Hey all, I've been browing the site for a few weeks now but just registered. I'm building a second system in my old full tower case, and need to correct its boring beige paint... I've found a lot of good advice so far, but I'm wondering about the particular paint I want to go with and what steps I should take to make it look its best.

First of all, how do you guys feel about the Rust-Oleum Metallic line of paints? Their Black Night Metallic looks like it should be a nice looking color, but I remember using their regular Gloss Black a few years ago and having trouble with it running, so I hope this paint won't do the same. Metallic black seems to be a hard color to find without using pricey automotive or model paints.

Secondly, would I get a better looking finish if I primed the exterior of my case first? If so, should I sand down the primer before I topcoat it (and with what grit sandpaper)? If I use primer I'll probably go with Rust-Oleum Grey Automotive Primer since I've had good results with it before (primed an entire '69 Chevy pickup with it, lol).

Third, is color sanding worth doing with a metallic paint? I know it can be very beficial to solid colors, but I'm wondering it I would notice a difference with this paint.

Finally, will a clearcoat make a large difference in protecting the finish from scratches, and in making it look more shiny? I don't need a mirror finish on the case, I just want the metallic in the color to be evident.

Thanks for any tips you can give me.

Quote: Originally Posted by wowwie First of all, how do you guys feel about the Rust-Oleum Metallic line of paints? Their Black Night Metallic looks like it should be a nice looking color, but I remember using their regular Gloss Black a few years ago and having trouble with it running, so I hope this paint won't do the same. Metallic black seems to be a hard color to find without using pricey automotive or model paints

Your only problem there might have been patience....The best way to paint with a rattle can imo is light/medium coats in a back and forth pattern. 5-7 coats that have been applied properly should prove to just what you need.

Quote: Originally Posted by wowwie Secondly, would I get a better looking finish if I primed the exterior of my case first? If so, should I sand down the primer before I topcoat it (and with what grit sandpaper)?

I tend to lean towards always using primer. The best grit paper to use for primer just to smoothe out bumps and whatever else stuff needs to be filled in would be 600 grit imo. Remember to take your time.

Quote: Originally Posted by wowwie Third, is color sanding worth doing with a metallic paint? I know it can be very beficial to solid colors, but I'm wondering it I would notice a difference with this paint.

I feel that youll always see a difference with base color paints whether its glossy or not with a little wet sanding. I wouldnt suggest sanding a whole lot besides to get rid of imperfections in the base color paint.

Quote: Finally, will a clearcoat make a large difference in protecting the finish from scratches, and in making it look more shiny? I don't need a mirror finish on the case, I just want the metallic in the color to be evident

And finally imo i think that clearcoat is essential to any really good glossy uber pimp paint job. Not only does it help protect the pain alot, but with a little wetsanding and elbow grease in between coats of clear you can achieve a really nice finish. Good Luck and keep us updated!

Also if you have anymore questions or wanna see some pics of what has been done step by step check out Insomniacs Paint guide here. Another thing to keep in the back of your mind is prep work is 90 percent of a good paint job. Take your time and itll pay off.