Painting CD Horns???

[Champster]

I have horns for my 2" compression drivers that have surface scratches. Is there any sonic impact to painting them so they are pretty again?
Thanks,
Paul

[Robh3606]

No it will work just fine painted.

Rob

[Champster]

Thanks Rob!

[Horn Fanatic]

I have horns for my 2" compression drivers that have surface scratches. Is there any sonic impact to painting them so they are pretty again?
Thanks,
Paul

If your horns are made of fiberglass, repair them in the same manner one would repair a bathroom tub. However, I seriously doubt that surface scratches would be a noticeable degrade. It may be more a question of cosmetics, rather than sound quality. If your horns are of the JBL Bi-radial material, I recommend cleaning the scratches thoroughly with acetone, then use thick woodworkers cyanoacrylate adhesive and accelerant, in layered doses if the scratches are deep, followed by 400-600 grit wet sand until you achieve a smooth surface. A dose of hand applied rubbing compound would then be in order to remove any sand paper scratches. The cyano will take on what ever color is underneath it. Even if you paint the horns, prep work would still be necessary. You can never paint out scratches.

Good luck,

H.F.

[Champster]

Thank you Horn Fanatic! Excellent post. Very helpful information. As you point out, the scratches are purely cosmetic. Human hair depth at most. Do you think a good polish with some rubbing compound might get it back into glossy shape? I think these are ABS plastic like material. Do you know the model number of these?
Thanks,
Paul

[Horn Fanatic]

Thank you Horn Fanatic! Excellent post. Very helpful information. As you point out, the scratches are purely cosmetic. Human hair depth at most. Do you think a good polish with some rubbing compound might get it back into glossy shape? I think these are ABS plastic like material. Do you know the model number of these?
Thanks,
Paul

Hi Paul -

I believe your horn is the model 2380, one of the early Bi-Radial horns. The scratches on the flange face look like they'll take a bit more than rubbing compound to remove. The trouble with ABS, is that it has a very thin skin, and if you sand through it you'll reach the core material, which is quite porous and soft. Still, take your time and try the 400-600 grit wet sand approach using a small wooden sanding block just on the flat surfaces. If you use the rubber type you'll risk rounding over the corners of the flange, and always sand in a straight line. Mind that you don't get too aggressive that you may rip the sand paper if you don't hold it tight enough to the wooden block. Once you get the scratches out, then switch to the rubbing compound, then a bit of wax to put the shine back in we all know and love. :-)

I would try these methods on the back of the horn first to give you an idea what you could expect.

Good luck,

H.F.

P.S. Get a pedicure. :-P

[Champster]

hahaha. Yeah that pick needs some cropping for sure...

Time to get some sanding done... I'll report back.

Thanks again!

[Horn Fanatic]

hahaha. Yeah that pick needs some cropping for sure...

Time to get some sanding done... I'll report back.

Thanks again!

What a dope!

As I was driving home I realized ABS horns are not made the same way as ABS water pipe. ABS horns do not have a soft chew center like ABS water pipe.

Mea culpa...