What are your recommendations for painting a computer case?

[cbn]

What kind of prep work do you do?

What paint do you use?

 

[cbn]

Here is a youtube video on the subject.

Any information you would add (or change)?

 

[cbn]

Here is a video by Mnpctech using PlastiKote Engine Enamel Paint for a PC case.

What caught my attention was that he mentioned this paint being good for first timers (ie, it's very forgiving......thick liberal coats could be applied and it doesn't run)

 

[Mnpctech]

Yes, Plastikote's Engine Enamel is great for 1st time DIY projects. The Ceramic properties in the paint allow liberal coats.

Here's another great rattle can paint, but it's more expensive @ $25 per can, polyurethane automotive paint, and ScratchWizard will mix any factory car color for you

 

[BonzaiDuck]

ALSA and Killer Chrome

If you've worked with hardware store enamels and primers for both plastic and metal, you can succeed with the ALSA paint systems. But you cannot use both on the same project. Particularly, for the chrome finish, you must use their black enamel undercoat. Anything else, and your project will look like pewter.

I think Aluminum requires a different primer -- which is made for it and can be found at the hardware store.

Also, I think the very best way to do such a project as opposed to "satisfactory" involves the original paint on metal case-panels. Somebody might say "just prepare the existing paint with sandpaper." Better to buy a can of paint-stripper, find a place outdoors where you can lay down plenty of newspaper, and strip the case down to bare metal. Then clean it up, scuff it with some 400-grit and primer it -- then take it from there.

 

[Smoblikat]

I just use rustoleum regular paint cans, maybe $5 or $6 a can, one can lasts for many many cases. Get some painters tape to keep runoff and mistakes to a minimum, and dont stay in one spot for too long. Also distance from the part youre painting is crucial too, take a few practice sprays at some cardboard or somthing just to get the distance dialed in.