Painting the Inside

[DeadSanta]

Just recently began painting the inside of my case, but puddles are appearing... Any way to make them go away!? They're not very attractive! :( :confused:

http://leeked.net/~santa/bubble.jpg

[XP1800]

I think you're putting too much paint on per coat. Try spreading it thinner and giving it more time to dry. Also, did you clean the surface good before starting?

[DeadSanta]

Yes, I even sanded it down so it would adhear better.

How can I get rid of those puddles? Is there any way to do so?

[XP1800]

Well I'm a perfectionist, so I would sand it down and repaint:(

[DeadSanta]

As am I! BLEH! :mad:

[XP1800]

Dude it will look so much better when you're done and it's to your liking. You'll be happier:) Take the time and make it right:D

[DeadSanta]

Yeah... I'll just keep telling myself that as I scrape all this crap off here... Little by little...

Sigh... :(

[XP1800]

Post more pics when you're done so we can say it looks sweet a$$

Then it will be worth it:)

[DeadSanta]

How about this?

http://leeked.net/~santa/fun.jpg

Yay! this is SO much fun!! ;)
Sigh... :mad:

There has gotta be an easier way. I'm just too n00b to figure it out.

[GLScooby]

Bummer dude. Sand it down and start again. Light coats is the answer. Also, if the surface is not clean, the paint will puddle. It must be cleaned with a substance that doesn't leave a residue. I prefer acetone myself. When you apply the paint, don't worry if it doesn't look even. That will come with subsequent LIGHT coats. Good luck and happy painting.

[DeadSanta]

Thanks for the advice guys.

Won't paint thinner get this stuff off my removables pretty easily?
'Cause it's a big bummer having to scrape it all off. :confused:

[XP1800]

Yeah man, that stuff combined with a little elbow grease should do the trick:)

[GLScooby]

It would depend on how thick the coats were. You can buy paint stripper in an aerosol can that you spray on, let it bubble up the paint, and wipe it off with a rag. Then you can clean it and try, try again. Careful with that stripper stuff though, it's nasty crap.

[DeadSanta]

Yeah, that'll make my day tomorrow when I burn off my fingers! :D

I can't wait till I get this all finished... Hopefully it'll look sweet. Expect loads of pictures! :)

[XP1800]

Good luck man:D

[DeadSanta]

Thanks man.

Something is telling me I'm gonna need to go nab some more primer! :D

[iLuminatae]

I have been thinking of doing this myself, one question i have is about the use of a primer. Is is necessary or recommended? My case is aluminum so I am thinking any paint designed for metal should work yes?

Cheers - Dead Santa - post some pics when your done - looks interesting.

[TAZTG]

You could try Sand Blasting that puppy. Thats if you know folks who do that and have access. Soak it in Paint remover, elbow grease. Whats the paint scheme going to be?? All black??

[DeadSanta]

The theme is red/black. The chassis itself will be all red and the removables such as the harddisk cage, back fan panel, and 3.5" cage will be all black. It should offset it nicely. :D

It's 8:00AM now, time ta get ta paintin'! Well, I should probably shower first.

[DeadSanta]

Originally posted by iLuminatae
I have been thinking of doing this myself, one question i have is about the use of a primer. Is is necessary or recommended? My case is aluminum so I am thinking any paint designed for metal should work yes?

Cheers - Dead Santa - post some pics when your done - looks interesting.

My case is alluminum as well. I'm not sure if I should even be using primer because alluminum is pretty damn smooth. I wonder if I can get by with just straight painting it.

Anybody know?

[TAZTG]

It should work fine with out Primer. The main reason for primer is to give the paint something to adhere to plus its sandable and you can make a nice smooth surfarce to start your painting. If you put enough light coats on and let each coat dry you will be alright..
Sounds like a good color scheme.

[DeadSanta]

http://leeked.net/~santa/almost.jpg

I think I can, I think I can... :D
Taz, that mod job you did on the PC-60 is sexy as hell. Jeebus.

[DeadSanta]

I find that this stuff scratches off pretty easily too with a little work from my fingernail. Will the clear coat at the end keep it strong so this won't happen? Or will I need to buy some other finisher?

[LordOPain]

Originally posted by TAZTG
It should work fine with out Primer. The main reason for primer is to give the paint something to adhere to plus its sandable and you can make a nice smooth surfarce to start your painting. If you put enough light coats on and let each coat dry you will be alright..
Sounds like a good color scheme.

but you can also use primer as a medium between types of paint or coatings on surfaces.. it also defines the base color which the final paint will be tinted against. black vs gray vs white

if your having problems, get a good white primer for automotive application.. even a thin coat will allow good adhesion to a paint..

also, hold a spray-can about 8"-12" from the surface, overlapping each pass and keep moving til you made a full pass.. always start from outside the piece(on the paper you lay down) and then move into the piece to stop splatters..

[DeadSanta]

Okay, I've finished painting. Once it is finished drying should I sand it down with some 600g sandpaper to even it out and then apply another coat? I read somewhere you should do that?

I'm worried about it stripping though.

[Tricksterpan]

If you goto the automotive section of walmart and get some of the fine sand paper like 800-1000g and just sand it lightly and apply the next coat or two it will look nice, just make sure you clean off all the dust with lint free rag. if you sand lightly and evenly it will turn out good, at least when i do it. :) good luck

[iLuminatae]

shiat - now I'm gonna have to tear my whole pc apart just so I can paint the inside :D Dust never has a chance to build up in my comp :)

Speaking of which what color would look good? Red/Blue LED case fans, UV Tubes and UV reactive cables in a Black case.

[DeadSanta]

How long should I let it dry before I apply the clear coat?

Red and black always look good together ilum! :D

[pcjohn]

You put to much paint on. Way to much by the looks of that picture. Repaint. Sand it down, primer it, and take your time when you paint.
One thin coat. Let that dry and then put another coat. Sweeping motions from left to right. Here's a good link.

http://www.maximumpc.com/reprints/reprint_2002-02-21.html

[DeadSanta]

Haha! But look at their working conditions! If only I had that... I'm stuck sitting in my driveway in 100 degree heat! :mad:

[XP1800]

I hope everything turned out great man, I'm excited to see those pics!

:D

[DeadSanta]

I still need to stop by AutoZone and pick up some more stuff to finish this sucker off, but so far so good. I'll be totally finished by tomorrow.

Which I'm glad 'cause I miss my mean machine. :( :p

[TAZTG]

Take a PIC of your Puter before you put all your gear back in. Sounds like you had fun, thats what modding is all about.

[LordOPain]

Originally posted by iLuminatae
shiat - now I'm gonna have to tear my whole pc apart just so I can paint the inside :D Dust never has a chance to build up in my comp :)

Speaking of which what color would look good? Red/Blue LED case fans, UV Tubes and UV reactive cables in a Black case.

ive alway thought that if i did a paint job on my case, the interior would be sanded and painted flat white then use an enamel based flourescent blue of red/pink over that.. never decided on an exterior paint scheme..

then a blacklight would make the backpanels (and anything else i detailed)glow..

[DeadSanta]

Sigh... New Problem!

http://leeked.net/~santa/burnt.jpg

It's kind of hard to see, but it's really bumpy and discolored in some parts of the case (As if it's almost burnt). I tried sanding it down to flatten it a little and then repainting the area, but no luck. I'm thinking I'll have to put down some paint stripper and wack it off. If I weren't so obsessive over quality, I wouldn't worry about it... BUT I AM!! ;)

I've read somewhere else in a tutorial about it happening, but I don't remember the solution.

I can't be the only one this has happened to. Any help? :(

[iLuminatae]

weird man - this is turning out to be the mod from hell :) Maybe there was finger marks/oils put down on the aluminum while handling the panels? I know that sometimes this can affect painted surfaces, but i guess it depends on the paint and surfaces.

[DeadSanta]

Yeah, this is turning into a real slut. But it's all good, I like the challenge. Somebody told me it's called "orange peel" or something like that. They didn't offer me a solution though! :(

I'm worried if I lay down some stripper it'll go through the holes in the mobo tray and corrupt the paint on the other side. The stuff is really nasty!

Bleh!

[GLScooby]

Quick question: Are you laying the pieces to be painted and the spray can out in the sun for a bit to warm up (prior to mixing/shaking)?

Cold Metal + Cool Paint = Bubbles.

Improperly mixed paint = Bubbles.

When you shake the paint up to mix it, don't forget to hold the top of the can and rotate the bottom in a circle so the ball bearing inside does "laps" around the bottom of the can. You should do that for a minimum of 60 sec before you do the 'up and down' shaking. Also as stated before, beware of unclean surfaces or cleaned surfaces with residue.

[DeadSanta]

Well, I originally had the paint float in some hot water for a few minutes because I was told that made the mist a lot more fine. When it came to shaking it, I really didn't do it to the extent you're saying. I just kind of shook it with my wrist for a good 20 seconds.

Bah, it's all a learning experiance. I'm not quite the spraypaint guru yet. :p
Thanks for the advice again, Scoob. You're the man.

I guess I'll just strip that crap off in the morning and repaint.

[GLScooby]

My hat's off to ya for sticking with it until you get it right. WTG.



:):):):):):):)

[TAZTG]

Originally posted by GLScooby
My hat's off to ya for sticking with it until you get it right. WTG.



:):):):):):):)

Sounds like he will be a Guru before to long. I know my Black & Gold Case had lots of bad spots. That was the first one I learned on. Its not easy when you don't have the right area to work in. Good Luck Dude..:D

[DeadSanta]

http://leeked.net/~santa/nopuddle.jpg

Thanks guys! :p

At the start those had puddles of paint all over 'em, remember? But I think they're purdy spiffy now. :D

Man that paint stripper BURNS when you get it on yah. :mad: ;)

[GLScooby]

Originally posted by DeadSanta


Man that paint stripper BURNS when you get it on yah. :mad: ;)

I love that stuff..........:)

[DeadSanta]

Originally posted by GLScooby


I love that stuff..........:)

... In a mean, hateful kind of way. :p

[iLuminatae]

just dont go for a pee when its on your hands :eek:

It is advisable to wear rubber gloves when handling that stuff.

[DeadSanta]

RUBBER GLOVES? RUBBER GLOVES?! WE DON'T NEED NO STINKING RUBBER GLOVES! ;) :p

Something just made its way to my brain. Isn't this paint going to hamper my aluminum's ability to stay cool?

[iLuminatae]

aluminum cases dont do much in the way of cooling your computer. Basically its the air flow thru the case that is important.

[DeadSanta]

Aluminum is a lot colder to the touch though over metal. That has to contribute atleast a little?

Isn't the paint going to gloss that over?

[GLScooby]

After painting mine, there was no difference in case temps. They actually got better, but hat was due to the blowhole and opening up the front intake for a Vantec 92mm. Here's the before and after pics of my odyssey in case painting:

Before:

http://www.frailart.net/members/glscooby/Inside1.jpg

During:

http://www.frailart.net/members/glscooby/Case%20Paint1.jpg


http://www.frailart.net/members/glscooby/Case%20Paint2.jpg


http://www.frailart.net/members/glscooby/Case%20Paint2.jpg

After:

http://www.frailart.net/members/glscooby/Inside7.jpg

http://www.frailart.net/members/glscooby/Inside9.jpg

[DeadSanta]

Jeebus. How long did the paintjob take? Mine's going on day 4 and isn't nearly as godly as that!

[GLScooby]

About 3 hours, not including disassembly and reassembly. It's actually a very light paint job. I still have about half the can of paint left over. I was trying to avoid the 'caked-on' look. Turned out ok, I guess.

[DeadSanta]

You have GOTTA be kidding me! I'm gonna cry... :( ;)

[TAZTG]

I used like a whole can on My Black & Gold (http://mywebpages.comcast.net/taztg/BLACK&GOLD.htm) case. It didn't turn out to bad for the first paint job I ever did. Damn, GLScooby, half a can be looking good. Must be the Gold Color helping.;)

[DeadSanta]

I made things worse, but it's all good. My creative side has taken over and after a visit to Hobby Lobby I've come up with a really sweet idea to make things all better.

Stay tuned... If I don't screw this up, my case is gonna be *****in'. :D
I hope all those hours twiddling with my brush in art class help me out with this one.

Pray for me! ;) :p

[XP1800]

Man I remember when this thread was started...

Hopefully things work out this time for ya man! I'm excited to see this case finished and assembled:cool:

[|_053|2]

the gold paint makes your rig look like a million bucks! makes me want to tear my case apart to introduce some paint to it!

[XP1800]

Yeah man I know...Even though the outside of my case is silver, I think it would look really clean if I painted the inside silver also. It would look much better than the dull metal look:cool:

[DeadSanta]

I PROMISE, PROMISE, PROMISE that I'lll have pics in the morning (Incase anyone is still intrested lol). It's 4AM though now and I gots to sleep! :o

[XP1800]

Well I'll be checking out this thread when I get home from work!

Hope it turned out ok:D

[GLScooby]

Originally posted by XP18004life
Well I'll be checking out this thread when I get home from work!


You gotta work today? That's just wrong.

[DeadSanta]

I'll post up some pics as soon as I can figure this out:
http://sharkyforums.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=198096

[DeadSanta]

You gotta be friggen' kidding me... Now my computer won't turn on. *looks for a noose*

[TAZTG]

Originally posted by DeadSanta
You gotta be friggen' kidding me... Now my computer won't turn on. *looks for a noose*

Where's those PICS. Why do you need to run the cord out the PCI Slots?? Why not run it out the Space where the PowerSupply use to be. I think it would be easier to cut a hole in the case then to cut up your finger..

[DeadSanta]

HERE YOU SPACEMONKEY! ;)

http://leeked.net/~santa/newpaint.jpg
http://leeked.net/~santa/newpaint3.jpg
http://leeked.net/~santa/newpaint2.jpg

I just ran the cord out the back panel 'cause I couldn't find my dremel. The paint job is far from perfect. I gave up on perfection a long time ago. But it gets the job done... And doesn't look that bad IMO. I've got some green UV dye for the water, but I'd rather have it lookin' red, so I'm waiting on some from FrozenCPU.

Cheers! Thanks for the help... I'd be screwed without y'all! 'Cause this was the biggest pain in the anus mod I've ever done. :D

[DeadSanta]

Those pics make my right cd-rom bezel holder thingy (I believe that's the name ;)) look like the paint is uneven or discolored. Dunno why. Here's some more pics:

http://leeked.net/~santa/newpaint4.jpg
http://leeked.net/~santa/newpaint5.jpg

[iLuminatae]

hey that looks good - is that water supposed to be dripping from that hose? lol

[TAZTG]

Thats one nice looking RIG. What ya talking about perfect, looks good from my point of view. It has character not flaws. OK explain to me the Power Cord thing. Its right where ya want it right? Did you want to move it in the front of the case and then run the cord out the back?? If so I would drill a hole up high and feed it out. That way it would still be hidden from view with that big window.;)

[DeadSanta]

Originally posted by iLuminatae
hey that looks good - is that water supposed to be dripping from that hose? lol

Waaa? lol
Nah, that's this thread: http://sharkyforums.com/showthread.php?threadid=198140 ;)

[DeadSanta]

Originally posted by TAZTG
Thats one nice looking RIG. What ya talking about perfect, looks good from my point of view. It has character not flaws. OK explain to me the Power Cord thing. Its right where ya want it right? Did you want to move it in the front of the case and then run the cord out the back?? If so I would drill a hole up high and feed it out. That way it would still be hidden from view with that big window.;)

Yeah, the cord to the Eheim is runs up front, behind the mobo tray, and then out the back of the case. The only problem with this is that the panel on the back isn't closed all the way... But as soon as I can find my dremel, I'll just slice a little hole in the pci slot and run it through there. No biggie. New project time! What next? :D

[DeadSanta]

Here are some nighttime shots (Added some dye)! ;) :p :

http://leeked.net/~santa/newpaint9.jpg
http://leeked.net/~santa/newpaint7.jpg
http://leeked.net/~santa/newpaint8.jpg
http://leeked.net/~santa/newpaint10.jpg
http://leeked.net/~santa/newpaint6.jpg

Thanks again for all the advice. Y'all own. Happy 4th! :D

[|_053|2]

daaaaaamn shes a beauty, i give you a big thumbs up! :eek:

[DeadSanta]

Originally posted by |_053|2
daaaaaamn shes a beauty, i give you a big thumbs up! :eek:

Thanks! :p :D

[XP1800]

Bout time I got to see this! Nice work man, she looks excellent:D

[DeadSanta]

Originally posted by XP18004life
Bout time I got to see this! Nice work man, she looks excellent:D

Thanks! :D

I wouldn't mind nabbing about 3 of these (http://www.frozencpu.com/cgi-bin/frozencpu/ele-72.html) to play around with, but they're $22 a pop! Bleh!

Taz's laserbay looks damn good on his PC-60... Thinking about grabbing one of those and then stealing his LED idea! :eek: :p ;)

Speaking of stealing Taz's ideas... How'd you go about mounting that fan controller up top? Did you make a bracket? Or find some way to screw it up there?

[|_053|2]

Originally posted by DeadSanta


Thanks! :p :D

makes mine look like poo... check my sig for the link

[DeadSanta]

ROFL! Do you have a pic of your rig as your wallpaper?! That's awesome! lol :)

[XP1800]

Originally posted by DeadSanta
ROFL! Do you have a pic of your rig as your wallpaper?! That's awesome! lol :)

HAHA, I just noticed that. That's awesome:) Nothing says "My machine rules and yours sucks" like that!

[schultz]

hahahaha!! :D :D that is hilarious!

now that gives me a good idea!! ;)

oh...and nice job DeadSanta! looks awesome!

...now if only i had more time and some paint...and my dremel (coming soon), and more time...and...well...you get the drift...

[GLScooby]

Looks like all the fussing, stripping, sanding, and re-painting has paid off! The rig looks awesome DS! You should be proud. WTG.

[DeadSanta]

Originally posted by GLScooby
Looks like all the fussing, stripping, sanding, and re-painting has paid off! The rig looks awesome DS! You should be proud. WTG.

You left out the burning and bodily pain! ;)

Thanks guys. :D

[commanderkeen]

Looks great... I give you a belated congradulation on your great mod.

Plus I like that CS emblem on your window ;)

[TAZTG]

Originally posted by DeadSanta


Thanks! :D

Taz's laserbay looks damn good on his PC-60... Thinking about grabbing one of those and then stealing his LED idea! :eek: :p ;)

Speaking of stealing Taz's ideas... How'd you go about mounting that fan controller up top? Did you make a bracket? Or find some way to screw it up there?

OK, the Laserbay is in the top slot made out of plastic. It has 3 LED lights glued to the middle with just a flimsy piece of plastic as the top, the bottom and sides are regular firm plastic. I measured the spot just behind the lights and then took the dremel to the Laserbay. I cut the sides all the way down so the Fan Controller could slip right in. I left it sticking up a tad so the screws holes would line up still with the rack inside. Picture the laserbay screwed in and the Fan Controller notched into it also screwed in. Trust me I was surprised it fit so well. I made sure to sand it just enough to fit. Tight squeeze but overall turned out good. Thanks..

[commanderkeen]

Originally posted by TAZTG


OK, the Laserbay is in the top slot made out of plastic. It has 3 LED lights glued to the middle with just a flimsy piece of plastic as the top, the bottom and sides are regular firm plastic. I measured the spot just behind the lights and then took the dremel to the Laserbay. I cut the sides all the way down so the Fan Controller could slip right in. I left it sticking up a tad so the screws holes would line up still with the rack inside. Picture the laserbay screwed in and the Fan Controller notched into it also screwed in. Trust me I was surprised it fit so well. I made sure to sand it just enough to fit. Tight squeeze but overall turned out good. Thanks..

I know this is off topic but, TAZTG, I couldn't view your website. Or rather I could but I had to refresh like 20 times to get it to pop-up, and then the pictures wouldn't show. Could u PM me when this problem with your website is fixed. Thanks.

[DeadSanta]

Same problem! :(

I want to look at that PC-60 again! :p

[TAZTG]

It most be COMCAST having problems. It works fine for me. They tend to have problems once in awhile. I just checked and they popped right up. Sorry..;)

[XP1800]

Haha, it works fine for me also, and guess what? I have Comcast:)

[commanderkeen]

Yea... no problem now. Thanks.

[rrosencrantzz]

I hate being a perfectionist....every project takes so long.

Resand and put on even coats of paint. I assume your moving your arm/hand across the painting surface and not just leaving your hand in one place and moving the spray can?(sorry had to ask)