My horrific paint job (sorta)

[EmperorNero]

I'm not done painting yet. Anyway, I wanted to paint my case - the top and sides either metallic black or metallic green, and the front plastic bezel the other color (I have an Antec KS-282 btw). I roughened up the metal pieces (top and sides) a bit w/ steel wool, although it doesn't feel like it's rough at all. Then I applied rustoleum primer on it. this was my first time using a spray paint, so I did a little less than superb job. The distance of the can and the pieces varied from about 5 inches to 8 inches...lol. I applied a somewhat thick coat and some spots were runny so I took a brush and tried to spread the gunk a little (big mistake!) anyway, I proceeded onto the next pieces.

finally, all 3 pieces were dry so I took a rough sandpaper (probably around 180) and wet sanded the bastard pieces. I sanded some places pretty hard (especially the places with excess primer) - enough so that the original biege paint showed...so now I have little spots w/ no primer on it. Then I used a hose and washed it now it's sitting there to be dried. I want to add another coat of primer on it - should I do that? also, it's raining outside - the air is somewhat hot and humid so I'm going to add the 2nd coat of primer later. I don't really have any specific questions...but tips and advices would be great.

(edited for clarification)

 

[bubba]

Take your time

Hold the spray can back (1.5 - 2 ft)

Go for multiple very thin coats (even if the original color shows through the first time or so) rather than 1 "cover it all in 1 coat"

 

[Mikewarrior2]

Uggghh.. Its too humid to be painting... Its best to paint in nice, warm, dry days.. I've tried painting in humid conditions, and the drying times(and how the paint dry's) are totally screwed up.


I would suggest adding another layer(or the more appropriate term, layers) of primer. Start with light layers of primer. Don't worry if you don't get full coverage on the first layer... Come back 10 minutes later, and do another very light layer. Keep doing this until you have a nice, even coat.

Then i would wet-sand it, but do it with something like 400-600 grit sandpaper... 180 is designed to take paint off(and primer ).


Good Luck.


Mike

 

[Descend492]

A little advice on using spray paint. You want to start moving the can before the flow of paint starts. So say you have a part 10" wide that you want to paint. Your swipe with the spray can should be about 14", with 2" on either side that are just movement of the can - no paint spraying out. Also, keep a constant speed (this should be obvious).

 

[EmperorNero]

thanks a lot everyone...I only wish I had asked sooner .

EDIT: so should I go ahead and sand off the original (somewhat thick) layer of primer or just continue adding the second coat?

 

[antec]

Some things to ponder I use Krylon brand paint or automotive.. for good results light coats and let dry about a half hour before applying the next top off with good clearcoat finish

 

[Mikewarrior2]

I personally would recommend against Kyrlon. The rustoleum spray paints are more durable.

If the current layer isnt' too uneven, i would go ahead and use it..

If it is really uneven, then I would sand it off and start over.



Mike

 

[antec]

A Linkhttp://arstechnica.infopop.net/OpenTopic/page?q=Y&a=tpc&s=50009562&f=77909585&m=659097111

 

[EmperorNero]

BTW, I'm starting to spray primer on my front panel now (plastic), it's incredibly difficult b/c of the uneven surfaces...so hopefully I can squeeze a few more advices/tips from you guys .

 

[Mikewarrior2]

is hte plastic roughed up at all?

I didn't use primer on the front plastic panel when I painted my case...

I just sprayed the paint, covered it wtih the clear coat... and its held up for 5 months now.



Mike

 

[EmperorNero]

the front panel is ABS plastic, pretty much like every other computer case. I also rubbed steel wool on it..but it doesn't feel any rougher than it was at all. I was originally planning on using the primer on it - do I need to and should I? I've only spray painted the drive bay covers, haven't started on the actual front panel yet.

and lastly, the primer was very easy to sand off, will that apply to the paint also? and if so, what do I need to keep the paint from chipping or being scratched?

(btw, sorry if I'm testing your patience, mikewarrior, or anyone else, b/c I never had any experience w/ painting a case before)