There is just a no better way to make your PCs and laptops more fashionable than ever than to paint its case with the latest art trends today. If you want to see your computer cases 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 definitely have nothing to worry about. Here are very simple steps on how you can paint your computer case with the almost anything you like.
First of all, you will need some tools and materials in order to get this tedious job done. 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 for the tools that you are going to use, because all of these will most 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 paint has been removed, cotton rag to keep your work area clean, spray cans and enamel to paint your case, wet sanding paper to remove the old paint, and old newspapers and cartons to prevent the paint from spilling everywhere. Before starting anything, it is also recommended that you choose the best-quality automotive paint that will give instant shine and beauty back to your computer cases again. The enamel is also needed in order to serve as the polishing part of the job, thus giving your computer a complete feel of being new again.
Step 1: Shutdown PC
Kind of 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 that are 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 you are waiting for your case to cool down, you may want to prepare all the necessary materials in order to get this job started.
Step 2: Choose your Spot
Choose a work area that is properly ventilated. Allow enough air and sunlight to aid in fast drying of the paint and also to help you breathe easier. Remember that paint can be a toxic substance in the absence of sufficient oxygen in the body. Cover the floor or table with the old cartons or newspapers, and be sure that 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 finely paint all of its edges and surfaces.
Step 3: Unscrew your Case
Before proceeding to this step, make sure that you have prepared the corresponding boxes and containers of all the components inside your CPU. Do not let them scatter everywhere especially while you are working on the paint-making a case look new is entirely useless if your computer would be 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 and clean container and set them aside for the entire painting job.
Step 4: Clean and Smoothen
This is the second hardest part of this task, with paint removal being the top of the list. As with any other kind of painting job, you need to clean the surfaces and make sure that 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 casing. Carefully clean the case, making sure that you have not missed out a single edge or that you will be applying paint on. 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 itself in removing the outer paint. Use 220-grit sandpaper in removing all the paint and color in your casing. Get rid of all the existing paint and sand down all of the surfaces of the casing. Use the sandpaper to smoothen the edges that are still coated with paint. As much as possible, you may use only one direction in sanding down your casing. 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 that were left during the previous step. Pour sufficient amount of denatured alcohol into a cotton rag and carefully wipe off the excess materials in the sanded surface. Be sure to dry the case first before you can proceed 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 in order to spray the paint 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 be sure to hold the spray can as tight and steady as possible. Also, if you come too close, you are more likely to end up with uneven sprays, 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 casing. 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 with sandpaper, and allow it to dry. A second coat may be applied after this, after which let 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 work better with a clear coat. You may want to speak to your paint supplier as to what paints may require the extra steps.