Can you paint a steel case?

[myspoontoobig]

i bought this x-handler case ...i was wondering if it was possible to paint the whole thing black while still keeping it looking nice and not all splotchy...if so what kind of paint could i use?

 

[Nebben]

This is a crazy idea, but why not buy the black case if you want to have a black case?

That said, I have no idea about painting steel cases.

 

[myspoontoobig]

out of stock and even so...it's still only the front panel

 

[SrGuapo]

Spray paint? It probably wouldn't be extremely pretty, but with some work it may look decent...

 

[Nebben]

I'm thinking that spraypaint is your only option.

Anything that's going to look professional would probably cost far more than it's worth. In other words, you could just buy a black case somewhere that would do the job.

What about black duct tape all over it? That would be SWEET.

 

[Continuity27]

Originally posted by: Nebben
What about black duct tape all over it? That would be SWEET.

Cardboard box for a case is better.

 

[myspoontoobig]

my 2nd computer built completely with old parts is held by cardboard already i like the duck tape idea though...but in that case i should've just bought some 15 dollar case

 

[Tarrant64]

I think anodized spray paint would work. at least i think that's what it's called, and that's what will work best. Just normal spray paint really doesn't do well. But you can "anodize" it.

 

[Continuity27]

Will spray paint increase the rate of oxidation or something? For some reason my gut is telling me spray paint isn't the best solution.. but then again I need to cut back on the beer too.

 

[RampantAndroid]

Can you do it the same way they do silver brushed aluminum cases? I forget the name for the process, but they stick it in the correct colored solution, and pass electricity through it so the color adheres....

 

[Ike0069]

Good quality spray paint works fine, but the key is multiple thin coats allowing it to dry in between. Also, make sure you get it realy clean before you start.
Then cover it with several coats of clear enamel spray to give it a shiny finish.
Or you can just buy a black case skin.. Would probably be less work.

 

[RichUK]

Originally posted by: RampantAndroid
Can you do it the same way they do silver brushed aluminum cases? I forget the name for the process, but they stick it in the correct colored solution, and pass electricity through it so the color adheres....

yeah they spray powder paint on to the metal that has electricty running through it, then they stick in an oven to make it stick and colour the metal (somthing like that seen it on discovery chanel )

 

[2cpuminimum]

Use duck tape to affix cardboard to the outside of the case, creating the appearance of a cardboard case. This will also quiet fan noise.
Otherwise, why go with monochrome when you can commission an artist to paint a dragon on the case?

 

[Valkerie]

You have a few options, buy car spray paint at an auto dealer, and you're set, for easy and cheap work.

-Clean case
- Buy an undercoat (black or white depending on your final color scheme)
-Spray it down with something premium choice of color (none of the cheap stuff..)
-Spray thin acryllic coats over, 3-5 times.
-Enamel for clean, and shiny finish.
=all of this should be done consecutively, right after each coat finishes, otherwise you need to be in a sanatized and contained area to avoid less-attractive finishes.

 

[Oyeve]

Maximum PC had a huge how-to on this a few months back. The proccess involved special paints, solvents, wet and dry sandpapering, more paint. Seem like a real hassle. I think it would probably be cheaper and easier to just buy a new case in the color you want. By the time you find and purchase the right products to do a paintjob properly it would probably cost as much as a new case!

 

[WebDude]

Better get MAACO! Seriously, any automotive spray paint will work. How good it will look depends a lot upon your spray technique. Spray too much, you get runs and sags. Not enough spray you get an uneven, semi-matte type of finish. Spray in a well ventilated area, or get high on fumes (your choice). The grill work will be a challenge. The small holes will tend to clog up with paint if you spray too much. If you're thinking of trying this, a good idea is to practise on a scrap piece of steel first.

Powder coating is an electrically attracted dry powder that is applied and then baked in an oven (often seen done on American Chopper). Way too expensive for what you're doing, not to mention other drawbacks in this case.

 

[corkyg]

Agree with WebDude. Automobiles are complex steel cases, and they can be painted and repainted., etc. A computer case is small potatoes by comparison. Mask, prep, and spray.

 

[Greenman]

Use Lacquer, and sand between coats with 600 grit sand paper. Lacquer is easy to work with because it drys fast and it's easy to sand out drips or runs. If you want a super higloss finish, put on 10 coats, sanding between each coat, after the last coat sand with 1200 grit wet paper, then buff it out with polishing compound. If you want some cool effects, use a 2 or 3 colors, one on top of the other, then sand through the paint till you get to the color you want in whatever patteren you want. Done right, the effect is awsome.

 

[SlitheryDee]

Originally posted by: Greenman
Use Lacquer, and sand between coats with 600 grit sand paper. Lacquer is easy to work with because it drys fast and it's easy to sand out drips or runs. If you want a super higloss finish, put on 10 coats, sanding between each coat, after the last coat sand with 1200 grit wet paper, then buff it out with polishing compound. If you want some cool effects, use a 2 or 3 colors, one on top of the other, then sand through the paint till you get to the color you want in whatever patteren you want. Done right, the effect is awsome.

This idea sounds cool.

 

[Googer]

Originally posted by: myspoontoobig
i bought this x-handler case ...i was wondering if it was possible to paint the whole thing black while still keeping it looking nice and not all splotchy...if so what kind of paint could i use?

You can paint almost anything, cars are made of steel and the same rules and techniques apply to PC's

If you have trouble your best bet is to take it to an auto body shop and tell them to paint it, wet sand it, and clear coat it.

Also check a maximum pc article from about a year or so ago from 2004 or 2003.

Here is something on the maximum pc forums (a good amateur job, but he is not any where close to what a pro can do):
http://www.maximumpc.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=3367

Also this book will tell you all you need to know about case painting.
http://webdesign.informit.com/bookstore/product.asp?isbn=0789731924&rl=1

You can try your local library and get books on Painting cars.

 

[w00t]

steel painted wouldnt have the cool steel look.

 

[Googer]

Here are some more links, I will add more later.

This link uses spray paint and is not your best choice like genuine Automotive paint is.
http://case-mods.linear1.org/case-mod-1...ow-to-paint-your-computer-case-part-1/

For the best finish wet sanding and clear coating will make it look like a Gazillion $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$Bucks!

A guide to painting plastic bezels
http://www.directron.com/paintguide.html


Wet sanding and how it is done (car craft)
http://www.carcraft.com/howto/926/
http://www.carcraft.com/howto/24820/
http://www.meguiars.com/video/

 

[QueZart]

Lotsa Good Suggestions here, Guese I'll add a Ghetto One to it..

Waaay back in the Day.. Ya well This works Trust me some of the best finishes I ever Put On Bikes, Frames, tanks, and several other metal objects were done this way

You Need a standard Car Battery Charger and Good Old Krylon

Place the Positive Clamp on the Case and the Negative clamp to the bottom of the Can

Instead of the Stand 6-8 inches from Object you need a Good 16-20 inches of space the Charger will create a Static field that sucks the paint onto the Piece being painted, Allowing you to Make Extremely Thin even Coats. As said already let each Coat dry then sand/Buff repeat atleast 6 times or more then clear coat 3-4 times..

For a cheap solution anyhow, I like the idea of useing Auto paint tho, I think it would be a tad expensive.. and Of course I'd recomend removing all componants b4 attempting any kind of paint job