I really want a black computer case interior. I've crawled the web looking for instruction and here's what I've gleaned: I've got a steel case and have never spray painted anything before. 1. After I lay out the panels I need to paint, I should scuff them up with 250-320 grit sandpaper using a sanding block. 2. Spray on about 3 light coats of self-etching or regular primer after letting each dry, following the instructions on the can. 3. Spray on about 4 light coats of spray paint after letting each dry, wetsanding out (using 600 grit) any mistakes in the paint between each coat. 4. Profit Now everywhere I go seems to stress the importance of a sanding block, but most surfaces aren't flat enough-for example, the motherboard tray has punched standoffs. Should I hand sand those? Do I need to sand in between primer coats? Do I need to wetsand between paint coats? Do I need clear coating? I don't think so, because its only the insides of my case that will be painted, but I wouldn't know what's best. For anybody who bothers to help, many thanks!
Welcome to Bit-Tech!!!!!!!!! That said, now I have to direct you away from BT to a tutorial by one of our own - mnpctech. Here is a tutorial on getting a shiny black finish. mnpctech knows things and it shows in his tutorials and his work. Go here then come back and we will help some more http://www.mnpctech.com/case-mod-paint-computer-pc-case-mod-how-to.html Take your time, it will be worth it. john
from what i understand sanding between primer coats is only needed if the surface is uneven, has drips, dust and/or other imperfections it it. although some people do it just to be on the safe side.. i dont think wetsanding between paint coats is necessary, just a light sanding to even out the surface will be fine. for those hard-to-reach places you can probably leave them unsanded between coats, and just hand wetsand them after the final coat (if you are going for a super smooth surface).. ive painted a case and only wetsanded after the final clearcoat, and not between coats and it turned out fine. as for a clearcoat, my advice would be better safe than sorry, but it probably isnt needed inside the case. the finish and prep work needed before and between coats can depend on the paint brand you use, so doing a test sample on some scrap is a very good idea. also if you mix brands of paint sometimes they can react and crack or wrinkle, ive never had it happen but ive heard of it, so doing a little test will help you make sure this wont happen. when spraying the temperature and humidity can affect the results, but i dont really know what the optimal conditions are so someone else will have to help out with this info. the other thing i would recommed is if you are painting any large panels to use a flexable paint, otherwise cracks can appear if the metal bends when you are putting the case back together or fitting the hardware. good luck with the painting
Thanks for your reply, I've already visited that guide but I've read it again anyway. I forgot to mention I'm going for a matte finish since it's only the inside of my case that I'm dealing with.
