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    Painting Plastic Trim

    Discussion in 'Notebook Cosmetic Modifications and Custom Builds' started by darklich, Nov 6, 2011.

  1. darklich

    darklich Notebook Consultant

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    I have chrome paint peeling on my Sony AW. I was wondering how hard it would be to paint it. You can see the plastic chrome part in this picture. Any ideas would be helpful. I've never painted anything other than a wall. :)
     

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    darklich, Nov 6, 2011
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  2. Syndrome

    Syndrome Torque Matters

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    Yeah you could paint it. Mask it first thing, then sand it very good, and check the masking through the sanding stage and after. Sanding can easily pull the masking away from its initial mark.

    For painting alot of people just use krylon paint you can get from most hardware stores, its in a rattle can so you don't need any professional gear to get the job done. Just keep the coats light and even, and sand between them to keep it smooth and looking nice. I also suggest using a tack cloth after each sanding stage to remove dust.
     
    Syndrome, Nov 6, 2011
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  3. darklich

    darklich Notebook Consultant

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    Hmmmm! I just might have to give a shot. What the hell, it's just an old computer. Cept it has one of the best displays ever. I usually go with the red and black themes so I might try or a dark red.

    What type and grit sand paper? Also, what type of masking is best?
     
    darklich, Nov 6, 2011
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  4. Syndrome

    Syndrome Torque Matters

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    When it comes to masking supplies, then 3M is pretty much king. And for the sand paper, 220 the first time you sand it, after that you could probably use some 600 between coats of paint.
     
    Syndrome, Nov 6, 2011
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  5. roxshot

    roxshot Notebook Guru

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    One thing I would add is to make sure you clean the sanded area thoroughly with rubbing alcohol before painting.
     
    roxshot, Dec 19, 2011
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  6. Ladde9

    Ladde9 Newbie

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    What kind of dye or whatever will hold up on plastic trim like a seat back lever that gets a lot of use? I plan to cover most of the plastic with my fabric but cant cover it all. I know Sem makes stuff for this, is it the best? What is the product called? Most plastic I have seen dyed usually rubs off with very little wear. Also probably need a wide rande of colors available to find a match.

    Also if I cover pieces that have deep recessed screws holding them on are there any nice looking plugs that can be put in the hole to hide the edge of the material since it obviously can not be conformed down in the hole?
     
    Ladde9, Dec 23, 2011
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  7. katalin_2003

    katalin_2003 NBR Spectre Super Moderator

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    What I always do and recommend is to dismantle the parts you need to paint!
    It's going to be easier and will look better.

    Definitely use alcohol to 'degrease' after sanding the parts.
     
    katalin_2003, Dec 31, 2011
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