Painting A Case

I'm wanting to do my first custom case build and I'm looking for a case with a windows side panel, that is good for painting on. Personally I've never done anything like this and want to know a good case to paint on and the type of paints that I may use to do this.

So what do you recommend?

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most cases are going to be a combo of plastic and sheet metal
I would recommend anything that has most flat surfaces as sanding contours sucks. powdercoat is better for metal if you can get an oven. ( NOT THE ONE YOU COOK IN, PCing WILL ASSURE YOU NEVER USE THAT OVEN FOR ANYTHING BUT PCing EVER AGAIN) also, using the same paint for metal and plastic is a bad idea in terms of longevity.

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Thanks

not a problem, if you need anything else, just ask. Feel free to PM if you need to.

I have had good results with paint from the auto parts store.

You should start with self-etching primer followed by adhesion promoter just before painting. Use Rust-Oleum primer for plastic parts and you should be able to use any paint over that, but test on a small area before you melt your case. I find that auto paint is high quality, easy to work with and you have many good color choices than can be easily matched. Although it is a little more expensive, I find that the clear coat meant for wheels works best. It is thicker, tougher and glossier.

99% of painting is good preparation. Sand everything smooth to the touch with your finger tips. Your fingers can feel what your eyes can't see. Make sure the surface and painting area is surgically clean. Tape the hell out of things you don't want painted. And practice, practice, practice. Even though I have painted a lot, I always screw up. Temptation is to paint the main part first. Practice paint the inside and bottom first. Save the show piece for last.

If you want some good painting tips, check out Singularity Computers on YouTube.

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they also have chrome lettering, pinstripes decals etc. Cars are made from the same stuff cases are, metal n plastic.

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H440 is great for being able to disassembkenit completely, enough space to mess round and lots of flat easy to paint panels that you can do what you like with really.

Also grill accent pieces to add a second colour.

I wanted a yellow case and bought a white and black h440 and painted the white panels yellow, some one else did the opposite. They bought the black and red case I think and painted the grills yellows and it looked sharp.

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To add to this, most of NZXT and Fractal cases allow you to take them apart quite a bit. I would also agree that more square cases will be better, after having painted the NZXT 820 and H440.

Side note: Find something to practice on first, especially if you go with spray paint. And try your best to keep your distance around the one specified on the can (normally 16 in. I wouldn't go closer than 13 in.)

Nothing really any different about painting a computer case than painting anything that you want a nice finish on, but you need to be careful with the plastic parts and make sure they are cleaned properly to remove any mold release agent that was used in the manufacturing process, light scuffing with a 3M scuff pad will prep the surface to accept paint but everything made of plastic really need to be wiped down afterwords with something like 90% rubbing alcohol.

The same 3M scuff pad can be used to prep the metal surfaces but I would recommend using a etching primer to seal the factory coating from your new paint job, it would hurt nothing to wipe the metal parts down with the same 90% alcohol to make sure you haven't left any oils from your hands/skin on the metal parts.

http://3mcollision.com/products/abrasives/sponges/scotch-brite-pro-hand-pads-trial-pack-64933.html

Light coats of paint will give you better results then trying to cover it all in one pass, several light coats built up will give you the best finish just follow the directions on the can for temperature (ambient and part temp), time between coats, and distance to keep the can from the parts being painted, always start spraying off the item to be covered and end off the item also to keep the paint coats even and remove the chance of splatters.

After your finished you can always use a top coat of clear to seal your paint job, gloss, satin, or matte finishes can be applied over your color coat to add depth or other effects along with protecting the color coat from scratches.

Post a few pics of your finished results to inspire others... :)

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This is my case I painted. Worked out well just used normal spray paint. I think it adds a nice personal touch.

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