The Showcase

I was hoping (and I think tkh was also) that people would post up thier own.

But as for your stickers I thought it was unique so its actually in the DYI section of the Resources page

 

Laptop used: Dell Latitude
More info: http://www.zaverio.net/laptop/how_i_built/

 

Really useful, for Mac users:
http://www.blackmacbook.com/mods/macbook-ialertu-car-alarm
iAlertU Car Alarm / Laptop AntiTheft Alarm using SMS (sudden motion sensor)

 

Dell Inspiron 8300
Paint used: unknown, but it was to match some BMW colorcode
more pics here: http://www.hardforum.com/showthread.php?t=1119233

 

Yoshi's Mods: Project Face-Lift written by Yoshi DeHerrera
( http://www.g4tv.com/screensavers/features/29347/Yoshis_Mods_Project_FaceLift.html)
A good text overview, took it from the website cuz the pics didn't even work there anymore and I think it's worth posting
--------------------------

One of the simplest and most effective things you can modify is the exterior of your case. Many people have the mistaken impression that if they paint their case, they'll do a bad job. You can do a great job of painting your case without spending a lot of money. On today's show I'll show you that there is hope. As long as you have some free time you can paint like a pro with a spray can.

Whether you have several thousand dollars in professional equipment or are using a $10 spray can, the basics are the same. How good a job you do depends solely on how well you've prepared for the job. Here's what you'll need:

-Respirator
This is not cheap ($30 to $200, depending on features) but your lungs will thank you. The price depends on whether the respirator covers your entire face or just your nose and mouth. It's reusable, but the filters need regular replacement.

-Rubber gloves
You need gloves to protect your hands from the paint and solvent and to protect the painting surface from the oils on your hands. Rubber gloves cost $5 for a pack of 100.

-Sandpaper
You'll want the wet/dry variety. The grits you'll use are 400, 600, 1,000, 1,500, and 2,000. They have an average cost of $3 to $6 per pack of five sheets.

-Sanding block
These can be either hard rubber or foam, with varying levels of flexibility. They typically cost $5 to $20.

-Sandable primer
You should use the same brand of primer and paint. The primer can cost anywhere from $4 to $10, depending on whether you're using an automotive brand.

-Paint of your choice of color
Use the same brand as your primer. Typical cost is $3 to $10.

-Rubbing compound
This is for removing the fine sanding marks from the paint. Rubbing compound costs about $20.

-Soap
Use any mild dishwashing detergent. When your surface is clean, it will better hold the paint. I prefer to use Plastic Prep, which is made specifically for preparing plastic for painting. You should be able to pick some up for about $10.


Painting has three simple steps: sand, paint, and finish. Your work area should have a good water supply and plenty of ventilation. You'll also want a clean, dust-free area to help minimize the amount of sanding during the finishing stage. All sanding described here is done wet.

As with any project, always practice good safety habits. Wear proper clothing and eye protection. If you don't have experience in performing the tasks, find someone with experience to help you.
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Now it's time for the first step:

Preparation is by far the most important step. This is when you take the (blurry and uneven) finish that came on your case and make it smooth as satin.

Use 400-grit sandpaper in conjunction with the sanding block. Sand with even strokes in the same direction on the entire case, as this helps minimize scratches showing through the finish. Depending on the color of your case, you may have trouble telling how smooth the surface is.

You do not need to sand completely through the paint that came on the case. Just sand until the surface is smooth. After you've achieved the desired finish, wash with soap and water or with Plastic Prep and let air dry.
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Make sure you shake the paint well. Stop painting every few minutes and shake. Paint with sandable primer and sand with 600-grit sandpaper after it has dried. (Depending on the primer this can take from one to four hours.) Wash with soap and water and let air dry. Repeat until surface is smooth and even. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions concerning drying times.

Now you're ready for your color. You'll be making several thin coats rather than a single heavy coat. Use even strokes with your spray can raised about eight inches from the surface. Lightly mist for the first layer, let this layer dry for 15 minutes to 30 minutes. Then apply another layer. Repeat over the course of an hour until you have good color coverage.

Don't worry about how thin the coat is, as you'll be repeating this process. Let dry 24 hours to 48 hours (this is important). Lightly wet sand with a 600-grit sandpaper, wash with soap and water, and let air dry. Repeat until you have no thin areas of color when sanded down with 600-grit sandpaper.
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Once you have an even 600-grit surface with your color of choice, repeat the sanding process going up in grit until you reach 1,500 or 2,000. At this point you'll see just how good the finish is going to look.

The only thing left is to use a rubbing compound to remove the fine sanding marks. Follow with a swirl remover and you're done. Don't use a wax immediately. You must let the paint cure for at least 60 days before you use wax on it.
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used Laptop: Dell Inspiron 1100
more info here: http://www.overclock.net/case-mod-work-logs/69645-project-lappy-paint-overhaul-56k-warning.html

 

NOT a mod, but still a good source of inspiration
Acer Ferrari 3200




I really like the color red in a laptop

 

also NOT a mod, but good for inspiration:


from: http://www.engadget.com/photos/cenio-arttops-dont-leave-their-specs-at-home/

 

more here: http://forums.bit-tech.net/showthread.php?t=131510

 

done with Acrylic paint
more here: http://www.deviantart.com/deviation/45994746/

 

more here: http://forums.bit-tech.net/showthread.php?t=90520&highlight=laptop

 

These are some nice laptops ^_^

 

The Monster Laptop

single action Sata-0,2mm nozzle; paint: Glasurit acrylic auto semi-transparent 55 series; cleared with Glasurit auto varnish in two coats.
more here: http://www.wetcanvas.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=414316
paintjob videos: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pICXWyN58W0
and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gH_dgEJB9UQ&mode=related&search=

picture, linked:

 

Pink iBook
more here: http://www.moonpost.com/jeremy/archives/001878.shtml

 

Aluminum iBook

more here: http://www.xlr8yourmac.com/systems/ibook_mods/ibook_paint_mod.html

 

yellow iBook
Paint used: Krylon Fusion
more here: http://www.macmod.com/content/view/778/221/

 

The Pirate Laptop
paint used: Krylon Fusion
more here: http://www.pcmofo.com/?action=8&page=19
and here: http://www.pcmofo.com/?action=5&albumId=20

real glossy

 

Monza v8
NOT a mod, but nice idea with the lines and the fitting wallpaper..

 

Dell Latitude CPi
paint used: Krylon Fusion, Red Pepper
more here: http://kmandla.wordpress.com/2007/03/13/the-operation-was-a-success-captain/

 

laptop: DELL 600m
paint used: Imperial Orange" of the Nissan 2005 color catalogue, and the Mitsubishi 2005 "Cool Silver" for the blue trims and mouse buttons

very detailed infos here: http://www.notebookforums.com/thread153533.html

 

Hypersonic GX-7 (aka Sager 8790), RED!
more here: http://www.notebookforums.com/thread22958.html

 

DELL XPS M1710 with DecalGirlSKIN
"It's actually a square sheet that you cut to size. I used a razorblade and it worked just great."
from: http://www.notebookforums.com/thread191416.html

 

This used to be an Alienware 5750. Now its Art thanks to Smooth Creations. I got a second one on the way home.

 

Nice find TKH, I haven't found any before that used DecalGirl. Added his experience to the resource page.


And Duke: Besure and post up some pics of the new rig (another Smooth Creation?)... can't wait.

 

@dukefrukem: pictures don't load.. could you upload them as an attachment to your message? this way they also won't get lost over the months (or years) to come

 

they load for me, my roommate and a few other people...

you viewing them from work?

 

yep load now for me too, sorry about that... oh and most importantly: ****ing sweet!! more of that any tutorial on the zombie laptop? I really wonder how you can add so many details.. it's paintbrushed, right? I needa become good at that

 

ask smooth

 

Toshiba Satellite // Mosaic Style
more here: http://scienceblogs.com/chaoticutopia/2007/01/laptop_love.php

 

Dell XPS M1710

 

Ahh thats my laptop or one i painted

 

really? got some more?

 

well thoose pics is not the finnished laptop..

that one was made for intel..


got some more stuff on my site .. (hopefully you guys dont mind the link)
www.customengraver.se

 

nice, been there before, I love your CS case do some more laptop cases though, plllllleasse^^

 

all these are sick...hope to mod mine soon

 

Sweet job guys. Maybe I'll do something to my old d400...

 

ive done 2 of thoose metallic laptops for intel and my girlfriend wanted the same look on her laptop but not the silver metallic lookj but still metallic, so what is a girl color if not pink..





kinda nice..

 

Those are some pretty slick paint jobs GoTall, nice work!

 

That is the coolest looking pink laptop I have ever seen. Very Sweet!!

 

damn nice @ gotall! =) did you also spray paint the touchpad? any comments on what to look out for doing that?

 

well the touchpad on this computer is "one" with the rest of the shell, its not "separated" so i thought why not and it works great , an easy way to try it is to put a thicker paper on the touchpad and try if it works, if it does then it should be no problem.

 

Good point, I debated doing that one time and then decided not to.

 

Wow - stunning work, GoTall!

 

Averatec 3270 painted with Krylon Fusion Hammered finish black and Krylon crystal clear.

Click the pic for full DYI.


Go here for the thread on the mod, or click the pic for the full DYI.

 

Nice, I'd be interested in knowing how that paint holds up with the clear coat on. I should have done a clear coat when I painted mine as my paint is starting to rub off. As a results I may repaint my notebook this summer....gotta get a lot of other stuff out of the way first though...

 

Don't know if it's a good example. This one just sits on the desk and has only been turned on 3 times this year until this week.

 

LOL, looks nice though. Now the hammered finish, if I recall correctly, is smooth, correct?

 

Has a texture, shallow and open.

 

Not exactly a major paintjob/laser etch/reconstruct as the majority of posts here, but my first encounter with a skin. I'm happy, anyhow.





Superstar from iStyles.com.

 

Wow I really like that skin, nice choice!