Looking for some spray paint. I want to achieve a mirror black finish on the top and side panels of my case.

What primer, mid coat, and top coat will I need?

Acrylic or Enamel...ect. I like Duplicolor so if that's the brand then great! Since they're usually used for cars.

Thanks everyone!


Edited to add: I did get to read the PR Paintshop and Insomniac's tutorial on how to get a mirror finish, I'm going to use some of those techniques to perfect the look of the case

Duplicolor's fine--actually, that's what I used for my current project, and I'm totally happy with the results. Now, lacquer or enamel... The eternal question. Depends on how patient you are. Lacquer dries much faster and there is no "recoating window." With enamel, it's within one hour or in 5 days (at least according to Duplicolor; I know people who recoat within 3 days and still get good results). It seems to me that lacquer is easier to work with, but that may be a subjective opinion. Also, lacquer will give you better gloss, but enamel is more durable. So in the end, you just have to decide what is more important for you.

If you go with laquer, you're gonna need:
*Sandable primer (DAP 1692 Gray Hot Rod, DAP 1694 Red Oxide, or DAP 1698 Black Hot Rod)--I went with Red Oxide, cause it's easy to tell where the coverage is uneven and it shows from under black coat, so you know where to apply more generously in the next pass.
*Lacquer (DAL 1677 Gloss Black)
*Clear Coat (DAL 1695)

In addition to Insomniac's guide, you may also wanna check this out (not that I'm trying to undermine his authority, but a second opinion is always useful), as well as Duplicolor Solutions and Tips.

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Thank you so much unholy for answering my question! Wow you even included the paint #s for me! Great!

Hmm...more gloss, less wait. OR orange peel look, more sanding, more patience, and long lasting color?

Such tough descisions...I'll probrably choose by the end of this week.

Well, it's not like enamel is gonna give you orange peel look (cybercellulitis?)... In the guide I linked you to linear is actually using enamel paint, and the result is pretty impressive. But officially lacquer is supposed to give you more of a mirror finish look.

And, btw, your're most welcome. Good luck with painting.

edit: Forgot to mention: for decent coverage on a typical case (one windowed panel, one full panel, top, front bezel) you're gonna need at least two cans of each product.

Oooh! Thought enamel does that to you lol. Thanks for letting me know how much to get, I started out with 2 kits of Duplicolor Mirage for a case I was working on, and as soon as I finished just one full tower side panel the can was already empty! But noticed today that the Mirage paint cans come with less paint than the Metalcast which doesn't come in a kit.

Thanks again unholy hope to get the paint sometime this week!