Modding How to get an anodized look, without anodizing?

I'm looking at possibly painting my Coolermaster Stacker, and what I'd like to do, is give the side and top an anodized looking finish. But, I'm a cheapskate, and I don't want to actually pay to have it anodized.

I did paint the grill on the side panel with Dupli-Color Metalcast red, which looks quite good, and has put up with some abuse, without chipping. What I'd like, is to go with a red / black theme. Primarily black, with red accents. Problem is, Dupli-Color doesn't have a black Metalcast, the closest they come is "Smoke," which looks like a medium grey.

Any suggestions?

I know I could go with a "normal" black enamel paint, but I like the looks of the Metalcast.

Thanks,
Jason

 

Someone call me?

I just read a log where MNPCTech used SEM self-etching black primer to get a flat black similar to an anodizing he did.
Getting transparent black to not look gray is difficult. Have you tried multiple coats?

 

Try heat resistant paint.

Paint it
Bake it
Sand it.

 

I've not even started painting the side yet, I figured I'd see if I could do what I want, first.

I also did some checking, the two side panels are aluminum, so if I wanted to spend the $$$ I could likely get them anodized, but the top of the case is likely steel. Used a magnet, it ignored the side panel, but grabbed the top.

Time to go to the auto parts store, and look around.

 

You could try bluing the top steel.