The "official" cabinet finishing thread

Re: The "official" cabinet finishing thread

The price of Duratex looks pretty attractive in comparison to PolaneT + the catalyst, but how about coverage and wear? Any photos/comparisons of freshly sprayed boxes vs those that have been on the road for a few months?
 
Re: The "official" cabinet finishing thread

I don't have any pics of the Duratex, but I'm actually surprised how well it has held up. I expected it to flake off, but it's handled minor abuse fairly well. The stuff I have it on is all B-Rig gear, so it doesn't really get trucked around a lot, but it is no better or worse than most comparable coatings.
 
Re: The "official" cabinet finishing thread

It wears very well. I have some cabs that were done several years ago that still look good. Granted I don't haul my gear around as much as you guys probably do. It's also incredibly easy to touch up, just take a chip brush and stipple the spot. Scuffs will usually just clean off with window cleaner.
 
Re: The "official" cabinet finishing thread

I'm new in this blog so please bear with me. I stripped the carpet off a Fender bass amp combo after taking out all the hardware. To my disappointment, the cab material is fiberboard. Anybody has had experience with applying DuraTex on fiberboard? There are also some carpet material left sticking on the cab. Any suggestions on how to go about this before I spackle and sand? I am concerned about sanding the leftover carpet material for fear of gouging out the cab in spots. A YouTube post mentioned using vinyl spackle. Is this good to use on fiberboard? Thanks!
 
Re: The "official" cabinet finishing thread

For years I used Hood Finishing Products Hydrocote Resisthane Plus {hoodfinishing.com). 3 coats, with a tacky medium roller for texture on last 2. Durable, good looking, easy touch-up, cheap(ish). Still recommended as a utility finish.

I switched to Polane 700T, applied with HVLP turbine and a clean, quality gun. Sensitive to temp and humidity when applied, so now my shop is insulated and with improved heat and a/c...but finishes are pro quality Meyer, EAW, Sound Image, etc.
 
Re: The "official" cabinet finishing thread

I've done the DupliColor stuff. Messy, expensive, and hard to get a good looking finish. Switched to Duratex and the results come out great. Initially I bought the fancy textured roller but I've found that a short nap 6" roller works great. Nice even but not too rough texture. Looks matte but won't take any skin off.

The Duplicolor was actually a bit tougher. I have to put towels on my subs when I stack them to store or the feet of the top one will stick to the bottom one and pull the paint off.
 
Re: The "official" cabinet finishing thread

Is there a need to prime raw wood before coating in Duratex? I had a wedge built and will be coating it soon..

I've used flat black latex paint as a base coat - has worked pretty well so far. This has been with both new (unpainted) and refinished (sanded down) surfaces. No complaints about the latex as the base coat, but rolling the Duratex vs spraying seemed to net in a more even result and use significantly less product.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: Frank Jansen
Re: The "official" cabinet finishing thread

+1

On bare aluminum prepped with solvent du jour (I believe it was acetone), it seemed to be about equivalent to standard textured rustoleum from a rattle can. Certainly not abrasion resistant.

In order to get proper adhesion on aluminum, you need a special paint and/or to treat the aluminum with the appropriate chemical (Aluminum Jelly or one if its component acids).
 
Re: The "official" cabinet finishing thread

I finish with duratex currently, sprayed hvlp with pressure pot. Durability I give it a B, ease of application A
 

Attachments

  • 12783758_1693302604289109_2612010619898562961_o.jpg
    12783758_1693302604289109_2612010619898562961_o.jpg
    281 KB · Views: 52
  • 12715852_1685167845102585_7225651445886292836_o.jpg
    12715852_1685167845102585_7225651445886292836_o.jpg
    507.5 KB · Views: 53
  • 12698480_1685749648377738_7510589824084539782_o.jpg
    12698480_1685749648377738_7510589824084539782_o.jpg
    310.2 KB · Views: 53