Title: How to Remove Yellowing from Speakers: A DIY Guide
Introduction:
Yellowed or discolored speaker cones can be an unpleasant sight, especially for those who take pride in preserving the original appearance of their vintage or antique speakers. Removing yellowing from speaker cones is a relatively easy DIY task that requires the right materials and some minimal effort. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of reviving your speakers’ audio fidelity and restoring their shine.
Causes of Yellowing:
Before we begin, it’s essential to understand the causes of speaker yellowing. Yellow discoloration is often associated with the aging process and can be triggered by excessive exposure to light, atmospheric moisture, or the inevitable wear and tear of high-temperature environments. Organic compounds, such as polyester lacquers, can accumulate on the speaker cones due to oxidation, leading to a yellowish hue over time.
Removing Yellowing:
To remove yellow discoloration from speaker cones, you’ll need to employ a combination of carefully selected cleaning products and innovative techniques. Follow these easy steps:
1.Inspect and clean the tweeters: Use a compressed air can or a can of air to gently blows away any loose debris accumulated on the tweeters.
2.Mixing the cleaning solution:Combine equal parts of white wine vinegar and distilled water into a small bowl. Take a soft, lint-free cloth and gently dip a small portion of it in the solution. Wiping the cloth gently across a clean, white surface for about 5-8 minutes will allow the paper to absorb the solution until it reaches a light lemon yellow color. This means the cloth is ready and can be used to cleanse the speaker cones.
3.Cleaning: Use the damp cloth – remember, the cloth remains slightly damp but not soppy – to wipe gentle circles across the speaker conces. Repeat this processtwo or three
4.Dried: Use a clean terry cloth towel to the speakers, then let t
5.Treatment: Apply a small and carefully controlled amount of beeswax to the t
6.Application: Apply a small thin layer of wax to small section of the speaker an
What cleaning techniques to use?
Hydrogen peroxide cream (burns skin, use gloves) and UV light (outside on a sunny day can be enough), put it in a plastic bag so the cream doesn’t dry out as fast too. But look for some youtube guides on the process for more guidance.
The problem with all “plastic whitening” techniques is that it weakens the material which is not the best for a speaker. I’d just sand it and spray paint it.
Just paint it, way less hassle. You could even go as far as vinyl wrapping it.
To clean a yellowed or dirty surface from a plastic item, I usually use acetone or nail polish remover (a bit weaker but more readily available) and it always works.
I just used a magic eraser and it worked
If it’s tobacco smoke, use Windex.
If you care about it being original, retrobrite. If you don’t, just scuff it up and spray paint it.
You can get a paint that adheres nicely to plastic manufactured by SEM. Find an auto paint wholesale place like Finishmaster that stocks it.
maybe do some research on how baseball park seats are renewed using heat / thermal treatments.
that’s where I would start.
might involve some teardown of the unit to isolate the plastic.
Mr. Clean Magic Eraser or any other brand of melamine sponge 👌
A Mr clean magic eraser maybe?
Spray paint
Sand and Spray
Paint it with SEM paint
Mr clean pad.
100%
Is this a Bose speaker? I have a few of these that went yellow just like this one.
Is that the Pyle speaker. I love mine. Looks like it.
Why does this happen to electronics?
I did the air conditioner vents in my roof with paint. Removed, Clean very very thoroughly, scuff with 800g, clean again, a coat of Dulux plastic primer, and then colour of your choice over the top (light coats).
Looks like a Niles speaker, right? They are designed to be painted, so you can always take that option.
Or citric acid or you can use lemon
I would just spray paint them.
Embrace it, the yellowing of that era is lovely!
Unpopular opinion; clean the speaker as best you can, then paint the bracket slightly yellow/brown to match.
It’s 20+ year old plastic, just leave it alone.
Paint it
These look like the same outdoor speakers I have. If so they are paintable. Spray them with primer then apply paint.
I’ve had mine for 15 years in full sun and they both still look and sound great.
Just buy new speakers for $200. The new speakers will sound much better and they’ll be white for a long time.