Sand before clearcoat?

[maxiedaniels]

i just got a ML07 case, and I like the textured look of the front panel but I don't like that it's not glossy - I'd like to spraypaint it with a clearcoat plastic spraypaint, but I don't know if I need to sand first... thoughts?

 

[Krenum]

Since it has a texture on it, you might want to just spray it. Unless you get some really fine sandpaper to prepare it with, you might lose the texture due to the sand. Traditionally I always sand to prepare the surface but I rarely deal with textured surfaces.

Spray a small piece or something like it to see. If you don't like the outcome, you can sand off the clear coat and then you'll know. I will say that a plastic or Acrylic clear coat will likely crack if flexed. So If you plan on moving your case around I wouldn't go that route. That being said they do make a flex agent. Just be sure you clean it good before you start painting. Preparation is key when painting anything.

 

[Choopyplz]

That's got a brushed aluminum look right? I definitely wouldn't sand before spraying, though I'm not sure spraying gloss clear coat would give you the desired effect you're looking for either. As long as you have some that will adhere well to plastic or metal, i guess if it's actually a strip of aluminum, then it should stick fine without sanding before. I'd look up clearcoating on that type of surface. You may need to do a few coats of clear and then lightly sand or wet sand the clearcoat layer to have it look smooth and consistent.

 

[rx jr.]

i would probably go over with some steel wool before spraying. better than sand paper for the tight corners and angles. i have the same case.