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geekhack Projects => Making Stuff Together! => Topic started by: portbaron on Fri, 21 September 2018, 20:47:03

Title: Spray painting plastic keyboard case?
Post by: portbaron on Fri, 21 September 2018, 20:47:03

I'm getting some unpainted cherry 1800 cases and was wondering if anybody knows what kind of spray paint would work best on these? Kind of thinking a clear coat might be a good idea too. I've seen some pictures somewhere that someone did but I can't find them now.

Title: Re: Spray painting plastic keyboard case?
Post by: the-slunk on Fri, 21 September 2018, 20:50:40

Quote from: portbaron on Fri, 21 September 2018, 20:47:03

I'm getting some unpainted cherry 1800 cases and was wondering if anybody knows what kind of spray paint would work best on these? Kind of thinking a clear coat might be a good idea too. I've seen some pictures somewhere that someone did but I can't find them now.

I think spray paint may end up leaving it a tad sticky to the touch? You can always look into plasti-dip too, which I think they make in a spray can now.

Alternatively, I believe there is some clear coat type material they make in sheets like a sticker, that may be better for handling.

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Title: Re: Spray painting plastic keyboard case?
Post by: portbaron on Fri, 21 September 2018, 21:08:32

Ya stickiness is kind of a worry, but don't they have some outdoor stuff for chairs or something that isn't sticky? Or sandable?

Title: Re: Spray painting plastic keyboard case?
Post by: OldIsNew on Fri, 21 September 2018, 23:04:32

I've done a few cases and have had pretty good luck so far with Rust-oleum Universal  Paint & Primer and Valspar Paint for Plastics:

[attach=1]                    [attach=2]

The Rust-oleum may be a little tougher, I've had one IBM Model M case that I painted with the Valspar start to chip a little after about a year. So far no issues with the Rust-oleum.

Title: Re: Spray painting plastic keyboard case?
Post by: bakageta on Fri, 21 September 2018, 23:35:53

I'd go with vinyl dye (http://"https://www.duplicolor.com/product/vinyl-and-fabric-coating"), personally. The color selection isn't great, but it doesn't change the finish at all. You can see a post about using it for painting Nerf blasters here: http://nerfhaven.com/forums/topic/8222-vinyl-dye/

If you need more colors, I've had fairly good experiences with Krylon Fusion when painting various plastics. It's not as good as vinyl dye, but it's much better than a regular spray paint. It doesn't wear the best, though, it doesn't penetrate the plastic deep enough.

Title: Re: Spray painting plastic keyboard case?
Post by: suicidal_orange on Sat, 22 September 2018, 02:35:44

There's a long thread (https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=44191.0) on case painting you might like to read :)