Here's a nice one for that fine summer weather, how to paint the case internals quickly and easily. Please note, this ain't no powder coating, so quality isn't amazing, but it looks good. Whilst doing this, it's possible to ghetto run your PC, just do it safely on top of a box or anti-static bag. Don't let animals or retarded people near it...
What do i need?
* Fine or 400-600 grit wet/dry sandpaper
* Metal priming spray paint
* Your choice of colour metal spray paint (matt recommended)
Why?
A few reasons. First, the inside of a case can look horrible. The standard grey metal look really doesn't look cool! Also, having a coloured background such as black can hide cables (assuming they are black themselves) and also make for a much better looking lighting (such as UV).
For reference, here is an example picture of a computer built with a stock Antec 900, the case I shall paint:
How?
1: Take apart your entire case. Remove any removable parts you don't want painted such as hardware, fans, plastic parts and hard drive cages. All you want is the metal chassis and any other metal parts for painting.
2: Now, using the fine wet and dry paper, lightly sand down each of the metal parts of the case. It doesn't have to be an absolutely perfect finish, but it should be even. This won't take more than 30 minutes.
3: Any parts that you want to paint all angles of (such as HD bays) are best hung from something (I used the rafters of my garage and a washing line). It allows easy access. The case itself should sit on newspaper or cardboard.
4: Now, using the primer, do a light layer on each of the parts. Try not to paint for more than 3-4 seconds at a time and always keep the can moving from side to side. Painting for too long in one area will cause paint to pool and drip, giving some areas an uneven look and producing visible droplets. Read the instructions on the can!
5: Each layer should be light, don't expect to see full paint coverage after your first coat. It will take 3-4 light layers before colour looks even. I did a coat every 15 minutes, 4 times. Different brands of paint may differ, so be sure to check the can itself for further instructions
6: Once all layers are done and the case is fully covered and layers look even, leave to dry. To be safe, i left mine overnight despite it only taking 4 hours to dry. Again, check the can for details
7: Now, to start with colour. Like before, numerous light layers are best. After the first coat, the case will not be completely black. It will be a black/grey speckled colour! I did a new coat every hour, lightly each time until gradually, after about 4 sprays, it looked perfectly black and even. Again, leave to dry, preferably for 24 hours (sometimes more). Paint may appear dry, but could be wet underneath.
8: Once fully dry, start re-building. Be careful not to make huge scratches in the paint and undo all your hard work! Screws and cages may feel like a tighter fit, but this is just because the paint has made it thicker.
Tight parts such as HD cages will inevitably scratch, but usually in places that cannot be seen.
9: And there we go. A completed system, a lot nicer looking if I may say so :)
Have fun :)
What do i need?
* Fine or 400-600 grit wet/dry sandpaper
* Metal priming spray paint
* Your choice of colour metal spray paint (matt recommended)
Why?
A few reasons. First, the inside of a case can look horrible. The standard grey metal look really doesn't look cool! Also, having a coloured background such as black can hide cables (assuming they are black themselves) and also make for a much better looking lighting (such as UV).
For reference, here is an example picture of a computer built with a stock Antec 900, the case I shall paint:
How?
1: Take apart your entire case. Remove any removable parts you don't want painted such as hardware, fans, plastic parts and hard drive cages. All you want is the metal chassis and any other metal parts for painting.
2: Now, using the fine wet and dry paper, lightly sand down each of the metal parts of the case. It doesn't have to be an absolutely perfect finish, but it should be even. This won't take more than 30 minutes.
3: Any parts that you want to paint all angles of (such as HD bays) are best hung from something (I used the rafters of my garage and a washing line). It allows easy access. The case itself should sit on newspaper or cardboard.
4: Now, using the primer, do a light layer on each of the parts. Try not to paint for more than 3-4 seconds at a time and always keep the can moving from side to side. Painting for too long in one area will cause paint to pool and drip, giving some areas an uneven look and producing visible droplets. Read the instructions on the can!
5: Each layer should be light, don't expect to see full paint coverage after your first coat. It will take 3-4 light layers before colour looks even. I did a coat every 15 minutes, 4 times. Different brands of paint may differ, so be sure to check the can itself for further instructions
6: Once all layers are done and the case is fully covered and layers look even, leave to dry. To be safe, i left mine overnight despite it only taking 4 hours to dry. Again, check the can for details
7: Now, to start with colour. Like before, numerous light layers are best. After the first coat, the case will not be completely black. It will be a black/grey speckled colour! I did a new coat every hour, lightly each time until gradually, after about 4 sprays, it looked perfectly black and even. Again, leave to dry, preferably for 24 hours (sometimes more). Paint may appear dry, but could be wet underneath.
8: Once fully dry, start re-building. Be careful not to make huge scratches in the paint and undo all your hard work! Screws and cages may feel like a tighter fit, but this is just because the paint has made it thicker.
Tight parts such as HD cages will inevitably scratch, but usually in places that cannot be seen.
9: And there we go. A completed system, a lot nicer looking if I may say so :)
Have fun :)
great activity :)
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