How To | Painting PL-LA Series Loudspeakers
Learn how to properly paint your PL-LA series loudspeakers.
Procedure
Applicable Paint Types
PL-LA Series speakers are made from ABS plastic. To paint over this finish, compatible paint must be used to ensure proper adhesion and finish.
ABS can be painted with the following solutions. We recommend testing one one those on a small surface (ie Side Panel) to ensure the result before painting the whole loudspeaker.
- Acrylic Spray Paint: This is a versatile choice that adheres well to ABS plastic. It's available in various finishes and colors.
- Enamel Paints: These are durable and resistant to chipping, making them a good choice for ABS plastic.
- Plastic-Based Paints: Specifically designed for plastic materials, these paints offer long-lasting results.
- Rust-Oleum for plastic: This brand is recommended for their quality and effectiveness on ABS plastic.
Required Tools
- Power Drill
- Putty knife
- Flat screwdriver
- Bit PH2
Removing/Painting Speaker Grille & Cabinet
- Using PH2, remove the 8 screws securing the grille.
- Gently pry the grille along the sides outward and remove it using a putty or butter knife or flat screwdriver.
- Carefully peel off the backing liner/Weather Shield (on the High Freq side).
- Completely mask the front of the enclosure, be sure to cover the acoustic devices and the ports. Do not apply tape directly to the driver cone or surround.
- On the back of the enclosure, install the SG-000728-01 input cover as a mask for the input panel and connectors.
- Fully mask the back of the grille.
- Wash the enclosure and grille with mild soap and hot water and rinse with hot water. Be careful not to allow any water or soap into the input, woofer, horn, or port. Allow them to dry thoroughly.
- Scuff-sand the front of the grille and the enclosure surfaces using 320 to 400 grit sandpaper or a 3M Scotch-Brite™ 7447 abrasive hand pad, or its equivalent.
- Use compressed air to clean all dust from the enclosure and grille.
- Clean the grille and the enclosure surfaces.
- Use a clean, lint-free white cloth to apply a suitable prep solution to the enclosure surfaces.
- Apply the adhesion promoter to the enclosure surfaces.
- Apply the primer topcoat to the front of the grille and to the enclosure surfaces.
- Apply the paint to the enclosure.
- Before you paint the grille, thin the paint as needed so it will not block the perforations as it is applied. Apply paint to the front of the grille.
- Allow the painted enclosure and grille to dry for at least eight hours before handling.
- Remove the masking from the back of the grille and spray it with a light tack adhesive.
- Carefully lay the backing cloth in place on the back of the grille.
- Remove the masking from the loudspeaker enclosure and reinstall the loudspeaker grille.
Reinstalling Speaker Grille
The hydrophobic stainless mesh is only needed for outdoor deployment for the IP rating. If damaged it can be replaced by an equivalent stainless mesh, wire diameter 0.15mm, 100 mesh or by other hydrophobic repellant found in your local store.
- Carefully reapply the backing liner/Weather Shield.
- Put the Grille sub-assembly on the cabinet assembly.
- Using PH2, secure the Grille sub-assembly using 8 screws with torque (11-13 LB-in).