Custom Paint an Inspiron E1505/6400

Hey guys,

Im looking to apply a custom paint job to my laptop, an Inspiron E1505.

This is a continuation of a thread from this location: http://episteme.arstechnica.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/77909585/m/822008359831

You may read it for some additional backstory, as well as two pictures of my actual laptop, which has that limited edition (supposedly) wood-finish.

Heres the deal:

As im sure many of you know, the Inspiron has two different finishes - the glossy white stripes, and the matte-gray for the palm rest and the tops.

Well, im sick of the white, and im especially sick of the gray.

Ive decided to dye the gray either black or a very dark red (the same red, approximately, as the one on the cover) on the gray part. Im still deciding whether or not that would look good. Men dont tend to have good colour choosing skills : )

Im quite sure that im going to paint the white glossy pieces black.

My visual palette aside, i have a couple concerns.

Number one, i would like to use vinyl dye on the white at least. Ive heard its a good idea for numerous reasons. I have not, however, heard much about it, and the internet doesnt appear to have much available on the subject, and safety, of the stuff. Any input you guys have would be awesome.

Aside from vinyl dye, theres the usual suspects, either in the form of spraypaint or paint in a can.

What would be the best? Ive heard a lot of people sanding - how necessary is that?

Is there any other sagely advice you can give me?

-Red

 

You will really have to sand it first and then (very important) apply a primer so the paint sticks to the plastic.
We usually use spraypaint. Never had problems with that.

Chris

 

Ive heard that spraypaint chips off, hence my preference of using vinyl dye, which actually dyes the plastic, rather than applying a layer of paint over the plastic.

If it comes down to it, then ill obviously sand and spraypaint.

The problem i have is that the red i want isnt available in spraypaint form.

Any other input?

-Red

 

If you use a nice clear gloss and paint correctly it should not chip. If it's done correctly it will last a long time.

Also, the dyes may not work the same on the different surfaces of the laptop.

 

If you sand your lid down, make sure to use something like nitro stan in order to make a very even finish, for whatever painting/dyeing you are going to be doing.

K-TRON

 

Thanks guys. Ill make sure to be wary.

So, is there a specific brand (of paint or dye) that anyone likes? Ive heard House of Kolor is good, but do they do well with painting on plastic?

And finally,

What should I have if im going to start?

Primer? What kind of primer? How much?

Spraypaint? I want a really dark, almost black, red. Is it hard to get that colour in spraypaint? Whats the most number of coats i should put on?

Do you know anywhere i can get sample plastic to practice on?

I realize i ask a lot of questions... but this laptop is precious to me : )

-Red

 

Brand, Well personally I would recommend krylon fusion it actually bonds with the plastic and Ive found it negates the need for an undercoat or heavy sanding

Black is easy to get, I haven't seen (looked) for a Dark red colour though..

and 4-6 coats is enough but I did 8-12 coats on my mouse because I have very sweaty hands lol

but dont forget to put a clear coat on top otherwise the paint will eventually wear off

and let us all know how you get on, I have been meaning to paint my E1505 too now the paints all wearing off. Just need some inspiration on what colours would suit it

 

Check out a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) on the type of vinyl dye you are using. Most companies that distribute these chemicals also have the safety information for them.

 

Ill make sure to post my results once im done. Ill also be posting my tester pieces.

The tester pieces (supplied by www.parts-people.com, as a special order for cheap) arrive this saturday. Ill be spending most of my weekend testing, hopefully, and the next weekend actually painting. Unless the bug bites me sooner than that, which i bet it will : )

-Red