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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
magfan
1,583 posts
 
UV is tough on everything.

I'd get some UV Proof 'thin film' coverings for the widows.

Some of that automotive window tint may work. Just make sure it is UV blocking.
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
1,490 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 :)
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