Re-covering Marshall Amplifier - Which Adhesive for Tolex - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / repair

author: paul_g_787
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 27, 2021, 05:01:04 pm
content: Hi Everyone. I am looking for some advice.I have recently acquired an old Marshall Bass State B30 which is in a sorry state and thought I would use it as a good opportunity for my first cabinet refurbishment.I have already made good progress:I have already repaired the actual amplifier and it is ready to fit back along with the original speaker.I also have all of the parts for the cabinet ordered from Marshall.I have sanded and re-painted the shelf, rear panel and baffle.I have also re-covered the baffle with new grill cloth and a new Marshall logo (the logo was pricey but the original was gone).The cabinet itself has been stripped ready.I have the new corners, feet and handle to go on and all the screws.Now I have come to the stage where I need to apply the new Tolex. And this is where I need some help.I cannot find or decide which adhesive to use.Marshall have said that any water based adhesive will suffice but were unable to tell me exactly which glue they use.I don't think standard PVA will work as I think I need something that dries a little quicker to avoid the Tolex lifting as, however I also don't think something that sets instantly will work either.What do you all use when covering a cabinet with Tolex?

author: BreakingOhmsLaw
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 27, 2021, 05:12:07 pm
content: I used regular wood glue (PVA) for it back in the days. Sticks best to both the wood and the vinyl. Rough the vinyl with sand paper before glueing.

author: themadhippy
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 27, 2021, 06:28:41 pm
content: contact adhesive, apply to both surfaces,let it dry and join.

author: paul_g_787
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 27, 2021, 07:53:34 pm
content: Quote from: themadhippy on May 27, 2021, 06:28:41 pmI think that Marshall must use some type of contact adhesive as watching their video on youtube, they just spray both the Tolex and the wood, put it on and roller it flat.However the one they use appears to be quite forgiving as it is instant but gives them a few seconds to shift before setting.Is there any particular one you can recommend?

author: floobydust
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 27, 2021, 08:00:27 pm
content: Always used contact cement, but it's totally unforgiving. Coat both surfaces, if you stick it down crooked, you will not be able to lift the piece back up and move it around. Screaming at it might work.The water-based contact cements are not as good as vintage high VOC ones that also gave you a high from the fumes lol.I have not tried carpet adhesive. You could also make three test pieces to get the hang of it before doing the amp.Consider using two people, one to keep slight tension on the piece but up at an angle off the slab, while the other person works the roller so no wrinkles.

author: themadhippy
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 27, 2021, 08:23:57 pm
content: QuoteThe newer stuff is heat activated ,as it cools it sets ,to restick you just heat it up and try again.QuoteThe trick is to use thin strips of wood between the material and surface so the 2 dont come into contact until you want them 5:40 into this video explains it better

author: David Hess
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 28, 2021, 02:36:01 am
content: Contact cement is my first thought but 3M 77 spray adhesive might also work well.

author: paul_g_787
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 28, 2021, 08:27:08 pm
content: After studying the information given to me I think this might be a good choice. It is similar to the ones suggested.https://cpc.farnell.com/bostik/30811853/spray-adhesive-500ml/dp/SA02561Datasheet:http://www.farnell.com/datasheets/1504140.pdf

author: bill_c
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 28, 2021, 09:18:30 pm
content: " 3M 77 spray adhesive might also work well"I haven't seen Tolex, but if it has any more memory than a sheet of paper, it will lift over time if you try to bend the film around the corners. 3M has a 90 spray adhesive with a bit more strength, but I haven't tried it that way.Stay away from any water based contact adhesive, the glue turns to dust in less than 3 years in any use.

author: paul_g_787
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 29, 2021, 05:04:27 pm
content: I am also having a hard time removing the old adhesive.I have no idea what it is, it is a thick black adhesive that Marshall use. It is still tacky even after all these years.Any tips on removing it?I have tried washing in hot soapy water, washing in sugar soap, sticky label remover. None of these touched it.I have tried scraping with a wallpaper scraper but this took over 25 minutes to do one of the edges, let alone the rest of the amp.I have tried sanding it but the sandpaper just sticks and rips.

author: themadhippy
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 29, 2021, 05:32:50 pm
content: wd40,nail varnish remover/acetone and ipa would be my weapons of choice.Also maybe try heating the gunk up with a hot air blower to see if it makes life easier

author: paul_g_787
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 04, 2021, 10:18:06 am
content: I tried Meths, White Spirit, Acetone. Nothing! Wouldn't budge.I found some very old paint stripper in the garage and it took most of it off but left a thin layer still.Marshall came back to me and said they use an industrial solvent to strip the cabinet before sanding but that is all they could tell me.Then I tried petrol! Put it in a spray bottle and scrubbed with a nail brush and wallpaper scraper! Came straight off no effort!!Just need some glue now!

author: duckduck
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 04, 2021, 02:07:45 pm
content: Uncle Doug usesDAP Weldwoodcontact cement,V&S 185spray adhesive, andV&S 581foam & fabric spray adhesive: