DIY Sub paint finish - an idea...

BestGear · 21-12-2003, 3:45 PM

Chaps

Just finished a pair of (2*12" each) subs... and wanted a black paint finish like an old REL I had 10 years ago - you know the finish.. black paint with a slight "wrinkle" finish to it...

Been looking around and decided to try an idea!

I used B&Q satin black paint (cost about a fiver for 500ml), then used a small fluffy 4" paint roller to apply it. WOW! a great finish - looks factory finished after three coats. It also covers a multitude of sins!!

I will be using this from now on for subs... such an easy finish, and much less hassle than spraying - I have sprayed several subs with a glossy piano black finish before... If you have never tried spraying, a square box is not the easiest shape to finish without lots of overspray over your corners... (corners are the most difficult to spray...)

For interest, the subs have BK 500w sub panels in each... I also used a speaker connector panel (the type for bi-wire) at the rear to allow me to daisy chain another passive sub pair if necessary... I'm not so sure I now need 8*12" subs.... !!!

The BK 500w panel does not state it is stable into 2R... mine work fine... Movie use is not as demanding as heavy going music (listen to some nails... death to crappy subs!) The amps remain warm... never hot. You will obviously also get a sizeable power increase too...

Anyway - anyone else found a trick to get the REL factory black paint finish easily?

David

ReTrO · 21-12-2003, 8:04 PM

I think the finish you are thinking of is called Gritex. A sorta rough finish?

Failing that are you thinking of an 'Elephant skin' finish? LIke you can see the folds/creases in it?

*banners* · 21-12-2003, 8:18 PM

In the past I've finished cabinets in emulsion and then 'dabbed' a scrunched up carrier bag over whilst paint is still wet. Usually requires 2 coats though! IMO quite a nice finish.

Cheers Steve
Merry Christmas to all!

BestGear · 21-12-2003, 8:42 PM

Yup, Gritex - thats the name!!!

The old paint roler really does the trick and is 100% like the REL... wish I tried that years ago.....

D

21-12-2003, 10:20 PM

I've just finished the first coat of "suede" finish paint on the walls of my cinema.... and can't recommend this finish enough.

BestGear · 21-12-2003, 11:14 PM

...would be interested to know more...

Can you let us know the trade name and where you got the paint?

D

22-12-2003, 11:08 AM

I think it was Crown. it takes a lot longer to apply than regular paints but is well worth it.

Mine is called chocolate suede

It really does look like an alcantra finish!

I'm gonna take a few pics, i'll post them here if you like.

Pulsar · 22-12-2003, 11:33 AM

fufna,

I would be interested in seeing you paint finish when you have a min to take some pictures.

Cheers

Rob

theritz · 23-12-2003, 3:15 AM

Fufna...

Me too......

Sean G.

23-12-2003, 7:00 PM

OK chaps... took a couple of pics prior to the second coat

(I actually like the way it looks now so might try to avoid this)

First one is without a flash (this more how it looks in the room)

http://makeashorterlink.com/?C689231E6

Second one is with a flash to give an idea of the texture (beware the flash makes it look very washed out!)

http://makeashorterlink.com/?B279611E6

The finish looks very much like suede, and is IMO easy to achieve

I think it would probably be a bit too much if used on all surfaces in a room (ie ceiling) I have used it on the screen wall and both sides.

I'm hoping it will look even better when the fabric covered acoustic panels go in.

The paint is called "Chocolate Suede" and is made by Crown if anyone is interested.

21-12-2003, 10:20 PM	#5
fufna Guest Posts: n/a	I've just finished the first coat of "suede" finish paint on the walls of my cinema.... and can't recommend this finish enough.
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22-12-2003, 11:08 AM	#7
fufna Guest Posts: n/a	I think it was Crown. it takes a lot longer to apply than regular paints but is well worth it. Mine is called chocolate suede It really does look like an alcantra finish! I'm gonna take a few pics, i'll post them here if you like.
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23-12-2003, 7:00 PM	#10
fufna Guest Posts: n/a	OK chaps... took a couple of pics prior to the second coat (I actually like the way it looks now so might try to avoid this) First one is without a flash (this more how it looks in the room) http://makeashorterlink.com/?C689231E6 Second one is with a flash to give an idea of the texture (beware the flash makes it look very washed out!) http://makeashorterlink.com/?B279611E6 The finish looks very much like suede, and is IMO easy to achieve I think it would probably be a bit too much if used on all surfaces in a room (ie ceiling) I have used it on the screen wall and both sides. I'm hoping it will look even better when the fabric covered acoustic panels go in. The paint is called "Chocolate Suede" and is made by Crown if anyone is interested.
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