Painting or...?

[KDU]

Hi, my first question on here! :D

I currently have a P180 and before I stick my bits in it (sounds wrong that:eek:) I want to tody it up a bit.

I fancy painting the interior of the case. I hate the standard dull, greyish colour inside and it gets filthy and generally looks minging, in my opinion of course. I would like to make it black.

Is painting the best way? If so, what paint/primer should I use?

Will be air cooled basic system, just want it to look a bit neater. I was going to try for a side window but read they can be tricky on the P180.

Any suggestions or tips on tidying up this case will be appreciated.

Cheers

Sam

[marcus000]

Sorry to rub it in your face but I did exactly what you are after, for someone last week :D

Painted it black inside and windowed the side panel (and modded the door as well)

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w292/marcus000/Martin%20P180/IMG_3240.jpg
http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w292/marcus000/Martin%20P180/IMG_3257.jpg
http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w292/marcus000/Martin%20P180/IMG_3254.jpg

[KDU]

Now that's lovely!!!

What primer/paint did you use? Would I have to take it all apart, like the drive bay etc to paint it?

Nice photo's, looks very smart.

[marcus000]

Case wasn't primed, it was done by a professional sprayer.
Sprayed black then left in a heat room to cure.

I didnt need to take it all apart, just removed the side panels and all the plastic bits off the case so they wouldn't melt.

[KDU]

Looks so much better black!!

I've stripped the case down so it's nice and naked now, and will prepare some plans for it.

Always wanted to mod a case, so time to have a crack. Going for a custom side window (could go horribly wrong) and do something with the front panel. (Hate the power button on the inside of the door!)

Such a shame I left all my tools in the UK (too heavy to bring over to Holland). I now own a couple of screw drivers and a hammer. Looks like I'll have to go shopping.

Don't have a clue about painting anything, thats all new to me so will have to learn. Cutting should go ok with my amazing steady hand from operating on fish. (just cursed myself I bet)

Maybe a Koi Carp themed case, we shall see what time brings.

Any advice on paint would be bang on.

Cheers

Sam

[Annihlator]

ah, cool that you're in holland. I live in holland myself.
where are you currently near to?

on the topic:
It's usually recommended to use self-etching primer, though i got myself an automotive metal surface primer which works for me (couldnt find the self-etching stuff.) and then some colours from the same brand.

which reminds me... i should upload some things soon....

[Fireblade]

Here're a few articles you'll find useful KDU:

Painting Guides:

Spray paint your PC case and give it a mirror finish (http://www.mnpctech.com/case-mod-paint-computer-pc-case-mod-how-to1.html)
****terstar's Painting Guide (http://www.modthebox.com/paintguide.shtml)
Case Painting 101 (http://www.boxgods.com/dept/modding/index.php?Action=Article&ID=198&Page=1#Introduction)
How to paint your computer case (Part 1) (http://case-mods.linear1.org/case-mod-101-how-to-paint-your-computer-case-part-1/)
+
How to paint your computer case (Part 2) (http://case-mods.linear1.org/case-mod-101-how-to-paint-your-computer-case-part-2/)
Spooky's Computer Painting Guide (http://www.overclock.net/case-mods-general-discussion/69626-spookys-computer-painting-guide.html)


Polishing tutorials (YouTube videos):

Abrasives and Finishing (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UVyttTgHi80)
Metal Polishing Tutorial (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MuPTMLdEcVk&mode=related&search=)
Sanding & Polishing (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kfz4YTQ5GgQ)


More advice - as offered by '4Qman' on another forum:

What you will need is acrylic or 2-pack paint, which dries very hard. The paint that you get from the car shops will be no good.
If you want a long lasting job, then make sure you rub down all parts that need painting with some 240 grit wet and dry.
Then prime up using 2-pack primer, and rub this down with some 600 grit wet and dry, and finally paint the top colour in two-pack paint.

If you can find a car paint finish shop, they should be able to make you up the tins for this, but it has to be used within a few days - as the paint will go hard (it's a cemical reaction rather than air drying).

So make sure all the parts are rubbed down first, then get the primer and rub down again.
Only then should you go and get the finished colour paint.


For a longer-lasting finish... use lacquer after the final coat of paint ;)

[KDU]

Cheers all for the advice and thanks for the links fireblade.

Lots of food for thought there.

Annihlator - Near Eindhoven