Painting Shell

i've seen a Alienware m15x with a custom white shell white, i was thinking a green or blue or white as it looks mint,


Should just a regular DIY paint and a clear coat be alright for painting it, i seems fine on my car rims though it's a different metal. (nothing to stick to really) so will i need to sand the base down for a secure stick

cheers

 

The best way to get a custom paint job that will last is to remove the panels, then take them to an auto body shop and ask them to prep and paint for you. They shouldn't charge you too much and the results should look like a factory finish depending on how good the shop is. You may also save some money by prepping the panels yourself.

The preparation is the most important part. You will want to use fine wet-dry sandpaper (800-1200 grit) to get a nice smooth and flat finish. Ideally, the paint should be stripped completely down to the bare aluminum. Then the painter will prime it, paint it with the color of your choice, then clear coat it. Body shops also use ovens that will make the paint cure faster. This is important for durability.

I painted a couple of panels myself with spray cans but the paint was not that durable. I used acrylic lacquer which is what body shops use nowadays, but the difference between a professional finish and spray cans is night and day.

 

Did mine. Was silver but the paint wore off on edges and it developed a clear coat defect on the side.

Best way is to strip the entire system so you only have the top and bottom shell.

They'll need to be sanded with 340-800 grit paper, or use an automotive "scotch bright" pad. Sand it well. Anything that is shiny after sanding is where your paint will not bond and will flake off.

You can paint it with any of your choice paints, but I went the automotive route as I have a f grade friend who does body work. We painted it black, base coat, clear coat. Then wet sanded it and buffed it.

Looks great. But I've been hankering to paint it the same tri-coat pearl metallic I did my car recently...

You can get automotive paints, such was water based and acrylics in spray cans. You can make it look just as good as a high pressure spray gun but it's more work. You'll need to let each coat cure, and wet sand it with 1000-1500 grit paper, between each coat of paint and clear.

For a good idea, look up people night shading their tail lights. It's the same process. If you put in the time you can make it look great and be just as durable. Otherwise spray can crap from Walmart and general hardware stores will ware off and never cure properly.