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    Is this the way to paint plastic?

    Discussion in 'Notebook Cosmetic Modifications and Custom Builds' started by Dirxess, Apr 23, 2007.

  1. Dirxess

    Dirxess Notebook Consultant

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    Hello, I'm planning on painting a computer mouse for practice and for fun. I know this is not really related to laptops but I hope you are willing to help. Maybe I will paint a laptop in the far future (a laptop I don't even have yet :) ).

    I read a lot about painting plastics, but I'm not really sure about the steps one should take to achieve a good result. Is this the/a good way to paint plastics?

    1. Disassemble the object.
    2. Sand the areas you want to be painted untill they are very even and smooth.
    3. Mask surfaces you don't want to be painted (if there are such areas)
    4. Paint a few layers of primer
    5. Sand the areas treated with the primer untill they are very even and smooth.
    6. Paint these areas with the color you like (about 7 layers, or more).
    7. Paint these areas with a clear/transparent paint (3 or more layers).

    Did I forget anything? For example, something about the sanding (that in particular, I'm not very sure of it).

    Thank you for your replies.
     
    Dirxess, Apr 23, 2007
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  2. Circa69

    Circa69 Notebook Evangelist

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    looks like you have a handle on it :)
     
    Circa69, Apr 23, 2007
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  3. Robert in Sadorus

    Robert in Sadorus Notebook Evangelist

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    Krylon makes a paint and primer just for plastic. Might want to check into it. I think it's called Krylon Fusion
     
    Robert in Sadorus, Apr 23, 2007
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  4. Mark

    Mark Desktop Debugger

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    Sounds about right, and the paint is Krylon Fusion. I used it to paint the laptop you see in my avatar. Worked great!
     
    Mark, Apr 23, 2007
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  5. Dirxess

    Dirxess Notebook Consultant

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    Thanks for the confirmation, guys.

    Edit: Oh! so if I use Krylon fusion, I won't need a primer? (I heard something about Krylon softening the plastic, so it would "fuse") I'll see if it is available in my country.
     
    Dirxess, Apr 24, 2007
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  6. Mark

    Mark Desktop Debugger

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    I didn't use a primer. The idea is that the paint chemically bonds to the plastic. Good luck!
     
    Mark, Apr 24, 2007
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  7. mikeymike

    mikeymike Notebook Evangelist

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    mikeymike, May 13, 2007
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