Painting expanded metal speaker grilles - UK Vintage Radio Repair and Restoration Discussion Forum

Phil G4SPZ · 30th Oct 2005, 11:37 pm

Has anyone found an effective way of re-spraying expanded metal speaker grilles? The grille on the set I'm restoring has had some of the gold/bronze coloured coating rubbed off. I expect this was originally anodised. Is there a way of re-painting the grille? The set can be seen in the attached image. Any advice on recommended methods and paints would be appreciated. Thanks,

Phil Harris.

Nickthedentist · 30th Oct 2005, 11:47 pm

Hi Phil,

I use this stuff: http://www.homecrafts.co.uk/html/pro...t2=15&cat3=304

You can get it in Homebase. It's very easy to brush on (minimal skill required

) and the "antique gold" shade looks just right to my eye.

I've used it on several DAC90As and a big Pye 18A (all about ths same period as yours) and it looked great: Very smart but not too "new".

Nick.

Radio_Dave · 31st Oct 2005, 9:56 am

Hi Phil,

I've attached a picture of my Bush PB53. The metal grille was originally painted so I stripped it and spayed it with a small can of "Plasti-kote Brass" and I was very happy with the result

I would firstly apply some paint stripper to determine wheter it is painted or not. If stripper doesn't touch it must be anodise, in which case give it a good rub with 0000 of 00000 wire wool before spraying.

Regards
David

Nickthedentist · 31st Oct 2005, 7:07 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Radio_Dave

The metal grille was originally painted so I stripped it and spayed it with a small can of "Plasti-kote Brass" and I was very happy with the result

Well, Plasti-Kote seem to have cornered the market for 1950s radio grille respraying products

Phil G4SPZ · 31st Oct 2005, 10:44 pm

Thanks to Radio Dave for the tips on spraying. Your set looks a beauty, but my grille is a little darker than yours - antique gold sounds about right - so I'll try Nick's tip and try brush painting first. As my set only cost me £3, it won't matter if I make a mess of it!

Phil

Nickthedentist · 31st Oct 2005, 10:52 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by G4SPZ

I'll try Nick's tip and try brush painting first. As my set only cost me £3, it won't matter if I make a mess of it!

I bet you won't

All I did was remove the grille from the set and clean it in hot, soapy water with nail- or tooth brush. After thorough drying, just brush the paint on. Wear gloves unless you don't mind being seen at work with gold fingernails. It's dry within 5 minutes. As always, a couple of thin coats always looks better than one thick one.

You're right, Dave's set has turned out beatuifully. I suppose it's down to what kind of effect you're after. Dave's Bush looks like it's just left the showroom, so a brighter shade of gold is spot-on. For my rather less pristine Pye, the "antique" finish looked just right too.

Nick.

Andrew c · 14th Nov 2005, 9:30 am

Hi All I prefer to spray speaker grills as the results are much better.I also prefer plasti-coat paint so far used it on a Bush TR130 and a Bush SRP31 record player and had good results but washing and rubbing is very important to get a good key for the paint and dents can be removed by gently tapping with a small light hammer.

Andy

Aerodyne · 14th Nov 2005, 12:01 pm

Another advantage of spraying is that there is much less likelihood of clogging the openings in the mesh. Personally I would never brush paint anywhere that spraying could be carried out because of the (usually) superior brushmark-free finish, though I have to admit that the surface area of most expanded metal grilles is so small that marks probably wouldn't show in any case.

Tony

Nickthedentist · 14th Nov 2005, 7:48 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aerodyne

...I have to admit that the surface area of most expanded metal grilles is so small that marks probably wouldn't show in any case...

Exactly! The results are absolutely stunning on DAC90A grilles, even though I have little skill in cabinet restoration and also have high standards

Nickthedentist · 6th Feb 2006, 11:34 pm

Just seen that the little glass jars of Plasti-Kote "Odds 'n' Ends" Antique Gold paint I mentioned above are also available in Wilkinsons.

Phil G4SPZ · 5th Jun 2006, 9:15 pm

Well, I've just got round to brush painting this expanded metal grille with the Plasti-Kote Antique Gold brushing paint recommended by Nick, and the results are fantastic

When the set is reassembled I'll post a picture.

Phil

Nickthedentist · 5th Jun 2006, 9:59 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by G4SPZ

...the results are fantastic

Told you!

Easy, quick, cheap and looks just right.

Look forward to seeing it.

Nick.

Darren-UK · 6th Jun 2006, 8:32 pm

On the subject of Plasti-Kote, has anyone used the chrome version ? if so, what does it dry like, a bit matt or nice and glossy like real chrome ?

jay_oldstuff · 7th Jun 2006, 6:51 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by darren-uk

On the subject of Plasti-Kote, has anyone used the chrome version ? if so, what does it dry like, a bit matt or nice and glossy like real chrome ?

I have found the chrome realy disapointing nothing like the top, it actuely says it dosent look like the top though on a little lable but even so i was expecting something better.

Jay

steve1811uk · 8th Jun 2006, 12:23 pm

Ed, I tried that without success. I found that the laquer I used dissolved the shiny finish as soon as it hit it. That was after I let the chrome dry for over a week. I have seen that plastikote have a laquer that is made especially for the metal finish. That should work but I didn't try it as it cost about £7 and didn't think it worth it.

Steve

jay_oldstuff · 8th Jun 2006, 1:58 pm

As i mentioned to darren i realy dont think this stuff is much good (as appose to the anteque gold which is excelient) to show how bad it is i have tacken a picture, i used an etch primer first followed by two coats of plastikote chrome and this was the result. i realy dont think a lacker woud do any good

Jay

Phil G4SPZ · 8th Jun 2006, 5:24 pm

I nearly bought some chrome paint from 'Wilko' today, but mindful of Jay's earlier comments I held on to my money.

Incidentally, my local branch of Wilkinsons Home & Garden stocks a full range of Plastikote paints in both aerosols and jars, at cheapish prices.

Darren-UK · 8th Jun 2006, 10:46 pm

Looking at the pic Jay has provided, the finished item looks like a lump of lead. Hardly what I'd call 'chrome effect' as claimed on the can. I don't suppose you could apply three of four coats and then polish it up?

Incidentally, I have also played with gold and silver enamel paints such as Humbrol. Certain lacquers and varnishes will also remove them if you're not careful.

Phil G4SPZ · 10th Jun 2006, 1:31 pm

Here is a picture of the restored Alba showing the quality of the repainted grille using Plastikote brushing Antique Gold. The other pic shows the set in its original sorry state after I rescued it from the 2005 NVCF for £3!

Phil

Nickthedentist · 10th Jun 2006, 2:12 pm

Nice work, Phil, it looks v. smart now

Hope they had a good hol.

Nick.

30th Oct 2005, 11:37 pm	#1
Phil G4SPZ Dekatron Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Bewdley, Worcestershire, UK. Posts: 4,748	Painting expanded metal speaker grilles Has anyone found an effective way of re-spraying expanded metal speaker grilles? The grille on the set I'm restoring has had some of the gold/bronze coloured coating rubbed off. I expect this was originally anodised. Is there a way of re-painting the grille? The set can be seen in the attached image. Any advice on recommended methods and paints would be appreciated. Thanks, Phil Harris. Attached Thumbnails __________________ Phil Optimist [n]: One who is not in possession of the full facts Last edited by Darren-UK; 1st Sep 2007 at 12:43 pm. Reason: Removed troublesome link and extracted and attached image therefrom.

30th Oct 2005, 11:47 pm	#2
Nickthedentist Dekatron Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Oxford, UK. Posts: 17,846	Re: Painting expanded metal speaker grilles Hi Phil, I use this stuff: http://www.homecrafts.co.uk/html/pro...t2=15&cat3=304 You can get it in Homebase. It's very easy to brush on (minimal skill required ) and the "antique gold" shade looks just right to my eye. I've used it on several DAC90As and a big Pye 18A (all about ths same period as yours) and it looked great: Very smart but not too "new". Nick.

31st Oct 2005, 9:56 am	#3
Radio_Dave Nonode Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Norwich, Norfolk, UK. Posts: 2,543	Re: Painting expanded metal speaker grilles Hi Phil, I've attached a picture of my Bush PB53. The metal grille was originally painted so I stripped it and spayed it with a small can of "Plasti-kote Brass" and I was very happy with the result I would firstly apply some paint stripper to determine wheter it is painted or not. If stripper doesn't touch it must be anodise, in which case give it a good rub with 0000 of 00000 wire wool before spraying. Regards David Attached Thumbnails Last edited by Darren-UK; 1st Sep 2007 at 12:41 pm. Reason: Removed ref to troublesome link in post #1.

31st Oct 2005, 10:44 pm	#5
Phil G4SPZ Dekatron Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Bewdley, Worcestershire, UK. Posts: 4,748	Re: Painting expanded metal speaker grilles Thanks to Radio Dave for the tips on spraying. Your set looks a beauty, but my grille is a little darker than yours - antique gold sounds about right - so I'll try Nick's tip and try brush painting first. As my set only cost me £3, it won't matter if I make a mess of it! Phil __________________ Phil Optimist [n]: One who is not in possession of the full facts

14th Nov 2005, 9:30 am	#7
Andrew c Tetrode Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Stockport, Cheshire, UK. Posts: 72	Re: Painting expanded metal speaker grilles Hi All I prefer to spray speaker grills as the results are much better.I also prefer plasti-coat paint so far used it on a Bush TR130 and a Bush SRP31 record player and had good results but washing and rubbing is very important to get a good key for the paint and dents can be removed by gently tapping with a small light hammer. Andy Last edited by Andrew c; 14th Nov 2005 at 9:33 am.

14th Nov 2005, 12:01 pm	#8
Aerodyne Octode Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Hampton Vale, Peterborough, UK. Posts: 1,698	Re: Painting expanded metal speaker grilles Another advantage of spraying is that there is much less likelihood of clogging the openings in the mesh. Personally I would never brush paint anywhere that spraying could be carried out because of the (usually) superior brushmark-free finish, though I have to admit that the surface area of most expanded metal grilles is so small that marks probably wouldn't show in any case. Tony

6th Feb 2006, 11:34 pm	#10
Nickthedentist Dekatron Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Oxford, UK. Posts: 17,846	Re: Painting expanded metal speaker grilles Just seen that the little glass jars of Plasti-Kote "Odds 'n' Ends" Antique Gold paint I mentioned above are also available in Wilkinsons. Last edited by Darren-UK; 1st Sep 2007 at 12:23 pm. Reason: Retail price quote removed.

5th Jun 2006, 9:15 pm	#11
Phil G4SPZ Dekatron Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Bewdley, Worcestershire, UK. Posts: 4,748	Re: Painting expanded metal speaker grilles Well, I've just got round to brush painting this expanded metal grille with the Plasti-Kote Antique Gold brushing paint recommended by Nick, and the results are fantastic When the set is reassembled I'll post a picture. Phil __________________ Phil Optimist [n]: One who is not in possession of the full facts Last edited by Darren-UK; 1st Sep 2007 at 12:26 pm. Reason: Quote removed (refers to deleted post).

6th Jun 2006, 8:32 pm	#13
Darren-UK Retired Dormant Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Blackpool, Lancashire, UK. Posts: 4,061	Re: Painting expanded metal speaker grilles On the subject of Plasti-Kote, has anyone used the chrome version ? if so, what does it dry like, a bit matt or nice and glossy like real chrome ?

8th Jun 2006, 12:23 pm	#15
steve1811uk Retired Dormant Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Manchester Posts: 33	Re: Painting expanded metal speaker grilles Ed, I tried that without success. I found that the laquer I used dissolved the shiny finish as soon as it hit it. That was after I let the chrome dry for over a week. I have seen that plastikote have a laquer that is made especially for the metal finish. That should work but I didn't try it as it cost about £7 and didn't think it worth it. Steve

8th Jun 2006, 1:58 pm	#16
jay_oldstuff Octode Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Hyde, Greater Manchester, UK. Posts: 1,074	Re: Painting expanded metal speaker grilles As i mentioned to darren i realy dont think this stuff is much good (as appose to the anteque gold which is excelient) to show how bad it is i have tacken a picture, i used an etch primer first followed by two coats of plastikote chrome and this was the result. i realy dont think a lacker woud do any good Jay Attached Thumbnails __________________ The light at the end of the tunnel is probably the headlight of an oncoming train

8th Jun 2006, 5:24 pm	#17
Phil G4SPZ Dekatron Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Bewdley, Worcestershire, UK. Posts: 4,748	Re: Painting expanded metal speaker grilles I nearly bought some chrome paint from 'Wilko' today, but mindful of Jay's earlier comments I held on to my money. Incidentally, my local branch of Wilkinsons Home & Garden stocks a full range of Plastikote paints in both aerosols and jars, at cheapish prices. __________________ Phil Optimist [n]: One who is not in possession of the full facts

8th Jun 2006, 10:46 pm	#18
Darren-UK Retired Dormant Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Blackpool, Lancashire, UK. Posts: 4,061	Re: Painting expanded metal speaker grilles Looking at the pic Jay has provided, the finished item looks like a lump of lead. Hardly what I'd call 'chrome effect' as claimed on the can. I don't suppose you could apply three of four coats and then polish it up? Incidentally, I have also played with gold and silver enamel paints such as Humbrol. Certain lacquers and varnishes will also remove them if you're not careful. Last edited by Darren-UK; 1st Sep 2007 at 12:30 pm. Reason: Excessive use of emoticons (Yes, even I do it!)

10th Jun 2006, 1:31 pm	#19
Phil G4SPZ Dekatron Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Bewdley, Worcestershire, UK. Posts: 4,748	Re: Painting expanded metal speaker grilles Here is a picture of the restored Alba showing the quality of the repainted grille using Plastikote brushing Antique Gold. The other pic shows the set in its original sorry state after I rescued it from the 2005 NVCF for £3! Phil Attached Thumbnails __________________ Phil Optimist [n]: One who is not in possession of the full facts Last edited by Darren-UK; 1st Sep 2007 at 12:27 pm. Reason: Quote removed (refers to deleted post).

10th Jun 2006, 2:12 pm	#20
Nickthedentist Dekatron Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Oxford, UK. Posts: 17,846	Re: Painting expanded metal speaker grilles Nice work, Phil, it looks v. smart now Hope they had a good hol. Nick.