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How to restore faded veneer due to sunlight?

Hi A'goners,

I'm looking for some helpful advice...

I've had these hifi speakers for some years now and sadly I've managed to spoil them by allowing them to sit in direct sunlight so the UV rays have seriously faded the wood veneer (one one side of each speaker).

The veneer wood has a varnish coating so that applying a cherry wood (Danish oil or similar) restorer doesn't make any difference. I could lightly sand the surface with a fine grade sandpaper beforehand but I think this could end up ruining them even more!

Here's a couple of old photos of my speakers before they were faded:-

http://img835.imageshack.us/img835/2261/homehifisetup.jpg
http://img153.imageshack.us/img153/4951/homehifisetup2.jpg

Thanks in advance,

Ross
rosscopico
kbarkamian
647 posts
 
There's a product called Howard's Restore-a-finish, or something like that. A lot of DIY guys have used it on water marks/rings on veneered speakers with pretty good results.

Not sure how it handles fading though. Not sure if it's in the UK either. I'd try posting on Audio Karma. Lots of guys restore vintage gear over there. I'm sure someone has taken care of faded cabinets before.
johnk's avatar
johnk
1,975 posts
 
Motorcycle spray polish for plastics etc. Keep in mind most finish is plastic coat but it works fine on french polish lacquer painted finish LP jackets etc.
seakayaker
78 posts
 
Thanks for the tip!
rosscopico OP
8 posts
 
Hi Magfan, I think that sounds like a great idea (had I of only of done this before...) but one side of each speaker is really faded now so it's too late for me to use "preventative measures" - cheers for the tip though!

Kbarkamian - I'll look into that and will see what I can find over on Audio Karma, many thanks for mentioning that :)
stevensctt
65 posts
 
Since you only need to work on one plane (speaker's side) you can try the following. LIGHTLY buff with 0000 steel wool. Only trying to slightly dull the gloss finish. Look for Minwax PolyShade (stain and poly in 1) in a matching color, satin finish. Again, very lightly apply the PolyShade. Allow to dry and lightly buff with 0000 steel wool, blending the new finish to old and softening the sheen if necessary. Add more PolyShade as needed.

I've tried this with very good results. Working with only one plane lessens the need for a perfect match to the other planes. Hopefully you can find the correct tint (stain) shade.

Test on a small area, if you don't like it remove with mineral spirits.
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