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Repainting case question

Neil_M

n00b
Joined
Dec 14, 2011
Messages
6
What paint do most of you use when repainting your cases? I picked up a CM HAF 922 that's in bad need of a repaint.

I'm thinking of going with either red/black or all flat black, and am looking for more of a matte type finish. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
 
Google this topic and you'll find a lot of great write ups on how to do a proper rattle can paint job. Actual brands of paints will vary. Also, this topic has been covered a few times here on the forums. Maybe even a sticky on it.

But the resounding consensus is always "PREP PRE PREP".

Personally, I powder coat nearly everything, but in some instances I use Rustoleum Industrial Enamel. Especially their matte black. With proper prep and application technique, it holds up pretty well.
 
Thanks CMadki4, I looked around on here but didn't find alot, guess I didn't go back far enough. Will try Rustoleum after prep.
 
Yep its all about the prep work, use a decent primer and then I've used just about any brand spray paint with pretty good results, as long as it was sanded, cleaned well and primered.
A new coat of paint and change the entire look of the case...
 
Thanks CMadki4, I looked around on here but didn't find alot, guess I didn't go back far enough. Will try Rustoleum after prep.
No problem.

I did a quick google and found a nice writeup from some reputable modders.: MNPCTech. Granted, this tutorial focuses on getting a mirror finish smooth paint job, it still cover the prep required of any paint job pretty well.
http://www.mnpctech.com/case-mod-paint-computer-pc-case-mod-how-to.html
As side note, I've experimented with various primers and no primer, all yielding decent results. But the self etching primer in the tutorial did quite well, even on plastic (though don't recall if it is recommended or not). I used it on my chopped and dropped Gateway "Snapple" mod.
IMG_1048.jpg
 
Thanks guys. The guy I got it from attempted to paint it, and it came out pretty rough. Painting the metal parts are not much of a problem, it was mainly the plastic parts I was concerned with. Will make sure to prep well before painting.

Looks good CMadki4, I have a shiny black NZXT case, but I wanted a different look for the CM.
 
It's not terrible, but it has a few big runs on the front panel, shiny and grainy in spots, and not a color I like for a case. I like the case design and being able to hide the wires, something my NZXT lacks.

Forgot to remove the dirty filter before pics. I started tearing it down already, and will begin sanding soon. Will have to wait until warmer weather before painting.


Case2_zps1e555808.jpg

Case1_zps76889e3a.jpg
 
Yeah, interesting color choice...

But you're right, it doesn't look all that bad. You should be able to tighten it up a little with some elbow grease.
 
Make the stripping part easier by using an aircraft paint stripper.

If I can suggest a finish, I say go for a wrinkle finish in black or red.

You can also spray it with POR 15. At least you can sleep easy knowing in case of flood the case wont rust.
 
Make the stripping part easier by using an aircraft paint stripper.
This does work wonders (or course don't use it on the plastic parts). But unless the paint is orange-peeling or chips off easily, it may not be necessary to completely remove the paint. In fact, the original factory finish (hidden under the botched paint job) is more than likely powder coat, which makes for a great base for spray paint. Aircraft stripper will completely remove this down to the bare metal, requiring an etching primer.

I'd just sand down the paint job thoroughly and reapply a new coat.

If I can suggest a finish, I say go for a wrinkle finish in black or red.
I second this.
 
I'll be using the paint stripper to make it easier except for the plastic. After cleaning it up some, it's not that bad except for the color. I like the idea of a wrinkle finish, I've used a shiny black case for over 5 years, and want a different look for a while.

I got bored last night and swapped my system over to this case, and the difference in temps. made it worth it. I dropped around 6 degrees on the CPU. The NZXT just couldn't seem to cool like it used too with the upgrades, which are sadly outdated lol.
 
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