Ok so I got this case and I really like the way it looks. I want to paint all the panels with the virtical lines a very Glossy Red and I want the other parts ei: handel, bezel and CD drives gloss black. I have no idea how I should go about painting something like this with ridges (all I have is spray paint). Also should I use a primer and finish it off with clear coat? Could someone step by step tell me what to do?

Thanks

Sorry for the high res its my friends camera...

Umm...I think there is a size limit rule on pics...hopefully you can get the pic to 400x500 or something. Spray painting light coats would work probrably.

Someone with 1337 painting skills could help ya out

try resizing the picture in the message box. it would make it easier on us too.

Yea there we go sorry about that. Anyway the thing I'm worried about is that its got those ridges (which are sweet) but im afraid of dripping paint trying to get into every notch...

Quote: Originally Posted by Dreyco Yea there we go sorry about that. Anyway the thing I'm worried about is that its got those ridges (which are sweet) but im afraid of dripping paint trying to get into every notch...

dripping paint? when you paint something you want to make lots of thin coats. dont lay it all on at once, then it will look like arse. do many coats of thin layers. that way one it wont drip and two it wont chip or peel.

Quote: Originally Posted by Zer0s dripping paint? when you paint something you want to make lots of thin coats. dont lay it all on at once, then it will look like arse. do many coats of thin layers. that way one it wont drip and two it wont chip or peel.

ZEROS pretty much wrapped up your whole question. I did something similair to that about a year ago and I had no troubles.....but do it lightly or it will drip. It might take a long time but it will be well worth the time and effort not to GLOB.

Read these two guides by PimpRig's paint pimp, Insomniac, and you should be all set.

The Basics
Rubout for a Mirror Finish

The only problem you should have is sanding down those ridges. It can be done. It just takes a bit of time. The other alternative is to use bondo and flatten the ridges, so you'll have a smooth side panel.

Thanks for the links. And no I like the ridges a lot then add something to it...

Something you might try is when the panel is vertical like that, paint with the can pointed down slightly to really get into the crack at the top of the line, and then on your way back up, paint with the can pointed up slightly. If you use really light coats of paint I think this would work really well.

OK, on another note the sides are all plastic. Should I use plastic primer since sanding and scratching these would be tough? Also If I use Automobile grade spray paint do I need to clear coat it?

or alternatlively use Krylon Fusion

Quote: Originally Posted by Zer0s or alternatlively use Krylon Fusion

And what is that? Sorry n00b here... :-p

Krylon Fusion

Its a paint that sticks to plastic so that you dont need to primer it. it is recommended that you lightly sand as it makes a more secure bonding surface.

Its available at just about any car or hardware store. very easy to find.

I'll toss in my $.02

Zeros is right, Krylon Fusion is excellent paint, and for your application it's what you want. You don't actually have to sand anything if you would rather not sand it, however sanding can't hurt, I've painted a case (should finish soon) and a cell phone cover with it without sanding and they both turned out pretty good. But you get what you prep for. Anyway, you should find it at your local Wal-Mart in numerous colors.

Quote: Originally Posted by corsair But you get what you prep for.

Wow, i like that, my new motto. hope you dont mind if i steal it.

As far as the paint, dont expect it in any 'good' colors. just the basic rainbow colors, would be nice if they eventually can out with granites, translucents, and metallic flake.

what do mean 'show all the colors' if by display them on the shelf then yes they do that at your hardware store, and they do carry both those colors.

If you're talking about all the Krylon Fusion paints, here's the list:

Krylon® Fusion

Color & Product Offering
Almond - 2437
Black - 2421
Blonde Shimmer - 2339
Blue Hyacinth - 2333
Burgundy - 2325
Burgundy - 2425
Buttercream - 2334
Dover White - 2322
Dover White - 2422
Espresso - 2340
Espresso - 2436
Fairytale Pink - 2331
Gloss Black - 2321
Gloss White - 2320
Honeydew - 2335
Hunter Green - 2324
Hunter Green - 2424
Khaki - 2438
Navy - 2326
Navy - 2426
Nickel Shimmer - 2338
Patriotic Blue - 2329
Pewter Gray - 2439
Pumpkin (Safety) Orange - 2337
Red Pepper - 2328
River Rock - 2323
River Rock - 2423
Spring Grass - 2327
Sun Dried Tomato - 2332
Sunbeam - 2330
Twilight - 2440
White - 2420

I'll try to get a pic posted of the red pepper color painted over black plastic (just because you're doing the same)
It didn't turn out to be very glossy but I imagine you can still get the mirror finish like in the guides on the stie.