painting a sytem ?

knowlesy

knowlesy

knowlesy

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its a mixture of plastic and metal and im wanting to paint it black, so whats the best way to go about it ? just a layer of spray paint ?
 
To get the best finish, you will need to sand the metal back to the original surface.

Then, ideally you'd spray with some kind of primer, to give a nice surface to spray the colour coat onto. Once again, you could go one step further, and apply a finishing coat like a clear coat (shiny).

Not 100% sure about plastic, but IIRC, it's the same process.
 
Will for metal i am pretty sure the "best" thing you could do is get it powder coated by a professional, next best thing would be to get yourself down to halfords and get some primer and plastikote spray paint. Do as many coats as need be, but as above, sand the metal down.
 
Clean all the surfaces.
Sand down the metal with 800grit wet and dry just so the paint has something to key too.
Sand down the plastic with wet an dry starting from grade 240grit - 600grit - 800grit - 1200grit. The surface should be as smooth as glass.

Now give the surface a quick blast with primer. Just normal primer will do for both plastic and metal seeing as your case wont be enduring the elements.
You may now sand this down quick with 1200grade again (This will ensure that any deep scratches are covered)
Then spray again with primer.
Repeat with another 2 coats, leave 15mins minimum between these coats.
You may sand again with 1200grit to make sure it still smooth for the best finish. (with out going back the the original surface obviously)

Now you can start with the colour, in this case black.
Build up the coats evenly and sparsly. DO NOT OVER DO IT.
It will take a good 3 coats to cover the item and then a further 2 coats to ensure a good finish. (These coats are not coats making sure it covered, just lights coats. This allows the paint to dry quicker and will prevent any runs.)

If you are using MATT paint then you can now leave the case to dry over night, or screws are likely to get stuck to the paint when you do them up and more than likely peel of the paint when you undo the screw.

If you are using gloss paint then you will now laquer(clear coat) the item. This is so that you can keep the shine of the gloss/metallic paint and will also protect it from scratches.
Give the item a minimum of 2 good coats.

Leave the case to dry and then give it a good polish.

Thats it =)
 
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TIPS

Hose down the case as you use the wet and dry paper. It will save you paper and produce a smoother finish.

Put your cans in a pot of hot water. This thins the paint and will come out the nossle easier.
 
dont have a proper spray gun ... :(


actually I might, my mates granddad lets me use his garage for my car might be an idea
 
To compliment the sand paper try get some "paint stripper" should get rick of paint on the metal quick enough, then get some:

1=Primer
2=Paint
3=Lacquer

Try to leave the primer to set for at least 12-24 hours then apply as many coats of paint, remember lots of thin coats is better than 1 thick coat; and take your time. Apply the lacquer to get a nice glossy finish.
 
knowlesy said:
thanks very much dude !!!


whats the 1200 and 800 sand paper ?
Click to expand...

Its 1200grit and 800grit. They are finer sandpapers, they are less course the higher the number. 1 sheet of each should be plenty.

Hamoodii said:
To compliment the sand paper try get some "paint stripper" should get rick of paint on the metal quick enough, then get some:

1=Primer
2=Paint
3=Lacquer

Try to leave the primer to set for at least 12-24 hours then apply as many coats of paint, remember lots of thin coats is better than 1 thick coat; and take your time. Apply the lacquer to get a nice glossy finish.
Click to expand...

I wouldnt recomemend paint striper. As if its not clean after wards it will react with the fresh paint.
I think a common misconception is that you sand the surface so that the paint has something to hold on to, YOU DONT NEED TO GET RID OF ALL THE OLD PAINT. you will waste so much time doing so.

Obviously longer is better, but you wont need to leave your primer set for 12-14 hours unless your coats are very thick.
15mins and the paint will be touch dry for a good coat.

You can also use a hairdrier or a heatgun to persaude the process slightly. But yeah dont rush it.
 
Im about to paint my first project so ill let you know how i balls it up :p

I think the real trick is to take a leaf from the model makers, take it slow and dont rush things. You arent going to get this done in a few hours... take your time over a few days and apply light coats and let them dry.

Clear laquer is also going to be essential if you intend to swap stuff round regularly, to prevent small scratches taking off the paint.

I am however mulling the idea of getting it powder coated at a local place, by the time ive bought paints and arsed about getting it wrong im sure it wont be that far off the price of getting a local body shop to do it.
 
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mattyy said:
Its 1200grit and 800grit. They are finer sandpapers, they are less course the higher the number. 1 sheet of each should be plenty.



I wouldnt recomemend paint striper. As if its not clean after wards it will react with the fresh paint.
I think a common misconception is that you sand the surface so that the paint has something to hold on to, YOU DONT NEED TO GET RID OF ALL THE OLD PAINT. you will waste so much time doing so.

Obviously longer is better, but you wont need to leave your primer set for 12-14 hours unless your coats are very thick.
15mins and the paint will be touch dry for a good coat.

You can also use a hairdrier or a heatgun to persaude the process slightly. But yeah dont rush it.
Click to expand...

You want a nice clean, smooth surface to paint on, so just take all the paint off :confused: Will look nice if you have a raw case :D
 
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