There is no better way to make your PCs and laptops more fashionable than ever than to paint their case with today’s latest art trends. If you want your computer cases to look new again, you can always paint them with your favorite color or style. If you are afraid to stain or ruin anything inside, you have nothing to worry about. Here are simple steps to paint your computer case with almost anything.
First, you will need some tools and materials to complete this tedious job. There is no need to worry about the cost of this project, as you can finish it without hurting your pockets- that is definitely for sure. You do not even have to buy the tools you will use because all of these will probably be available in your garage storage. Some of the most important tools you will need will be a screwdriver for removing all the components in your case, denatured alcohol for finishing the sandy texture of the case once the paint has been removed, cotton rag to keep your work area clean, spray cans and enamel to paint your subject, wet sanding paper to remove the old paint, and old newspapers and cartons to prevent the color from spilling everywhere. Before starting anything, it is also recommended that you choose the best-quality automotive color that will give instant shine and beauty back to your computer cases again. The enamel is also needed to serve as the polishing part of the job, thus giving your computer a complete feel of being new again.
Step 1: Shutdown PC
It’s obvious, really, but you will be surprised! Make sure that you have properly shut down your computer units. Unplug the main outlet. You also want to remove all the cables and wires connected to the case, including the main power cord, the LAN cable, and the monitor cable. Note that the PC has to cool down before you want to touch anything inside the case. This usually takes 10-15 minutes. While waiting for your chance to cool down, you may want to prepare all the necessary materials to start this job.
Step 2: Choose your Spot
Choose a work area that is properly ventilated. Allow enough air and sunlight to aid in quickly drying the paint and help you breathe more easily. Remember that paint can be a toxic substance without sufficient oxygen in the body. Cover the floor or table with the old cartons or newspapers, and ensure the case will be properly positioned in your work area. There must be no bulges or uneven surfaces where it is mounted, or you will not be able to paint all its edges and surfaces finely.
Step 3: Unscrew your Case
Before proceeding to this step, ensure you have prepared the corresponding boxes and containers of all the components inside your CPU. Do not let them scatter everywhere, especially while working on painting. A case that looks new is entirely useless if your computer is unusable in return. Locate the panels, clips, and screws on your computer case. Using a screwdriver, carefully remove the casing. Place all the components and parts in a safe, dry, clean container and set them aside for the entire painting job.
Step 4: Clean and Smoothen
This is the second-highest part of this task, with paint removal at the top. As with any other painting job, you need to clean the surfaces and ensure they are free from any lump or bulge that will ruin the appearance of the new paint in the casing. Surely, the last thing that you would want to see is uneven surfaces in your new container. Carefully clean the case, ensuring you have not missed out on a single edge or will be applying paint. Remove all the stickers and labels inside the casing.
Step 5: Say Goodbye to your Old Paint
This is the most tedious part of the job, where you have to be very careful not to damage the casing by removing the outer paint. Use 220-grit sandpaper to remove all the paint and color in your case. Get rid of all the existing paint and sand down all of the surfaces of the case. Use the sandpaper to smoothen the edges that are still coated with paint. You may use only one direction in sanding down your casing as much as possible. This will make a perfect finish and excellent paint touches.
Step 6: Removing Debris
You may now clean and remove all the debris and particles left during the previous step. Pour enough denatured alcohol into a cotton rag and carefully wipe off the excess materials on the sanded surface. Be sure to dry the case before proceeding to the next step.
Step 7: The Very First Coat
After drying the surface of the casing, you may now spray a very thin coat of paint on it. Hold the spray can at the proper level and angle to spread the color perfectly. You might want to keep a distance of 8-12 inches from the casing. A thin and even painting stroke would not be possible without a steady hand, so hold the spray can as tight and stable as possible. Also, if you come too close, you are more likely to end up with uneven spurts; if you come too far, you might scatter the paint, even to the unwanted parts of the casing. Be sure not to leave out the edges and corners of the case. Allow the first coat to dry. You may also check the back of the spray cans for instructions on the drying time of the paint.
Step 8: The Final Touch
Lightly wet the primer, coat it with sandpaper, and allow it to dry. After this, a second coat may be applied, letting it dry before you can finally reassemble your computer.
Extra steps can be undertaken during the procedure. Some paints work better with a primer (undercoat), and some with a clear coat. You may want to ask your paint supplier which colors require extra steps.
