Restoring black vinyl on speakers?

[absolon]

I'm in the process of renovating a pair of Boston Acoustics T1000 II. They are big and in your face and although in reasonably good condition, look a bit tatty.

I'd like to clean up the black vinyl covering the boxes and wonder if anyone has a good trick or two for doing this?

 

[Paul C]

Is this like the vinyl used on guitar amps?

 

[Sage]

OK this might sound a little bit odd but it works! First clean the vinyl and let it dry. I like to use Simple Green as it seems to work great on all vinyl products. Get a can of S-100 engine brightener from a motorcycle shop. You spray it on, let it sit a few minutes and then wipe it off. It's a little sticky at first so rub it off a second time with a dry cloth and in a little while it will be completely dry. Try a small section first and you will be amazed at the difference. It makes black vinyl and paint surfaces look like new. I use this stuff on component cabinet tops, faceplates, etc and the improvement is huge! I have had zero issues with it damaging anything I have tried it on.

All Harley Davidson stores sell this stuff. It is used on the black engine paint on motorcycles to restore it. It holds up to the heat, road grime and washing on a motorcycle so it no problem on an item like speaker cabinets. It's a little pricey around $9 a can but you should be able to do both speakers with one can. Let us know how it comes out.

 

[veloceleste]

OK this might sound a little bit odd but it works! First clean the vinyl and let it dry. I like to use Simple Green as it seems to work great on all vinyl products.

I second the Simple Green. I just cleaned up and sold a pair of BA T-930's in black vinyl and used the Simple Green. I used paper towels and cleaned repeatedly until no more dirt showed on a towel. If the corners or edges are starting to peel I use a little spray adhesive applied with a cotton swab to the back of the vinyl and press it back in place. A black magic marker does wonders for the edges.

 

[bolly]

after it's clean, try some black shoepolish and buff with a shoebrush, apply as many coats as necessary.

 

[thedelihaus]

If the cleaning doesn't pan out, Parts Express sells high-quality black vinyl in rolls for a reasonable price.

 

[soundweasel]

Since it is vinyl, and automobile interiors are...vinyl, I would try either Armour All or 303 Vinyl Restorer/Protector. I use 303 on my vinyl-covered cabinets because it doesn't contain alcohol or other ingredients that can dry vinyl out. You can find it at REI stores, marine supply stores, etc. :thmbsp:

 

[absolon]

Thanks for the suggestions. I'll experiment a bit and see what results I can get.

Paul, this isn't like the heavy vinyl on pro gear. This is a thin woodgrained vinyl, very popular with 90's speakers. Looks kind of like ebonized wood.

 

[Greyhawk17]

Vinyl restore.........

Have tried most of the methods mentioned, and they all work to varying
degrees,.....If you want to cover general scuffing, then after cleaning
with Simple Green, or Armor All, you could try spray Vinyl Interior paint/
dye, and it comes in a nice black semi/gloss in a shaker can, at most
auto parts stores....Cheers, T