Lot’s of good and also silly suggestions here...a few suggestions and corrections if you will...
- don’t use alcohol on your speakers, eye glasses or TV
- yes, treat like automotive paint
- yes, spray your clean dust cloth lightly with distilled water
- don’t press hard, or at all, even a clean cloth can put swirls in the paint
- don’t dust or polish in circles - that is where the swirls come from - use straight lines - you can still put fine scratches in the paint if you use too much pressure but they will be less obvious
- if you want to use car "wax", don’t use actual carnauba wax unless you know what your are doing
- consumer ceramic automotive paint products generally have a low silica content and are not the same as the pro stuff - you can get your car done with a ceramic coating done "professionally" for anywhere from $200 to $5,000 - there is a reason for the massive range in cost, most of which is the preparation of the paint’s surface prior to application
- far easier and effective to use a high quality synthetic paint sealant - I use Wolf and Adams - do one or two coats, after that your are done for a long time (unless your speaker is in the sun)
- after that a detail spray works wonders, after you have lightly dusted - but spray the cloth not the speaker
- If you have scuffs and a few light "surface scratches", Maguier’s cleaner wax works really well - but it will not buff out or fill in actual scratches that have pierced the clear coat
- DO NOT attempt paint correction (the removal of swirls and scratches) as suggested above unless you know what you are doing AND you have the required power tools and pads - automotive compounds, glazes and polishes require machine application and removal to be effective
Most importantly, learn to ignore the imperfections.
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Novus #1. Been using this amazing stuff for years since it was recommended to me by Pat DiBurro, the amazing "right coast" luthier and brilliant guitar repairman, and he got the idea from the late Bill Collings of Collings Guitars when he was hanging out at their shop years ago. I use it mostly on my acoustic guitars and my motorcycle helmet face shield. Higher quality guitar finishes are often nitrocellulose (my faves are anyway) which is a pretty finicky and often a very thin finish so this stuff will work well on glossy speakers regardless of what the finish is. If there’s something better out there I haven’t heard of it. For scratches Novus makes grittier stuff you can use in stages with #1 being the final gloss polish. Don’t use car stuff...ever...sandpaper...really?
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Certainly, cleaning glossy speaker cabinets requires a delicate touch to prevent scratching or damaging the finish. Here's a recommended method:
Materials Needed:
- Microfiber cloth (soft and clean)
- Distilled water
- Isopropyl alcohol (70% or higher concentration)
- Mild dish soap (optional)
- Soft-bristle brush (such as a clean makeup brush)
- Soft cotton or microfiber gloves (optional)
Steps:
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Dust Removal: Before applying any liquids, use a soft-bristle brush or a clean makeup brush to gently remove any dust and loose particles from the speaker cabinets. This helps prevent scratching while wiping.
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Preparation of Cleaning Solution: Mix a cleaning solution by combining equal parts of distilled water and isopropyl alcohol. If you feel the need for a bit more cleaning power, you can add a drop of mild dish soap to the mixture. Be sure not to use too much soap, as it can leave streaks or residue on the glossy finish.
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Testing: Before applying the cleaning solution to the entire surface, it's a good idea to test it on a small, inconspicuous area to make sure it doesn't damage the finish. Wait a few minutes to observe any adverse reactions.
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Dampen the Cloth: Moisten a clean, soft microfiber cloth with the prepared cleaning solution. It should be damp but not soaking wet. Excess moisture can seep into seams or joints and potentially damage the speaker.
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Gentle Wiping: Gently wipe the glossy surface using the damp microfiber cloth. Use light pressure and avoid scrubbing or aggressive motions. Follow the natural grain of the finish if there is one. This will help lift dirt and fingerprints without scratching the surface.
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Drying: Once you've wiped the surface, allow the speaker cabinets to air dry for a few minutes. If you notice any streaks, you can use a dry, clean portion of the microfiber cloth to lightly buff the surface.
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Final Touches: If necessary, repeat the process on any areas that still appear dirty. Ensure there's no excess moisture left on the surface.
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Fingerprints and Smudges: For particularly stubborn fingerprints or smudges, you can apply a small amount of the cleaning solution directly to the microfiber cloth and gently rub the affected area.
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Frequency: Regular gentle cleaning is better than infrequent heavy cleaning. Dust the cabinets regularly to prevent buildup.
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Protection: To further protect the glossy finish, you might consider using soft cotton or microfiber gloves while handling the speaker cabinets to minimize direct contact with oils from your skin.
Remember, the key is to be gentle and cautious while cleaning to avoid any scratching or damage to the glossy finish. Always test any cleaning solution on an inconspicuous area first, and if you're unsure, it might be a good idea to consult the speaker manufacturer's recommendations for cleaning and maintenance.
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OMG! Alcohol is for drinking!!!!
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Cover-up is probably the best way to keep dust and moisture out. If you maintain a good habbit covering the speakers up you will find the huge difference after a few years' use.
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