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Restore the current veneer? Or apply new veneer?

Tyler Prock

Tyler Prock

Member
I have had a pair of cornwall 1 and was curious if your thoughts on repairing the current veneer or replacing it. It’s damn sure not terrible a fe small chips here and there and all around pretty solid just scuffs here and there. Just wanted to hear some thoughts on it! Thanks
 
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Photos would help to assess their condition.

Some times you can do a cover up-job if not too bad like using a similar colour of stain or crayon filler. However, if the corners are damaged; it could need new veneer.

But, have you worked with veneer before? I can be tricky stuff to work with. Having taken a course in application, there's a few "tricks" in the mix of working with this delicate material. Oft times, it's best to be left with the pros if no background in this task.

Your call.


Q
 
If I were to get them done there is a guy who does really great work that is pretty inexpensive and that is who I would use. But my biggest set back is you and I both know I don’t want to lug these around. Do you think these small imperfections could be fixed?
 
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Tyler Prock said:
If I were to get them done there is a guy who does really great work that is pretty inexpensive and that is who I would use. But my biggest set back is you and I both know I don’t want to lug there around. Do you think these small imperfections could be fixed?
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Anything can be fixed. Just by posting this thread you could be leaning in the direction of getting them fixed. If you are loving the speakers and plan on keeping them then by all means..........Get-er-done......:thumbsup:
 
Well, you could give it a light fix that might do the job...to a degree.

Those are some pretty deep gouges to repair. You might ask about getting some matching stain for a quick-fix; what product to get and colour.

The speakers themselves are worth a decent spruce up. If, weight is a prob...you might have that repair-type guy pick up for you.

Have never heard of "inexpensive" veneer work, but I guess it depends on your level of "inexpensive"?

Q
 
I want to say he said 60 dollars a speaker for labor but the veneer cost will be the bulk of it. I may source my own veneer. So fixing the chips sand and stain just won’t last you think? They would look beautiful with some new veneer plus been toying with making new grill cloths and storing the originals. Give them the cw iv look.
 
They can be made lighter by removing the Woofers, and back panels if so equipped.
It would also be time to add non resonance sheets and internal bracing for tighter Bass.
 
When you get them done don't forget to post pics before and after. I have a pair of JBL L-96 speakers that could use a veneer job so maybe you will inspire me........:rolleyes: Good luck.
 
Tyler Prock said:
I want to say he said 60 dollars a speaker for labor but the veneer cost will be the bulk of it. I may source my own veneer. So fixing the chips sand and stain just won’t last you think? They would look beautiful with some new veneer plus been toying with making new grill cloths and storing the originals. Give them the cw iv look.
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Two bad we don't live closer. Would do them for $40 ea. And, veneer ain't cheap, least in my area it isn't!

I'd go with the stain first. Then take a look-see. Maybe keep the lights dim as well! :-)


Q
 
Quadman2 said:
Two bad we don't live closer. Would do them for $40 ea. And, veneer ain't cheap, least in my area it isn't!

I'd go with the stain first. Then take a look-see. Maybe keep the lights dim as well! :)


Q
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What do you think I should use to fill the chipped veneer?
 
Far as I know, there's really nothing to do other than what's been mentioned.

Sometime, a mixture of wood glue and sawdust can work, but I think the more you mess with the veneer, the worse it may look

Experiment with a side, back that is not noticed, and try some stain, and/or mix. If the base wood of the enclosure is particle board, it may not take the stain.

If all else doesn't satisfy your wants, try to lessen the labour cost or look for another wood worker that will throw in the covering at extra cost. The veneer cost might surprize you as it is not cheap. Even then, you may not be able to match for what you have.

Keep in mind, that these are quality speakers, but also they are also vintage, so character marks most often is part of owning.


Keep the lights down, and get a $20 dimmer. :)


Q
 
Or ... cover with tolex or leatherette material !

I know this a bit old. Found it while i was searching about "cheapo veneer restoration etc.".
I run a studio but being in listening audiokarma thing too. So i was looking all this old vintage stuff I've collected through years and wondering "man they got relic, age, we grow up together".
From old wooden r2r decks, amps, pres, turntables, to wooden organs, spinets, e-pianos, mixing consoles / effect unit edges, soeaki cabinets, tube amps and si on.
Top coat lacquer has gone off, scars, chips, worn or missing corners, paint stain from previous owners and so many other troubles to deal with.

I'm not a woodworker or wood guy. Went down to local body and leather/fabric shops with my covid mask, knocking doors and without any anxiety just kindly asking "Good morning and stay safe from covid. I know jobs are terrible going these days, but is there any chance you have any kind of leatherette fabrics left from previous jobs and laying around?"
Went to about 5-6 shops and collected about 30meters of leatherette in many colours and qualities. I had no space in car to get them all.
Tip: The bigger and best chances are in body shops. Was lucky enough to find one where they had just finished replacing all the inside leatherette from a luxury car and the owner had paid larger quantities and one of the best quality.
And in a lovely white - beige crème colour with fat à la Tolex material.

I know it's not about restoration the actual veneer, but i leave it here as an alternative different option. Especially if you don't mind about keeping originality (this won't exist if you re-veneer by the way) and being in a more "psy / rock / studio / hifi" karma in the same time like me. Tolex / leatherette is more street / underground.
Or you can cover some areas only, or with different leatherette colours/qualities. In a console for example (wooden vinyl covered chassis , wooden veneer covered edges), i am lucky the edges are intact but the vinyl wooden chassis is terrible. I will cover only the chassis with leatherette, leaving edges as is.
Great result with no money at all. Well, i had to pay for the leather glue at least.
 
Tyler Prock said:
What do you think I should use to fill the chipped veneer?
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This or something like it.
uteman1011 said:
I just bought this for my Walnut H1's. Going to give it a try soon.
Coconix Floor and Furniture Repair Kit - Restorer of Your Wooden Table, Cabinet, Veneer, Door and Nightstand - Super Easy Instructions Matches Any Color - Restore Any Wood, Cherry, Walnut, Hardwood - - Amazon.com
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If you don't want to do it yourself, check with a good furniture store. They either have their own repair guys or will know of someone who does it for them. They might even be able to make a house call

I always go for the simplest solution first, as it may be perfectly adequate. If not, you still have the option to escalate to the next step. 99+ percent of your finish is still good so why repair 100 percent to fix the 1 percent.
 
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