Painting monitor, need suggestions

[s2kpacifist]

I'm building a new computer, and I don't feel like dishing out the cash for a new monitor. Instead, I'm going to try to paint "old" (I think I got it when Unreal 1 was still popular. Go 8-ball launcher!) NEC MultiSync LCD 1500M. It's a really great monitor, and I haven't noticed any streaking or ghosting since I got it, perhaps because I'm used to it. Anyways...I'm not exactly an expert at painting computer equipment, especailly monitors where it can be potentially dangerous(? ---> I'm probably thinking CRTs). How might I go about starting this..?

I'm painting it to go with my new computer setup, which is a Lian-Li 65 silver, with the mx700/elite keyboard and logitec z-680/promedia (haven't decided) speakers, so it'll be silver. I'm thinking car paint would be good for this, but I don't know how to use that.

So far, I think I'm just supposed to unscrew the casing, ground myself, take everything out, and spray it with a couple coats of generic silver spray paint. Then I guess I'm supposed to add coats of primer and let it dry..? Ehh....I think I need help on this.

Thanks.

 

[LegionX]

dont ground yourself when taking the case off. the monitor is filled with electricy and unlike a computer case grounding yoruself is very dangerous. same thing as working on a powersupply(opened). i have never painted a monitor but why cant you just paint it with the case on?

 

[lung]

I've never taken an LCD apart, but I have done my old CRT. Just to be safe, don't touch anything within the monitor. I would assume there are some pretty nasty charges held in there just like a CRT. If there aren't, well, better to be overly safe...

First, take a pic of it before you do anything to it. this will go along with the last step in the procedure...

So just take it apart, taking particular note of how to put it back together.

Prime it first. Make sure to do it is several light coats, letting each pretty much well dry each time. You shouldn't need to wait very long for these coats to dry as they should be very thin. Do not try to cover it completely with one thick coat. It will run and look like crap. Allow that to completely dry. Some primers will be quick-dry, but others aren't so do check the can for drying times and let it dry for the full amount.

Then do the silver, again in several light coats. Again, let each coat dry sufficiently before going onto the next. Definitely make sure to let this dry before going onto the next step. For best results, let it dry fully overnight.

Next you should put a clear-coat on it. The type would depnd on your preference whether you want it to be high-gloss, matte (next to no reflection) finish, or a satin (in-between high-gloss and matte) finish. Let this dry fully overnight as it can feel dry, but if you have to apply pressure to it such as when you are putting it back together, you could end up screwing up the finish. Believe me, I did this on my first CRT that I painted. It has a nice thumb print embedded in the clearcoat..

Then put it back together, take a pic and post it up here so we can all see you handywork.

Good luck and remember, just be patient between coats. It will pay off in the end.

 

[Confused]

Originally posted by: LegionX
dont ground yourself when taking the case off. the monitor is filled with electricy and unlike a computer case grounding yoruself is very dangerous. same thing as working on a powersupply(opened). i have never painted a monitor but why cant you just paint it with the case on?

Grounding yourself I guess will provide a way for any electricity to get through you, which could be dangerous! I just painted both my CRT monitors, and i went touching things inside them lol However, this isn't advised, cos you might get a nice suprise

You will most definately NOT want to paint the case while the screen is still there! I saw one thing where someone covered their screen on a laptop with paper/masking tape, and it still bled through, and the display was ruined.

I suggest you look for some vinyl dye, you can get it from Auto stores like Pep Boys etc (i think that's the name, i'm not in the US, so i don't know exactly, just working from memory ), it will actually physically dye the plastic rather than sit on top of it like normal paint, which means that it won't rub/flake off etc.


Confused

 

[jagr10]

don't take your screw driver and poke around the inside. Just avoid to touch anything but the case part. I would suggest vinyl die too.