Caulk recommendations for cabinets

[loach71]

Folks:

In order to make optimal cabinets we need to seal all the seams so that air only escapes where it should -- like the port -- or nowhere in the case of acoustic suspension. I have heard many reports that RTV silicone sealants cause degradation of foam surround speakers. With that situation in mind what is the recommended "caulk" for sealing the cabinet?

Thanks!

[Paul C.]

Folks:

In order to make optimal cabinets we need to seal all the seams so that air only escapes where it should -- like the port -- or nowhere in the case of acoustic suspension. I have heard many reports that RTV silicone sealants cause degradation of foam surround speakers. With that situation in mind what is the recommended "caulk" for sealing the cabinet?

Thanks!

A good bead of carpenter's wood glue is just fine. Do one side, let it sit until dry enough it won't run, rotate the speaker, do another side.

[Thom]

The silicone one, the stuff that smells like vinegar, I don't know for sure but I have a hard time seeing it ruining foam. However it could, if the speaker is put in while it is still curing, corrode the tinsel lead. I suppose it could even damage the paper over time. Those fumes are acid. Very weak acid. It used to degrade coffee can down converters, for those old enough to remember. And one very bad thing about silicon is that nothing will ever stick where it has been. It will damage oxygen sensors but that hardly seams a concern.

[duaneage]

I use Alex plus latex / silicone blend. It cleans up with water and is paintable. Very low odor and lasts for 35 years. I have also used liguid nails to build cabs and that stuff glues and seals in one shot.

If you use spline joints you won't need to caulk the joints, they will not be leaking past the spline.

[Mr. Widget]

I used to use silicone... I wouldn't recommend it. If you make a design change it inhibits glue ever sticking in that area. Standard latex caulk works well, though, these days with more skill and better tools, I don't need to use any caulk as my joints are tight.

For interior dividers, if the fit up isn't perfect I have used Gorilla glue... it foams and expands to fill in slight voids and it is also quite strong.


Widget