Ideas for painting a pc case

[Gracodana_1]

I wanted to do some sort of custom paintwork on a new pc that i'm planing to build at christmas. I havn't decided on what case to get but i'm not really sure how to go about doing things like this on pc's. I wanted to do something a little bit unique but didn't really want to do water cooling as i'm not a huge overclocker and I want the pc to be super portable.

 

[USAFRet]

I wanted to do some sort of custom paintwork on a new pc that i'm planing to build at christmas. I havn't decided on what case to get but i'm not really sure how to go about doing things like this on pc's. I wanted to do something a little bit unique but didn't really want to do water cooling as i'm not a huge overclocker and I want the pc to be super portable.

So what is your actual question?
Painting the case has nothing to do with liquid cooling or a portable case.

 

[derekullo]

"I wanted to do something a little bit unique but didn't really want to do water cooling"

Simply states that they want to do something unique, but not something like water cooling.

He settles upon painting his case and wants to know where to start.

 

[derekullo]

A cheaper and less stressful idea would be to buy a case that is already painted and has the designs / colors you are after.

What kind of colors/designs are you after?

 

[USAFRet]

This is my current case, Corsair AIR 540.
Originally black on the inside. Painted white to simulate the equipment and weapons bays of a fighter jet.

Spray paint used:
Rustoleum White Vinyl and Fabric spray paint.
Many coats.
A little chipping around the edges to simulate wear and tear.

 

[USAFRet]

So what look are you going for?

 

[Gracodana_1]

So what look are you going for?

I'm not planing to paint the whole case, I just want to paint a logo/design on it. I'll just buy a case that suits the asthetic. The information I would be looking for is what paints to use and just the method really. If you have any videos to recommend or articles to read I'd be happy for them

 

[USAFRet]

So what look are you going for?

I'm not planing to paint the whole case, I just want to paint a logo/design on it. I'll just buy a case that suits the asthetic. The information I would be looking for is what paints to use and just the method really. If you have any videos to recommend or articles to read I'd be happy for them

"Rustoleum White Vinyl and Fabric spray paint" is what I used.
Be advised, it is VERY stinky. So do this outside or in teh garage.

But pretty much any reasonable quality spray paint you find at the store would probably work.

A logo or design will require a cut out stencil. And practice on some random board or sheet of metal. Don't do your very first one on the actual case.

 

[Gracodana_1]

So what look are you going for?

I'm not planing to paint the whole case, I just want to paint a logo/design on it. I'll just buy a case that suits the asthetic. The information I would be looking for is what paints to use and just the method really. If you have any videos to recommend or articles to read I'd be happy for them

"Rustoleum White Vinyl and Fabric spray paint" is what I used.
Be advised, it is VERY stinky. So do this outside or in teh garage.

But pretty much any reasonable quality spray paint you find at the store would probably work.

A logo or design will require a cut out stencil. And practice on some random board or sheet of metal. Don't do your very first one on the actual case.

Okay thanks, I guess it should be straight forward enough.

 

[JoeMomma]

I wanted to do some sort of custom paintwork on a new pc that i'm planing to build at christmas. I havn't decided on what case to get but i'm not really sure how to go about doing things like this on pc's. I wanted to do something a little bit unique but didn't really want to do water cooling as i'm not a huge overclocker and I want the pc to be super portable.

I am an artist case modder and have painted a lot of PC's. Look for Singularity Computers on YouTube to learn the right way to paint, then find a cheaper way to do it with spray cans.

Use automobile paint and clear coat for a good finish on metal. You can find TONS of nice auto paint colors in any auto parts store. Plastic needs plastic primer. Lightly sand and wipe with a damp lint free cloth. 90% of a paint job is using masking tape and surface preparation. Keep every thing super clean while painting. Four thin coats are better than 2 thick coats. Start 150mm away from one side and always keep the paint nozzle moving slowly back and forth when spraying.