Any way to repair or improve damage to the real-wood veneer on a speaker cabinet?

[TechMechanic]

Bought a pair of KEF Model 104/2's that had supposedly been in storage for 20 years. After inspecting the overall physical condition they are in, I believe it.

Even if they've spent two-thirds of their lives in boxes, I assumed I would still have to replace the foam inner surrounds on the woofers, and that is indeed the case. But, what concerns me more right now is the damage to the side of one of the the cabinets. (the person who packed and shipped these things had no idea what they were doing)

I neither have the skills nor the tools and equipment to try replacing the entire veneer panel, like some others have suggested. I'm just wondering if there is any way to repair or patch something like this? (i know it will not look perfect)

I would also might be willing to pay to have it done professionally, if it's not cost prohibitive. But, I wouldn't even know what kind of business to contact. I assume most "stereo repair" shops pretty much deal only with electronics... A cabinet maker, maybe?

It's a real shame they were shipped so incompetently... The cabinets and the original grills are totally mint other than this one spot of damage.

 

[RossW]

Not seeing the pictures, but a cabinet maker is a good thought, someone who does furniture work is another option. Honestly, unless the damage is very minor, the most cost-effective option will probably be to remove the veneer from that side, replace it, and refinish to match. Anything else will never look quite right and it should hopefully be fairly inexpensive. You're lucky a corner didn't get busted, that can get very expensive to fix!

 

[TechMechanic]

Not seeing the pictures, but a cabinet maker is a good thought, someone who does furniture work is another option. Honestly, unless the damage is very minor, the most cost-effective option will probably be to remove the veneer from that side, replace it, and refinish to match. Anything else will never look quite right and it should hopefully be fairly inexpensive. You're lucky a corner didn't get busted, that can get very expensive to fix!

Sorry, just joined here today... I think I got the pictures working now...

The damage looks pretty major to me but, if they weren't my speakers, I might call it minor, haaa.

 

[swechsler]

It might be repairable. It appears that the break goes all the way through the panel. With the protruding part right next to it, it's unclear if the broken piece is structural or decorative. I think what I'd probably do would be to cut out the broken portion with a router (possibly just a small triangular piece), cut a good piece and glue in place, then re-veneer. Actually, this isn't something I'd want to touch; I'm not that skilled a woodworker. I think matching the veneer is going to be the most expensive (and tricky) part.

 

[RossW]

Yeah, that's a pretty hard hit, there's more than just veneer damage there
To improve the cosmetics you could try using a stain repair marker to blend the broken edges, but something still needs to be done about the fact that its pressing on the mid-tweeter assembly. A couple clamps and some scrap wood might allow you to at least get the inner edge back to flat, but I think it needs professional help beyond that.
Unless you got a really screaming good deal I would be trying to get some money back from the seller. Major damage like that is going to kill resale value and I suspect repairing it properly will be quite expensive.

 

[TechMechanic]

Yeah, that's a pretty hard hit, there's more than just veneer damage there
To improve the cosmetics you could try using a stain repair marker to blend the broken edges, but something still needs to be done about the fact that its pressing on the mid-tweeter assembly. A couple clamps and some scrap wood might allow you to at least get the inner edge back to flat, but I think it needs professional help beyond that.
Unless you got a really screaming good deal I would be trying to get some money back from the seller. Major damage like that is going to kill resale value and I suspect repairing it properly will be quite expensive.

The deal wasn't "screaming good" by any means. Fair but, not "great". I would still be totally happy with the price I paid, if not for the crappy job of getting them to me.

The seller did have the foresight to purchase insurance through UPS, however. So it may be possible to get some partial compensation from them... Never made a damage claim before, though. Don't know how that works.

 

[Blue Shadow]

@GD70 has done some repairs like this.
Glenn cut out the bad wood, made a nice surface to mount the new veneer and installed it, grain matching. This in his Time Window restoration thread.

Gonna need to do two surfaces, might be better matched doing the full length of the front piece. Once you have the veneer off in the damaged area you can evaluate the condition of the substrate and address that before you make the area ready for new veneer.

 

[swechsler]

made a damage claim before, though. Don't know how that works.

It's the seller's responsibility to open the claim, not yours (UPS won't even talk to you about it, since their contract is with the shipper); however, they will almost definitely try to pin the blame on the inadequate packaging (and based on your description, it seems unlikely that a claim will be successful). If this was on eBay, it might be time to start the return process so they have a record of it, even if you don't go through with the actual return and just get a partial refund. Paypal also offers protection if an item is received not as described.

If you paid by check or PayPal F&F then it's up to the seller's honesty.

 

[Spiceman50]

Several listings for Furniture Repair in Boulder. Always check references, don't be shy asking the service to supply you with a couple. I've made mistakes myself not asking enough questions. If at any point the guy or gal ... gets testy or feels insulted wish them a happy day and find another business.

Check out some of @GD70 work, he's done some amazing repairs and gives good solid advice. He's the man I trust.

Welcome to AK fella!

Garry~

 

[muziekfreak]

That would totally piss me off just saying.

 

[TechMechanic]

That would totally piss me off just saying.

I'm not happy.

But, I would have to pay for return shipping, and the old boxes are basically thick paper bags now. I'd have to figure out new boxes and foam. It will be cheaper to fix them than return them.

The only consolation is the rest of the cabinets and the grills look brand new... Which makes the terrible packing even more infuriating!

 

[RossW]

You shouldn't have to pay for return shipping, the speakers were not delivered in the condition they were sold in, it is 100% on the seller to make things right.

Get a couple quotes for repair and ask for that much as a refund.

 

[TechMechanic]

You shouldn't have to pay for return shipping, the speakers were not delivered in the condition they were sold in, it is 100% on the seller to make things right.

Get a couple quotes for repair and ask for that much as a refund.

All things being equal, yes, I shouldn't have to pay for shipping. But, the packing wasn't the only mistake he made. He also screwed up the shipping on his end, and had to cover the extra cost (over $100) out of his own pocket. So, I doubt he'll be very keen to pay for shipping damaged items back... What people should do, vs what they're willing do, basically.

But, he did get insurance. I'm hoping to get at least a partial refund. Good idea on getting an estimate and trying to recover that amount. Might try to do that.

 

[RossW]

Cost of doing business, if he wanted you to pay for insurance he should have included that in the shipping cost. Assuming you paid with pretty much anything other than cash or a check you should be able to get your money back, a process which you should start sooner rather than later.

 

[Yodathedog]

Paying for return shipping by a seller for a not as described item is not the right thing to do. It’s the rule!!!

 

[TechMechanic]

Paying for return shipping by a seller for a not as described item is not the right thing to do. It’s the rule!!!

I'm sure I could probably get a refund if I pushed the issue. But, the speakers are in good enough condition otherwise, that I'm not really all that interested in returning them, despite the issues. I'm confident that I can either fix this myself, or at the very least pay to have someone do it, and still end up with a nice pair of speaks.

But, I still have some listening tests to do over the weekend. If it turns out they have functional problems in addition to the dings, then I'll be looking for a refund. Otherwise, I think these are my speakers now.

 

[GD70]

THAT SUCKS! Fight for money back.

That is totally repairable, but you'll need someone near by to do the work. You'll need to first, remove the finish on the side.. The front strip veneer needs to be completely removed, top to bottom.
The side, full length strip removed top to bottom. Then the cab MDF repairs can begin to get it back to original shape, solidify it with ZPoxy. Then replacement veneer glued in place, sanded to blend with the surrounding veneer, refinish with stain & oil to match.

Cheers, Glenn

 

[TechMechanic]

THAT SUCKS! Fight for money back.

That is totally repairable, but you'll need someone near by to do the work. You'll need to first, remove the finish on the side.. The front strip veneer needs to be completely removed, top to bottom.
The side, full length strip removed top to bottom. Then the cab MDF repairs can begin to get it back to original shape, solidify it with ZPoxy. Then replacement veneer glued in place, sanded to blend with the surrounding veneer, refinish with stain & oil to match.

Cheers, Glenn

Thanks for the info, Glenn! I've been thinking about this all day, and before reading your advice, my plan was to use a heat gun to release the glue, then carefully lift or remove the broken pieces of veneer. Then, use wood filler to reshape the particle board back to shape, in just the broken section , and place the veneer pieces back, using a spray adhesive. I thought I might use furniture pens that are colored for different species of hardwoods to hide the lines.

But, obviously, I realize what you suggested is the right way to do it, if I plan to keep and use them for years (which I do). But, I guess if I'm going to have to have the veneer replaced anyway, I couldn't hurt it any more by trying my other idea first and see how it works...

Glenn, sounds like you've had experience with this kind of repair... I know you can't give me the going rates in my area for furniture repair but, does replacing the veneer panels sound like something I could reasonably expect to have done for a couple hundred dollars or less?

 

[GD70]

Good morning,

I did this to help visualize where I'd cut and remove the veneer on the side. If the cut is made along a dark vein in the veneer, the replacement strip can be also cut along a dark vein to match where the two edges butt together.

Cheers, Glenn

 

[Drugolf]

I can see Glenn working the problem all the way out here in Idaho. And he's right, at least get some $...from somewhere like UPS since there is some insurance on it.
But I might take it to one of those furniture repair folks first to see what they say. Those folks can do miracles for sure.