings, opt for wide painter's tape that is 2.5 inches or more in width. If you are using spray paint, consider using blue painter's tape, which resists UV light degradation.
Now, you can start the masking process. Begin by covering the speaker cones, tweeter, woofer, and binding post assemblies with painter's tape. Be careful not to put tape on the woofer, as mentioned by Klipsch. You can also use masking paper in combination with the tape for added protection and to give yourself more room for error. Secure the masking paper with the tape, being mindful of the direction and adhesion of the tape. For example, when hanging plastic to protect floors and ceilings, only adhere the top edge of the tape, leaving the bottom edge exposed.
After you have finished masking, it is important to clean the surface of the speaker to ensure the paint will adhere properly. Use a damp cloth or rag to wipe away any dust, dirt, or grease. Allow the speaker to dry completely before you start painting.
Remember, masking your speaker correctly will help you achieve a professional-looking finish and protect the internal components from paint contamination. Take your time and be careful during this process.
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Drying and re-assembling
Once you have finished painting your speakers, it is important to allow sufficient time for the paint to dry. The amount of time this will take depends on the type of paint used and the number of coats applied. Be sure to refer to the manufacturer's instructions for specific drying times. During this period, avoid touching or handling the painted surfaces to prevent smudging or transferring paint onto your hands.
In addition to the paint drying, it is crucial to ensure that any solvents or thinners used in the painting process have completely evaporated before re-assembling the speaker. These substances can be harmful and may affect the performance of the speaker components if not allowed to fully ventilate. A well-ventilated workspace can expedite this process.
When the paint is dry and all components are free of any paint-related substances, you can begin the process of re-assembling your speakers. Carefully remove any masking tape or protective coverings that were applied earlier. Take care not to damage the fresh paint during this process. Refer to the user manual or a guide specific to your speaker model for detailed instructions on how to properly reassemble the various parts.
As you put the speaker back together, be mindful of the alignment of the components. Ensure that all parts are securely attached and functioning properly. Pay close attention to the wiring and ensure that no paint has come into contact with the electrical connections, as this could affect the speaker's performance. Test the speaker after reassembly to ensure it is functioning correctly.
Finally, stand back and admire your handiwork! Your freshly painted speakers should now add a touch of personal style to your audio setup. Enjoy your upgraded speakers and the new look they bring to your space.
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Frequently asked questions
You should use a paint that is compatible with plastic. This includes spray paint made for plastic and Vinyl Dye, which is waterproof and won't crack, peel or scratch off.
First, lightly sand the surfaces you want to paint with 300-400 grit sandpaper. Then, wash these surfaces. If there are parts of the speaker you do not want to paint, use double-sided tape and grill paper to mask them off. Finally, spray the speaker with thin coats of paint, and allow all parts to dry before reassembling.
Yes, you can paint the grill of a plastic speaker. Make sure not to cover the grill holes and to mask off any parts you do not want to be painted, such as the logo.
