Sealing enclosure

[thor02 2]

Hey guys this is my first post! Seems like a great forum with knowledgeable members, so anyways...

What is the best stuff to seal an enclosure with? Silicone? Caulking? Which type?

[Kanaworm$ 292]

Welcome ....

Both will work equally well!

[thor02 2]

Any specific brand? I heard there are some types that give a certain vapor that can damage metals. Is that correct?

[Giest 0]

your best bet is to seal with fiberglass compound , it hardens real fast and has no vapors, plus it strengthens the box quite well ,

[Kanaworm$ 292]

DAP is a very common brand. I guess I have never heard the vapor thing damaging metals.

[thor02 2]

Haha, probably isn't true then!

Thanks oldskool, the knowledge is appreciated!

[jakemw 0]

Choose one that works well with MDF or wood for that matter.

[Randal Johnson 544]

Only two things ussed on my enclosure was Elmers Wood glue and Walmart clear silicone. NOT a minutes trouble ...

[Jay-C76 333]

A nice thick bead of TiteBond 2 wood glue will lock them seams up tight.

Just squeeze a bead down the joint and spread it smooth with your finger.

Do the horizontal seams first then after about 15-20 minutes (providing it's above 70 degrees)

tip the enclosure up on it's side and do the other seems. (so the unglued vertical seam is now horizontal)

To finish off just repeat the process until all seams are glued up nice.

Happy sealing

[Sir-Lancelot 216]

^ this.

I also run a bead of silicon down the seams after I do the above because I am OCD like that.

I let it dry 24 hours before I mount subs.

[gadgeteer123 21]

some types of caulk create vapors that in a sealed enclosure can weaken the foam surround. I forgot which kind it was. use google.

[abmoore 8]

That would have to be some intense caulking haha. Maybe expansion joint caulking, I never have used that in a box, only 15+ story buildings. Of course I don't think outside the box, well inside... (sweet almost pun)

[Jay-C76 333]

some types of caulk create vapors that in a sealed enclosure can weaken the foam surround. I forgot which kind it was. use google.

All silicone and pretty much anything that uses a "alcohol thinner or other chemical thinner" that is used to make the product soft and easy to work with.

The vapor weakens the glues and also breaks down some of the materials that can be used when a subwoofer is built.

It's kinda like playing Russian Roulette with your subs,

it may effect them, and it may not.

You'll never know it has until it's too late.

[cheese20323 13]

i heard from m5 you can use mdf dust and wood glue to seal it too.

[gadgeteer123 21]

I'm not sure how recommended this would be, but when I built a temporary box I built once I used gorilla wood glue and screws to hold the wood together, then I caulked all the corners and let it sit over night, and then I took rubber sealant in a can and I coated the entire inside of the box, The box worked well for the 1.5 months that I used it. And this was with a xcon getting 600 watts at the time in a 5 cubic foot box tuned to 25 hz those low notes rocked in that box. now its in my nice enclosure built by audible customs.

[Jay-C76 333]

i heard from m5 you can use mdf dust and wood glue to seal it too.

Yep it's basically making your own wood putty.

It's the same stuff you'd buy in a store, just made by you.

And it's free, you make tons of dust when cutting MDF.

As far as mixing it, it's like making a paste.

Start off with a small amount of glue on a pile of dust then

keep adding more glue until you get the consistency desired.

Don't mix up too much b/c the stuff sets up rather quick and will be hard as nails!

[Sir-Lancelot 216]

i heard from m5 you can use mdf dust and wood glue to seal it too.

Yep it's basically making your own wood putty.

It's the same stuff you'd buy in a store, just made by you.

And it's free, you make tons of dust when cutting MDF.

As far as mixing it, it's like making a paste.

Start off with a small amount of glue on a pile of dust then

keep adding more glue until you get the consistency desired.

Don't mix up too much b/c the stuff sets up rather quick and will be hard as nails!

Thats the damn truth !!

[Julian 641]

Small is correct some caulking will eat the surround of foam I think it's mostly with the silacone. But airing the enclosure while it dries for the full reccomened time. After that it is perfectly good to use as long as it's cured.

[thor02 2]

Thanks. I just dont want some stupid mistake to eat up my new btl

[Kanaworm$ 292]

Thanks. I just dont want some stupid mistake to eat up my new btl

Use the mdf dust and wood glue! I have done this as well and will be one of the strongest bonds along the seams.

[thor02 2]

Alright cool, i will have to try that for sure. Sounds easy enuff for even a guy like me!

[SUNDOWN/FI BEATIN 0]

we always just put tight bond glue between the pieces when they are bing screwed together then go around the seams inside with a good bead of liquit nails.. never failed me or any of my teamates.