1st Paintjob

[ScoutV2]

Well here's my first attempt at painting a case. Nothing fancy mind you, just straight black gloss, with a few color changes on some plastic parts inside the case. This system will be a hodge podge of parts I had laying around the house from older systems. My brother had an old Antec case that was in dire need of some TLC. I'm going to build the system using an an old P4 3Ghz proc I had laying around, 320 gig drive, 1 gig of DDR 400, and an ATI 9800 pro card. Any comments, suggestions, tips, and constructive criticisms are certainly welcome.

So here's what we stared with

http://www.myimagebuddy.com/uploads/83595b7083.jpg (http://www.myimagebuddy.com)


Even Gracie (the Boston Terrier) had to shake her had when she saw this sad piece of work.

http://www.myimagebuddy.com/uploads/ac23071d75.jpg (http://www.myimagebuddy.com)

As you can see, I actually started working on this back in September, but I was on the road for several weeks because of work and had to put everything on the back burner.

[ScoutV2]

I got kinda sander crazy and wound up taking all of the original paint off. took the whole thing down to the bare metal.

http://www.myimagebuddy.com/uploads/0053bf4e3e.jpg (http://www.myimagebuddy.com)

I probably could have gotten by with scuffing up the original paint and sanding it smooth, but we're beyond that now...............:)

http://www.myimagebuddy.com/uploads/998712d455.jpg (http://www.myimagebuddy.com)

[ScoutV2]

I started by priming one of the side panels with Rustoleum automobile primer. Applied one coat, sanded, and then applied a second.

http://www.myimagebuddy.com/uploads/fd45c8aff3.jpg (http://www.myimagebuddy.com)

http://www.myimagebuddy.com/uploads/7bbc705fd1.jpg (http://www.myimagebuddy.com)

[ScoutV2]

This is where things started taking a turn for the worse. I was working outside because I really didn't have any dedicated space setup to work in. I decided to start with one panel to work on technique using Duplicoat black high gloss automobile paint. I sprayed four color coats, then let it cure for 24 hours. Wet sanded, and sprayed four more.

http://www.myimagebuddy.com/uploads/75a9fec77b.jpg (http://www.myimagebuddy.com)

http://www.myimagebuddy.com/uploads/3df8b8415d.jpg (http://www.myimagebuddy.com)

Well while the second set of color coats was drying, some of our local airborne critters decided to visit my work and screwed up my paint job. This of course would have to be corrected.

[ScoutV2]

Well, I was so pissed off about the bugs that I decided I was going to have to set up some space to work in. I cleaned out the garage, kicked out both cars, and laid an epoxy down to protect the concrete.

http://www.myimagebuddy.com/uploads/bf62016293.jpg (http://www.myimagebuddy.com)

http://www.myimagebuddy.com/uploads/c6d54535cc.jpg (http://www.myimagebuddy.com)

[ScoutV2]

Didn't have a workbench set up, and didn't have the time to build one right now so I bought one and put in the corner.

http://www.myimagebuddy.com/uploads/feff2e39cc.jpg (http://www.myimagebuddy.com)

That pretty much took an entire weekend, so I didn't get to work on the paint any, but now I at least had a place to work regardless of the weather and bugs.

[ScoutV2]

I've been lurking around these forums for some time without posting much, and I'd seen several people talking about using Krylon and having good results. I was curious to see what it looked like compared to the Duplicoat, so when I resolved myself to start working again this past week, I bought a can of Krylon to spray the bottom of the case with.

Went through the same steps I noted earlier and finished spraying my second color coat Wed and let it dry for 24 hours. I was wet sanding it with 2000 grit sandpaper Thurs and noticed it was scuffing up the finish pretty good. I wasn't sure if I could polish it out, but that's the point we're at right now. I'm going to work on it later this evening and will post the results. Here's an image of the case after the second round of color, but before I started sanding on it.

http://www.myimagebuddy.com/uploads/6f69eb9223.jpg (http://www.myimagebuddy.com)

http://www.myimagebuddy.com/uploads/b9ab9d86ee.jpg (http://www.myimagebuddy.com)

[jdbnsn]

Looking good, I love how a simple paintjob turns into a garage make-over and new workbench! upgrade=manlaw!

[Crimson Sky]

I highly suggest you GET THIS MODDING BIBLE (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0789731924/thebestcase06-20/002-8841673-2223222?creative=327641&camp=14573&link_code=as1)for yourself. It has a great full color chapter on getting a mirror shine with rattle cans. The author is a nice guy too.


with 2000 grit wet sand paper (use soapy water) you WILL see a haze develope on the paint, this is part of the process. Use a rubber sanding block with the sandpaper loaded. and dipped into the warm soapy water. the soap helps break up the surface tension of the water, easing the vacuum it tends to make. (where the block becomes hard to move around the surface)

Be careful sanding around high spots like the cutout for the door handle. These holes are punched out of the metal and tend to be slightly high. I use an orbital sander on all the flat bare metal surfaces--Flat surface=mirror polish in the end. If you sand down to the primer in tough spots, you can always ad more color coats AFTER you've tackled the high spot.

Some people let the color (base) paint cure for two weeks before hitting it with something like 3M rubbing compound followed by 3M hand glaze shine. If you want to speed the process along, use a clear top coat, then 2000 wet sand, another clear top coat and then use the compounds. You will be able to read a newspaper in it afterwards.

[SgtM]

Looks good so far. Keep up the good work.I like the garage mod too!

[ScoutV2]

Thanks for the comments fellas.

I've read your book cover to cover Crim, but one problem I was having with the sanding block and soap was a buildup of paint chips. After I'd been sanding with the block for a while, I noticed small clumps of paint getting embedded into the panel. I looked at the block, and there were small flecks of paint buildup all over the sandpaper, and they were being transferred to the panel. Any idea what the issue was?

I'll take your advice, and try clear coating first and then wet sanding afterwards. If the aforementioned problem reappears, I'll take photos and post to show you exactly what I'm referring to. Thanks again for the motivation everyone.

[Crimson Sky]

Seems like the paint was not dry enough for wetsanding, or your pressure on the block was too great. This causes heat and friction, making the paint gummy, causing those small bumps. You have to have the patience of a Saint when painting. You cant really rush it.

[ScoutV2]

Is 24 hours really enough to let the color coats cure? How about the clear coats? Any suggestions on how long to let them cure before I start sanding it?

BTW, I think you hit it on the head. I bet I was using to much pressure on the block.

[Cevinzol]

Lol I love how the computer mod evolved into a garage mod :)


I sprayed four color coats, then let it cure for 24 hoursI was a little concern as I read that. I thought 4 coats at a time might have problems with bubbles or wrinkles but it doesn't seem to have happened.

looks great so far, keep us updated

[Omega]

I read the can on my Rust-Oleum metal primer and it suggests 48 hours before working -- and I think when I paint my case I'll just wait 48 hours on each coat (that'll take awhile to finish, better find my spongebob squarepants DVDs...)

[Crimson Sky]

Is 24 hours really enough to let the color coats cure? How about the clear coats? Any suggestions on how long to let them cure before I start sanding it?

BTW, I think you hit it on the head. I bet I was using to much pressure on the block.


48-72 (or longer if you can stand it) hours for color coats, 24-48 hours for clear before sanding. Keep in mind to keep the painted parts in a warm place free of dust. Humidity and cold are your enemies.

[SgtM]

Hey Paul, have you ever used a space heater to try and speed up curing time when it was cold? I don't know where Scout is, but maybe he could try that.

That's what I used on this:
http://www.mscomptech.com/images/pcgcase.jpg

I should have waited longer between some coats though cause there are some imperfections. I put the (generic) paint down kinda thick.

[jdbnsn]

I have used a space heater before. My work area was well ventilated so I wasn't too concerned about fire, but because it was well ventilated it was also cold. So I set up an electric space heater several feet away to keep the area warm. Seemed to help.

[NocturnaL]

Doesnt look bad at all, Looks very decent :)

[simon275]

I highly suggest you GET THIS MODDING BIBLE (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0789731924/thebestcase06-20/002-8841673-2223222?creative=327641&camp=14573&link_code=as1)for yourself. It has a great full color chapter on getting a mirror shine with rattle cans. The author is a nice guy too.



Plug cough...
-----------------------
I love how you went all the way and just went stuff it I need to work inside.
epoxy time!

Its good to see people are jumping in the deep end and having a go at painting a case. I would do mine except it is anodized aluminum so I would have to use acid or get a power sander.

[ScoutV2]

48-72 (or longer if you can stand it) hours for color coats, 24-48 hours for clear before sanding. Keep in mind to keep the painted parts in a warm place free of dust. Humidity and cold are your enemies.

AHHHHH....72 or longer, you're killing me brother. I can stomach the 48 hours, but I'm itching to get it done by Crimmus.


I love how you went all the way and just went stuff it I need to work inside. epoxy time!

Its good to see people are jumping in the deep end and having a go at painting a case. I would do mine except it is anodized aluminum so I would have to use acid or get a power sander.

Thanks bud, I figured if I was going to do any modding I might as well have some decent space to work. I can't stand to half - ass anything.


I don't know where Scout is, but maybe he could try that.

Scout's in Mississippi, and I'm going to give the space heater a go tonight. It's been fairly warm here the past several days though.

Thanks again for all the comments and suggestions! I'll keep updating the log and post some new pics. I was also hit with a bit of inspiration earlier this evening. Nothing to fancy, but I'm going to deviate from the solid black look a bit. More later............

[t3hninja]

I started by priming one of the side panels with Rustoleum automobile primer. Applied one coat, sanded, and then applied a second.

http://www.myimagebuddy.com/uploads/fd45c8aff3.jpg (http://www.myimagebuddy.com)

http://www.myimagebuddy.com/uploads/7bbc705fd1.jpg (http://www.myimagebuddy.com)

I like it so far bud. And is it just me or does EVERYONE have one of those crap blankets?

[ScoutV2]

I think everyone does. I've got about 6 of them laying around the house. Just moved from Las Vegas to MS, and I made sure to snag a few extras for just such an emergency. :D I'm going to post more pics tomorrow. Did some work on it tonight, and just need to see how its going to turn out.

[DaveW]

This is some great stuff, +rep to you Scout.

-Dave

[ScoutV2]

This is some great stuff, +rep to you Scout.

-Dave

Thanks for the kudos Dave. These forums are second to none as far as ideas and inspiration go. I really enjoy hanging out here......


Ok, so it's update time.

I mentioned I was hit with a bit of inspiration the other day, and decided to incorporate it into my case. There is an organization dedicated to the folks in my particular profession. It's known as the Thinblueline. I decided to mod my case accordingly. Like I said, nothing fancy but personal nonetheless.

Paul was right on the money with the clear coat, and then wet sanding suggestion. The bottom of the case turned out great.

http://www.myimagebuddy.com/uploads/619c71209a.jpg (http://www.myimagebuddy.com)

I went back to work on one of the panels yesterday, and incorporated the thinblueline.

http://www.myimagebuddy.com/uploads/681f721cf9.jpg (http://www.myimagebuddy.com)

http://www.myimagebuddy.com/uploads/9a9c2c7283.jpg (http://www.myimagebuddy.com)

http://www.myimagebuddy.com/uploads/f7a62b0be6.jpg (http://www.myimagebuddy.com)

I couldn't wait to get back to the house this afternoon after work to see how it turned out. Fortunately, it came out very nice. I was pleased with it. Here are a couple of shots after I clear coated it. I'm going to let the clear coat cure for 48 hours, then wet sand everything.

http://www.myimagebuddy.com/uploads/c76dc441fc.jpg (http://www.myimagebuddy.com)

http://www.myimagebuddy.com/uploads/fbf89ebb78.jpg (http://www.myimagebuddy.com)


I already primed and sprayed the handle for the panel, and I'll post a shot of it tomorrow. I'm going to work on the other panel tonight and I'll post an update later.

[NocturnaL]

OOuuuu Pretty :)

[Ronyx]

nice, lookin good man =]

[simon275]

I love how the blue came out. Nice. :up:

[ScoutV2]

Thanks all. I'm currently working on the final clear coats and sanding on both side panels, and decided to drill a hole on top of the case for an 80mm fan. That will require some cutting after the holidays. Heading out of town tomorrow afternoon. I'll post some updated pics next week. Hope everyone has a Merry Xmas.

[Crimson Sky]

Lookin' good man keep up the great work