Wondering about paint...

[HaXiT0X]

Hi, I'm in the process of doing my second case mod and I was wondering if there is a specific type of paint that I should use on my case. The first time I painted my case I used spray paint but I didn't like the results. The surface texture came out grainy instead of smooth and dull instead of glossy. I applied one coat of primer and then about 3 coats of paint. If anyone can help me out on what paint I should use and painting techniques I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks =)

[robbie]

You may wanna PM Weldzilla he's got some mad phat skillz at case modding and I'm sure he could be of service.
Rob

[danrok]

The thing to do is to layer the paint on in lots of very thin coats. You might also want to use a clear lacquer at the end to give a gloss finish. All cars have a lacquer coat.

[Staz]

I have painted a few cases in my time. The key to a good paint job is surface preperation. Also you are going to want to use automotive type paint. If you have a sprayer great. If not you can get "auto paint" in a spray can. Also buy your paint and primer at the same time and make sure they are ment to be used together.

You should start with 220 grit sandpaper and sand to bare metel. Then sand with 400 grit and then 600 grit. Then lay down a coat of primmer. Lightly sand with 400 grit. Hit it with another coat of primer and lightly sand again (wipeing clean each time). If any metal is showing through then prime and sand again. If you used any type of filler hit it with a light coat of black paint to show any defects that need to be fixed.

Once it is primed and smooth you can start laying on color. Lay the first coat on thick and don't worry about runs. Make slow smooth sweeps and overlap by about 50%. Let it dry overnight. Then sand with 400 grit, get out all the runs and imperfections. If at anyplace you go all the way through to primer then you need to lay on another thick coat and let it dry overnight and sand again. If anywhere you go through to bare metal you will need to sand off all the color and reprime (now you know why we put down so much primer before).

Now go ahead and start putting on color coats. 3 more coats should be good. Sand very lightly with wet 600 grit sandpaper inbetween coats. After the last coat lightly sand with wet 1500 grit or 2000 grit, then hit it with some rubbing compund.

It sounds like a lot of work and it is. But when you are done you will have a finish that you can see yourself in. No wonder Falcon Northwest charges $400 for a paint job.

Or you could go to Walmart and get a $0.99 can of paint and slap on some color and call it good.

[robbie]

Originally Posted by robbie

You may wanna PM Weldzilla he's got some mad phat skillz at case modding and I'm sure he could be of service.
Rob

Or you may wanna try Staz!!!!
Rob

[Staz]

It is a major pain in the but to get that high gloss new car finish. I have only done it once. Since then I just sand it smooth down to 400 grit, give it 2 coats of primer, and three coats of a flat finish paint and pretend that is the way I wanted it to look.

[danrok]

You could always cheat - just do the primer coat and then take it to a car spray shop and ask them to spray it when they're next doing a car in the colour you want. Ask nicely and it won't cost much.

[HaXiT0X]

Thanks for all the help everyone, especially staz. Hopefully I can post some pics of it when I'm all done.

[cadaveca]

Originally Posted by danrok

You could always cheat - just do the primer coat and then take it to a car spray shop and ask them to spray it when they're next doing a car in the colour you want. Ask nicely and it won't cost much.

DaNROK i have done just like you said and have ended up with some pretty amazing cases(the best was a 6-way colorchanging metallic that was supposed to be metallic candy apple red). You can get awesome results, and those guys do it everyday, so you know your going to get a good job. i usually pay 50-100 for a 5 coat job.

[cadaveca]

you might wanna prep it first too, as if they can just spray you get more enthusiastic people!

[surlyjoe]

Staz is right about getting good paint, it will make all the difference in the end. if you dont have a finish gun, car parts stores sell the "DupliColor" brand that is about as good as you can get in a rattle can.

[TheCheat]

Go to your local car quest, ask them for thier car paint books and pick a color.... 1 good can of car paint in a spray can is 16$--- make sure you purchase a clear coat finish for it....