Case painting!!!!!

[Ruahrc]

Hello, sorry for the second post this one's topic is kinda off of the other one:

I was thinking of painting my case. I had planned to paint it entirely, including the drive faceplates, so that the entire case would be colored (won't tell u till i'm done http://www.sysopt.com/forum/smile.gif) and not have white drives on a colored chassis. I looked at my drives, and figured out how to detatch the plastic fronts and stuff too so I think it'd work out.

I was just looking for some tips like what sort of paint to use, do I need to prime/strip off the old paint, and stuff and if I needed to cover it with some sort of clear coating when I'm done for scratches, etc.

Thanks for the info

Ruahrc
-will post pics and stuff when I'm done

[Szech]

There are a couple guides out there, but I have found www.7volts.com (http://www.7volts.com) 's guide to be the most comprehensive.

Can't wait to see it http://www.sysopt.com/forum/smile.gif.

~~Edit: BTW, it's under the Case modification section.

[This message has been edited by Szech (edited 06-11-2001).]

[Yar1182]

Just make sure you pick a paint that won't melt the plastic of the drive face plates. Use some petroleum jelly and a fine paint brush to paint any part of the drive face plates you don't want to receive paint (logo's, etc.).

Definitely sand your case. Primer it too before it receives the paint. Sand the primer with fine sandpaper to make it smooth. Paint the case, and then sand it like above. Use two thin coats and make sure to sand. Finally 2 coats of urethane sealer and sand. Lastly hit it up with some wax.

Make sure you test you paint before hand somewhere on the case where it won't be seen. When actually painting use long strokes beginning a couple inches before the material and ending a couple inches after the material. This will avoid the nasty initial and ending overspray. Use thin coats and let it dry between coat, and again the sanding.

[muno]

I painted my case with metallic blue, used a generic spray bought from hardware store ($4). Didn't brush any old paint off and it seems to stick just fine over the old (cleaned it with alcohol =). Just put bits and pieces of tape over sensitive parts (like holes =).
-M

[club_med]

I've been meaning to do that too, but I am still searching for cool ideas, show us what you come up with when your done http://www.sysopt.com/forum/wink.gif

cm.

[Gilt]

painting your case ?

i did this, including my drive faces with acryclic car spray paint, looks professional, and is easy to do.

all i did, was to clean the case down with white spirits to clean off any and all grease, and then simply sprayed over the old paint (this acts as a base for the new paint to stick to)and then when dry, used some t-cut (car paint restorer) to give a basic shine, followed by three coats of clear lacquer.

looks professional, and lasts a lifetime.

yours gilt

[RustyGT]

Rhua/guys
Used to do a lot of this.
My old boss was keen on restoring old cars.
Still is.
We used to refurb copiers, cash registers, calcs, anything.
Never chuck out anything, always good for a part.

Most plastic used in registers, comp fascias older copier covers, was poly-styrene,same as used in model planes.
This will take acrylic based paints easily.

Its important with used covers, that they are washed well in soapy water first.
Clean up with meths or prepsol,dry,then spray with premixed cans.
Works a treat! Have Fun. R.

[desmocat]

One of my cases is painted like granite, the other will look like marble when I get done with it. The one that's granite was done with the 2 step stuff fron krylon that's available at hobby or craft stores like Micheal's,hobby lobby and places like that.

As far as surface prep, I just gave the case a good wipedown with a dishrag and warm soapy water then allowed to dry then painted it. Also did the keyboard in granite, but it took a while to mask it all off...

[Imperion1]

Just used a dishrag and warm soapy water to clean my case too. Or at least the front panel. The case lid is done with heavy vinyl contact paper.
Buy the front panel, I have blue blending into black. Starts from the top left (blue) ends at bottom right (black).

[Cygnus-X1]

I've entertained the thought myself,
when I build my first ever Comp I will go for an industrial looking sci-fi look.

I'll prolly use acrylic enamel spray cans and if need to my airbrush as well.

One thing I keep in mind is safety.
Make sure you work in a ventilated area, and when done let it settle to dry for a few days
preferably away from any household members and pets.

[Kuasimodem]

If you go to your local NAPA, Auto Pro or other car parts store, they usually have a nice selection of metallic paints with primers and clear coats to match.

They come in "spray bombs" (cans) and do a nice job.

I usually prep the surface with denatured alcohol, it cleans off any oils, and leaves no residue on the surface.

[Ruahrc]

Thanks for all the replies:

Yeah I looked at 7volts already, really great site. Has anyone tried their grommet idea? It looks like a good one I was going to grommet everything in my case (well, both my fans and drives).

What's this about the sanding? I only got 1 reply who mentioned sanding, and 7volts said it too. Just go over it with some sandpaper? Is this to smooth it out or remove all the old paint? I seem to like the auto-shop idea better, but when you say wax it do you mean car wax or some other wax?

Thanks

Ruahrc

[eagle1]

There was an article about this in a MaximumPC magazine (don't remember if it is this month issue or the one after it). Anyway, I think it's well explained there.!

[socalgal]

Yes, eagle's got it, there was a detailed article with pics in the May 01 issue of MaximumPC, called "Sub-Zero".