How to Repair Tolex

Written By
Carl Harper
Carl Harper
Published: Jun 3, 2009
Updated: Feb 23, 2021
1 minute read

Tolex is a durable, vinyl covering for amplifiers. Due to the way amplifiers are often handled, it's essential that they are able to withstand the wear and tear they receive from numerous music gigs. However, over time the Tolex on amplifiers will experience nicks and tears, and will need to be repaired.

Things You'll Need:

Things You Will Need

  • Syringe
  • Contact Cement Cleaner
  • Large Bore Needle
  • Windex
  • Industrial Cement Cleaner
  • Toothbrush
  • Vinyl
  • Clean Cloth
  • If Tolex Has Come Unglued

    Remove everything from the amplifier cabinet (hardware, fan, reverb and speaker) and clean it.

    Apply Windex with a clean toothbrush in the areas that need to be cleaned.

    Apply the contact cement with a clean cloth where the Tolex has become unglued. You can also use the cement to get rid of any unwanted marks on the material, as well.

    If Tolex Is Torn

    Clean the area on the surface of the Tolex and the edges in the tears with Windex and a toothbrush.

    Take a syringe and a large bore needle to apply industrial cement to the tears.

    Push some vinyl into place once the cement has become tacky. Allow it to set for several minutes before cleaning off any extra cement with contact cement cleaner.

    Warnings:

    • Make sure your amplifier is turned off and unplugged when applying Windex, cement or any other substance.
    Carl Harper

    Carl Harper began writing professionally in 2007. His work has appeared in newspapers such as the "Austin-American Statesman" and the "San Antonio Express-News." In addition to writing, he works with Earl Miller Productions and Fox Sports…

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