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    Alienware M18x R2 - Matte Black paint mod

    Discussion in 'Notebook Cosmetic Modifications and Custom Builds' started by Maxware79, Mar 24, 2021.

  1. Maxware79

    Maxware79 Alienware died in 2014

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    Just finished a matte black mod on an M18x R2. Lid, palmrest and chassis. Matte paints are a pain to work with as they show any little blemish but I think it worked out pretty good. Final pic is a comparison Before/After

    IMG_8180 - Copy.JPG IMG_8182 - Copy.JPG IMG_8183 - Copy.JPG IMG_8187 - Copy.JPG IMG_8190 - Copy.JPG
     
    Maxware79, Mar 24, 2021
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  2. Maxware79

    Maxware79 Alienware died in 2014

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    IMG_8185 - Copy.JPG IMG_8186 - Copy.JPG
     
    Maxware79, Mar 24, 2021
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  3. Tenoroon

    Tenoroon Notebook Deity

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    I love that the older Alienware models had the glossy display and bezel as one piece. It seems like it would be a pain to replace or to take the display off though.
     
    Tenoroon, Mar 24, 2021
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  4. Maxware79

    Maxware79 Alienware died in 2014

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    It's almost impossible to remove the plexiglass from the display frame if you want to replace the panel. I tried it recently and I managed to get maybe 60-70% of the plexiglass off before it cracked. The only real option is to replace the entire assembly.
     
    Maxware79, Mar 24, 2021
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  5. MagicMike

    MagicMike Notebook Consultant

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    Amazing Max, well done, did you paint the rubbery like palmrest surface as well?
     
    MagicMike, Mar 25, 2021
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  6. Maxware79

    Maxware79 Alienware died in 2014

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    Thanks Mike. Yes, I removed the soft-touch so it was back to bare plastic and resprayed it.
     
    Maxware79, Mar 25, 2021
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  7. Azther

    Azther Notebook Consultant

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    amazing job Maxware, I have also pondered removing the soft touch on my m18x as its got some scuff marks in places. Was it difficult to remove?
     
    Azther, Mar 26, 2021
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  8. Maxware79

    Maxware79 Alienware died in 2014

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    It can be. I’ve done it a bunch of times now though.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
     
    Maxware79, Mar 26, 2021
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  9. luisxd

    luisxd Notebook Consultant

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    This looks amazing. Do you use any special type of paint? Did you apply any kind of clear to give a finish to the black paint?
     
    luisxd, Apr 1, 2021
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  10. Maxware79

    Maxware79 Alienware died in 2014

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    Thanks. I just use a matte black spray paint and finish it with a matte clear coat for protection.

    EDIT: plus a primer at the start and light sanding between coats.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
     
    Last edited: Apr 1, 2021
    Maxware79, Apr 1, 2021
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  11. yarema

    yarema Notebook Guru

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    Sexy looking ************)
     
    yarema, Apr 2, 2021
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  12. JinTexas

    JinTexas Notebook Consultant

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    Very Nice
     
    JinTexas, Apr 17, 2021
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