Enamel or lacquer?

[gold_leader64]

I am starting my first project soon and I'm getting materials. I was wondering what type of paint is best and what the difference is between the two.

Oh, and when painting the bezel, do I use a different type of paint for plastics? Im going by this guide (http://case-mods.linear1.org/case-mod-101-how-to-paint-your-computer-case-part-2/1/) and they dont say anything about the paint for the bezel. For the metal, they use auto spray paint, but I think I should use something different for plastic, right?

[mikeroq]

Welcome to TBCS. I would reccomend that you do this tutorial:
http://www.mnpctech.com/case-mod-paint-computer-pc-case-mod-how-to.html
If you would like a nice mirror finish, they cover all the steps, and a little on plastics.

Enamel will give you a hard glossy finish.
Lacquer will give you a hard, durable finish, that can be polished to a very high gloss.

As long as you sand the plastic, you should have no trouble using any spray paint on it.

[tybrenis]

I actually recomend using acrylic paints for plastic, I've always had better results that way, since the acrylic likes to really set into the plastic.

[CanaBalistic]

Krylon makes special paints for plastics. They use special solvents to chemicaly bond the paint to the surface. Its impossible for the paint to flake or peel off which is what usualy happens when you use run-of-the-mill spray bombs. The only way to get to the original color is to cut into it or scratch it deeply.

Thats the stuff i used on my bezzle last year and it looks like new. However, the case's frame hasnt weathered so well. :)

[gold_leader64]

Ok thanks. Another noob question, do I have to spray primer on the plastic? Or can I just spray paint the plastic with the base color?

[CanaBalistic]

I applied my paint directly to the plastic without anything more than a good cleaning with a mild solvent (methanol)

[Anospa]

Don't wanna hijack, but...

I'm sorta following both guides, but didn't really sand it down as much as the mnpctech guys did. Just got it smoothed out and primed it. That ok for a mirror finish?

[tybrenis]

If you really want a mirror finish it's all in the sanding, especially the finish sanding.

Also, I have used the krylon fusion paints a lot before and I really dislike them for plastics, I have ALWAYS had bad results with that paint. Just sand your plastic lightly to roughen it up a little bit and then spray on your general purpose paint. As long as you let it thoroughly cure in between coats and you clear coat it well, you shouldn't have any problems with chipping or flaking.

With plastic, you probably don't really need to use a primer. Also, with plastic, it's pretty much impossible to get that mirror finish like you can get when painting metal.

[Anospa]

Ok, figured it was the sanding part, thanks.