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    laptop self-painting

    Discussion in 'Notebook Cosmetic Modifications and Custom Builds' started by elninio, Feb 28, 2007.

  1. elninio

    elninio Notebook Geek

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    how possible is it to do a good job by painting your laptop yourself? What i have in mind is putting masking tape on all the laptop and cut out the parts that i want painted, then spraying it with spraypaint like they do for those custom motorcycles and hotrods.
     
    elninio, Feb 28, 2007
    #1
  2. vespoli

    vespoli 402 NBR Reviewer

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    Anything is possible if you are willing to spend the time & money.

    I would disassemble the computer, wash the plastic to clean dirt/oil off of it, lightly sand with very fine sandpaper, tape off edges and whatnot, then prime, dry and paint a few light layers, top with a nice clear coat. Make sure you give the paint plenty of time to dry in between coats. You then have to carefully put everything back together.

    That's what I would do anyway...you may risk your warranty when doing this kind of modification.

    It may not be worth the hassle. There are companies that will paint for you, as well as companies that offer "sticker" solutions.
     
    vespoli, Feb 28, 2007
    #2
  3. Mark

    Mark Desktop Debugger

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    Sounds like you have about the right idea. You could also try using Krylon Fusion paint, that is what I used on my laptop, you would get a better finish the way you mentioned though. Search around the forums, there are tons of information on painting laptops.
     
    Mark, Feb 28, 2007
    #3
  4. elninio

    elninio Notebook Geek

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    could you search for me, im REALLY busy :) hehe ... not that I want to waste your time or anything for my sake but it would be a help to anyone else looking for a cheap way to paint :)
     
    elninio, Feb 28, 2007
    #4
  5. Syndrome

    Syndrome Torque Matters

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    I wouldn't suggest putting the tape on the laptop then cutting it while its on the laptop, because you will scratch the plastic and it most likely wont look good when your done, I would maybe try and find a big sticker or stencil or something and make your design in that then fasten it the laptop and then paint. And before you start painting then realize that it is an EXTREME amount of work to paint your laptop, and you probably wont be 100% happy with your final product unless you are familiar with painting these types of things.
     
    Syndrome, Feb 28, 2007
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  6. LaptopDesignUSA

    LaptopDesignUSA Notebook Enthusiast

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    I would not recommend using spray paint unless you don't care about the orange peel effect. Accept nothing less than a HVLP if you have the money to pay a custom painter. Plus they can add flakes, do marbling and other neat things.

    After they clear coat the pieces...let sit for at least 48 hours.
     
    LaptopDesignUSA, Mar 2, 2007
    #6
  7. Mjay

    Mjay Notebook Consultant

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    Mjay, Mar 2, 2007
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