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NATURAL CHERRY VENEER

I left my new Nautilus 805's sitting in the bottom piece of the foam packing they were shipped in, and placed them on top of their boxes (free stands) while I went out of town for a week. When I came back, I took the speakers out of the foam bottoms and noticed a "tan line" where the speakers had been sitting down in the foam packing pieces. Here's the question, Does anyone know for sure, whether natural cherry continues to darken with time, forever, or if it reaches a certain point and then stops darkening alltogether, or slows dramatically??? My curtains were drawn, and very little light was able to enter the room. I believe that they will even out with time, but the Obsessive-Compulsive in me has decided to cover up the "tan" part and let the non tanned part acquire some sun. So.... Bring on the info!!!! Thanks.
gthirteen
bmpnyc
713 posts
 
G, How is the "cover-up" working?, ( or is it too soon to tell?). I think that there may have been something in shipping, (heat perhaps?), that may have caused a chemical rection with the styrofoam and created the "tan lines". I think you should exchange them. B&W will find a way to fix or use the returned speakers. Why should you spend thousands of dollars, and not be satisfied? have you tried any type of mild cleanser or polish? If you tried it I don't think it will void your warranty. Maybe you might consider trying B&W customer service. They responded quickly to some of my inquiries.
gthirteen OP
355 posts
 
Thanks, all. I believe that the tan lines were made in my living room, The curtains were drawn, but (I did not mention this before) they are pretty flimsy, and white to boot. I'll give it a week in the same conditions, if it doesnt correct itself, I'll talk to B&W. Right now I have newsapers wrapped around them, and in it's design, at least, my solution seems to be ok. Today I am going to buy some posterboard and use that, as I can just see Murphy's Law kicking in, and the text from the newspaper being burned into my veneer. Unlikely, but perhaps possible. Thanks again, HEY P_MMK, when you moved the knic knacks on your table, did the marks ever go away???
greysquirrel
62 posts
 
I have Avalon Eclipse speakers in quilted cherry. I've had them for about 4 years and they, of course, have darkened. To my eyes -- and those of friends who periodically visit -- the color has remained the same for the last two years. Natural cherry reaches such a beautiful color and richness when exposed to direct and indirect sunlight! My recommendation is to open the shades and allow all parts of the wood to get exposed. At first the direct sunlight will darken areas a little faster, but with time the color will match nicely. Also, been watching my friend's Quilted cherry Avalons go from light to dark with time. Beautiful to watch the transformation. I agree with P_mmk, in about 2 years they will be as dark as they will ever get (as long as they see some indirect sunlight everyday). Good luck!
tony007's avatar
tony007
69 posts
 
I have red cherry N801's and they also darkened over time. To help you even out the color, I use Pledge polish which comes in a yellow trigger spray bottle. The product is a wax free pump spray(non-aerosol) and contains silicone polishing agents instead of wax so it can be used regularly. The shine on the finish will deepen each time you use it. Apply with a very soft cloth turning the cloth frequently. Do not touch the polish or the rag accidentally to the drivers. The red finish on my 801's looks outstanding. Visitors compliment on their beautiful appearance regularly.
chungjc966b
6 posts
 
The different experiences with cherry darkening that people have had may have to do with how fresh the wood was when it was made into the box or veneer, and how much light exposure it got before it even got to the speaker company. I agree with greysquirrel. About two years should complete any significant darkening (I think it's UV that does it), based on some furniture I made. It's a natural and beautiful process. If the wood is fairly fresh, the process moves fast, and it wouldn't surprise me if one week produced a tan line. I don't blame you for trying to even up the tan line, but after that I'd say leave the wood alone. Don't color it with polish or anything. Just enjoy the process -- it's a gorgeous wood.
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