Duratex vs Exohyde speaker cabinet coatings ??? (2024)

DIY forum might be a more appropriate place for this post, but I'm gambling that I'll get more exposure and traffic here

I'm about to build a few of the Dayton Reference subs that use the knock down MDF cabinets. Hoping someone here has some experience with both the Duratex and Exohyde coatings and can talk about the pros and cons of each.

duratex is a better product. i've used both. exohyde dries much faster and will tend to slightly separate after it cures. (read: you'll think it's covered when it's wet but it won't be after it dries)

i've done duratex in 1 coat. exohyde always takes 2

if you are going for the vinyl type look, duratex takes that procedure much better(because it dries slower)

santa said:

Duratex
Use fine pore foam roller helped be to get a pro looking finish.
Duratex does not adhere to bondo.

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i've used both over bondo just fine.

I have some speakers I’d like to use something like this on. Has anyone compared these products to something like roll on truck bed liner?

Not to thread jack, just wondering what the difference is with the audio/speaker specific stuff.

elitopus said:

I have some speakers I’d like to use something like this on. Has anyone compared these products to something like roll on truck bed liner?

Not to thread jack, just wondering what the difference is with the audio/speaker specific stuff.

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I actually once used spray on bed liner from an aerosol can...the more expensive brand they sell at Harbor Freight...on a QRD diffuser I built. Looks pretty good and has proven to be quite durable...but that's over pine rather than MDF. And no area I coated was very wide, so I can't say how it is for blending spray pattern/fan edges. I first considered using it for these subs I want to build, but after a little consideration decided a proven roll on coating would likely be a better choice.

painttoad said:

duratex is a better product. i've used both. exohyde dries much faster and will tend to slightly separate after it cures. (read: you'll think it's covered when it's wet but it won't be after it dries)

i've done duratex in 1 coat. exohyde always takes 2

if you are going for the vinyl type look, duratex takes that procedure much better(because it dries slower)

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Do you know of a roll-on method that minimizes the amount of texture to the final finish and maybe cuts down on the gloss level a little, as well?

I use an ordinary roller. The foam ones do seem to lift the paint up and yes, create a lot of texture.

I apply the first coat. Wait,,, maybe 10 to 15 minute, for the paint to set up. Than, knock it back with a green scotch brite pad. Wait another 15 minutes, apply the second coat, let it set up a bit and hit it again with the scotch brite pad.

I‘ve gotten it done in two coats, but depending on your technique, it may require more.

You should test on scrap mdf to find the technique that creates the finish your looking for.

Good Luck!

tomlinmgt said:

Do you know of a roll-on method that minimizes the amount of texture to the final finish and maybe cuts down on the gloss level a little, as well?

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my preferred way is to roll it on the blot at it with a plastic bag

@painttoad
That's a cool wrinkle type effect you're getting. Maybe not exactly what I want, but it looks good!

So what does it look like if you don't do the plastic bag blot?

painttoad said:

View attachment 2926842

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So that's Duratex straight from the can? No water reduction? How many coats? Foam roller? Time between coats if multiple coats applied?

tomlinmgt said:

So that's Duratex straight from the can? No water reduction? How many coats? Foam roller? Time between coats if multiple coats applied?

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That one was exohyde. Applied with the texture roller that comes with duratex. No thinning. 2 coats. Could not tell you the time between coats but its about a 4th of the time with duratex.

Something i should add. Duratex has a limited shelf life. Ive had 2 quart cans that were each used twice and sealed shut and 1/2 the product was dried up the 3rd time i needed them.

The exohyde came in a gallon plastic tub and has been opened at least 10 times and has not hardened.

Also, i dont know if duratex is still sold in a clear tintable version but black tint turns it blue.