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    Are laptops painted?

    Discussion in 'Hardware Components and Aftermarket Upgrades' started by jwstrand, Aug 18, 2006.

  1. jwstrand

    jwstrand Notebook Enthusiast

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    I've got the W4620 from Emachines. Is the silver painted on?
    I brushed the case with my thumbnail and put a light scratch on it!
    How do I clean it?
    Thanks!
    -Jeff Strand
     
    jwstrand, Aug 18, 2006
    #1
  2. Gautam

    Gautam election 2008 NBR Reviewer

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    Evidently the notebook silver color on new models (2004 or 2005 and later?) are many times painted on. The very fact that we rest our palms on the notebook means that paint will peel off (see other threads regarding this problem)

    I would use Endust - this is an electronic approved cleaner. It works on screens as well. I personally use general household cleaner, but I DO NOT advise that for others.
     
    Gautam, Aug 18, 2006
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  3. jwstrand

    jwstrand Notebook Enthusiast

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    I would think that they have figured out how to make things without stooping to painting. But I guess not.
     
    jwstrand, Aug 25, 2006
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  4. chrisyano

    chrisyano Hall Monitor NBR Reviewer

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    Painting is cheaper than having to color the whole batch of plastic. I think that's what it comes down to for the laptop makers.
     
    chrisyano, Aug 25, 2006
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  5. jwstrand

    jwstrand Notebook Enthusiast

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    See, I had this dream before I found out, that my computer was all worn-out looking. It was awful!
     
    jwstrand, Aug 25, 2006
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  6. chrisyano

    chrisyano Hall Monitor NBR Reviewer

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    There are custom painting jobs available but they are expensive. They look great though--like a new car's finish.
     
    chrisyano, Aug 26, 2006
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  7. jwstrand

    jwstrand Notebook Enthusiast

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    How expensive is expensive? You can get the laptop for $400. Is it more than that?
     
    jwstrand, Sep 19, 2006
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  8. Leshii

    Leshii Notebook Evangelist

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    at a minimum you're looking at $400-500 for the whole laptop or about $200 just for the lid. That's just for a decent custom paint job.
     
    Leshii, Sep 19, 2006
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  9. Leshii

    Leshii Notebook Evangelist

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    Here, take a look: >>>
     
    Leshii, Sep 19, 2006
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  10. jwstrand

    jwstrand Notebook Enthusiast

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    Wow! What decadence. That is cool, though.
    :eek:
     
    jwstrand, Sep 20, 2006
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  11. miichael

    miichael Notebook Consultant

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    that is because most use car paints
    and same steps involved to paint a car they use with the notebook
     
    miichael, Sep 20, 2006
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  12. schlepptop

    schlepptop Notebook Enthusiast

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    not just plastic laptop bits get painted, metal ones too. it's to ensure the same colour will be on every bit even if the metal or plastic is molded, pressed and reshaped in the process of making the body.
    so if you have sweaty hands...try voice recognition ;-)
     
    schlepptop, Sep 20, 2006
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  13. jwstrand

    jwstrand Notebook Enthusiast

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    The silver is starting to wear off in some small places. I thought the left mouse button would be gone already, but its not.
    What kind of paint do they use?
     
    jwstrand, Dec 10, 2006
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  14. chrisyano

    chrisyano Hall Monitor NBR Reviewer

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    That would depend on the manufacturer and probably to a certain degree the model. Does it bother you that much? Trying to repaint certain areas may make it look worse.

    Maybe you should look into a product like shtickers or something like that. You could just lay one over the wrist-rests and avoid future wear.
     
    chrisyano, Dec 10, 2006
    #14