Painting question...

[Stanley_Kubrick]

Hello modding gurus, I am beginning the process of painting my first case and I have one question that I have not found an answer to elswhere.
I am working on an Antec sx840, which is now sanded to bare metal. My question in about the two plastic components that make the front of the case. The metal parts of the case are perfectly smooth, and I am optimistic that they will have a nice deep, smooth finish when complete. The plastic pieces, however have a slightly textured surface, and i am concerned about the paint job not coming out all glassy and beautiful.
What kind of prepwork are you guys doing on the plastic bits? Do you have reccommendations or advice for painting these Antec cases? I have lots of time to work on this, since I can't afford the mobo for awhile anyways.

Thanks for any help!

[ephmynus]

I have never done an Antec case specifically but have worked with plenty of plastic bezels. I usually paint these the same as metal. I sand only with a fine grit sandpaper instead of starting with heavier ones. Be sure you sand between each coat with a fine wet/dry paper under water. I use two coats of primer, two coats of paint and a coat of clear gloss. Be sure to allow 24 hours of curing time between each coat and sand before you paint the next coat. Also, for front bezels, if they turn out close, but not close enough, to the look of the metal areas of the case, I take some rubbing compount to the plastic only. This will give it a little more shine and, in many cases, a little bit of a darker color. Hope it helps.

[Gameguru]

Be careful if you decide to use an orbital sander. They work great for the metal bits but they will heat up the sand paper and melt the plastic! I would definitely sand them down as Aplustech recommends and I started with 500grit on the unpainted plastic and after the first primer coat, went with 2000grit. Wet sand again after the second primer coat with the 2000 and when you're done, it should have close to, if not the same texture as the metal sides. It should feel extremely smooth to the touch and have no visible texture to it. I will try to get some high res pics of my case posted tomorrow so you can see what it looks like.

The most important thing that I'm sure everyone who has painted a case will agree on is that it is absolutely necessary to take your time!

Don't rush no matter how bad you want to finish. You'll be glad you did in the end.

[Fierce]

[quote]Originally posted by Gameguru:
<strong>Be careful if you decide to use an orbital sander. They work great for the metal bits but they will heat up the sand paper and melt the plastic! I would definitely sand them down as Aplustech recommends and I started with 500grit on the unpainted plastic and after the first primer coat, went with 2000grit. Wet sand again after the second primer coat with the 2000 and when you're done, it should have close to, if not the same texture as the metal sides. It should feel extremely smooth to the touch and have no visible texture to it. I will try to get some high res pics of my case posted tomorrow so you can see what it looks like.

The most important thing that I'm sure everyone who has painted a case will agree on is that it is absolutely necessary to take your time!

Don't rush no matter how bad you want to finish. You'll be glad you did in the end. </strong><hr></blockquote>

Agreed. Most importantly, TAKE YOUR TIME!

[Stanley_Kubrick]

thanks team. I will post pics when done.

[Lycia]

Wish me luck!!

I have decided that I am going to paint my case! It's already half the way I want it. What I want is a Silver and Black case. The one I have now has silver accents on the front bezel so I want to paint the bulk of the case Black, sides, top, etc. So I have read everyone's advice on how to do it and think now is the time. See, I have taken apart my pc, am using my spare, becuase I am sick of my damn Abit KA7-100 motherboard. I am going to buy the MSI board that Aplustech has..K7T 266 Pro2. Anyhoo, I figured now is as good a time as any...

Hope it all goes well..

[LagMonster]

good luck...take some pics for us.