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geekhack Community => Off Topic => Topic started by: xyril on Wed, 14 November 2012, 05:08:01

Title: how do you paint your keyboard?
Post by: xyril on Wed, 14 November 2012, 05:08:01
I know theres a lot of people hates the CMstorms logo on the quickfire rapid.

But idk how and what kind of spray should i use instead?

video or guide will be appreciate <3
Title: Re: how do you paint your keyboard?
Post by: fohat.digs on Wed, 14 November 2012, 08:54:49
I have had very good luck using "Dupli-Color Vinyl and Fabric Coating" from the auto parts store. $8 per can, enough for 2-3 boards.

Clean very well and use multiple thin coats.

Note that I have only used it on old beige IBM and Dell cases going to a darker color. It may not be as good going from dark to light ....
Title: Re: how do you paint your keyboard?
Post by: xyril on Wed, 14 November 2012, 10:03:16
any tips before spraying??

and whats a primer spray means?
Title: Re: how do you paint your keyboard?
Post by: esoomenona on Wed, 14 November 2012, 10:29:56
I would say, before you spray, sand the logos off so that they aren't still visible under the paint.
Title: Re: how do you paint your keyboard?
Post by: fohat.digs on Wed, 14 November 2012, 10:41:17
Just clean and rinse very well. Kitchen dish soap and a sponge is good enough for me.

No primer is involved. Paints and stains are often considered to be "penetrating" or "film-forming" depending on whether they lay on the surface. A primer is made to bond to the surface, and then a film-forming layer bonds to the primer.

This car stuff is made to bond directly to plastic, hence the name.

I laid out newspapers on the front porch and gave it very light coats, from all 4 directions, and only needed to wait 20 minutes between coats.

Masking the label is a little tricky. I use masking tape and an Xacto knife. I try to keep one tiny corner from bonding down so that I have a starting place to peel it back up. If it is just embossed plastic and not an applied label, you are home free.

Don't mess up any slots or clips that hold the case together when/if you are painting the inside surfaces, I don't know how those are assembled. If it has a detachable cord, make sure to take care around that part.

Title: Re: how do you paint your keyboard?
Post by: fohat.digs on Wed, 14 November 2012, 10:47:42
Wait!

If you are doing any sanding or grinding to get rid of plastic, you DO need to use a primer and top coat.

Repairing and/or covering "damage" is very different from changing color!

I would strongly recommend against doing this unless you are comfortable in a shop, and with doing highly controlled painting!
Title: Re: how do you paint your keyboard?
Post by: IvanIvanovich on Wed, 14 November 2012, 11:10:39
Wrapping is another option, and it's easily reversible incase you want to sell it later on. Otherwise I like the vinyl dyes over just normal spray paint as well. Also if you have an auto body or chopper shop around, you could always check with them too. Some of them are willing to do such small jobs at end of day. Also gives you some options like candy paint style, color shift, pearls, metal flake, etc...
Title: Re: how do you paint your keyboard?
Post by: metalliqaz on Wed, 14 November 2012, 11:23:13
Wrapping is impossible to get right.  I've wrapped my Filco twice.  Getting it flat in the corners is not possible.
Title: Re: how do you paint your keyboard?
Post by: funkymeeba on Wed, 14 November 2012, 11:46:11
I have had very good luck using "Dupli-Color Vinyl and Fabric Coating" from the auto parts store. $8 per can, enough for 2-3 boards.

Clean very well and use multiple thin coats.

Note that I have only used it on old beige IBM and Dell cases going to a darker color. It may not be as good going from dark to light ....


I have heard (note: I have not confirmed) that it can, to an extent, go to a lighter color, but it requires a few more coats. I have not tested this myself, though. The only thing I really have I'd be willing to test it on is polycarbonate, and that's probably a whole different ballgame.
Title: Re: how do you paint your keyboard?
Post by: IvanIvanovich on Wed, 14 November 2012, 12:13:05
Dark to light is quite easy. I used VHT vinyl dye to make my MX Revolution white from the dark grey. I did that quite a long time ago, a couple years I think now, and it still looks perfect. It show no wear at all so it's pretty durable considering I am always touching it.
Title: Re: how do you paint your keyboard?
Post by: tp4tissue on Wed, 14 November 2012, 17:04:50
Dark to light is quite easy. I used VHT vinyl dye to make my MX Revolution white from the dark grey. I did that quite a long time ago, a couple years I think now, and it still looks perfect. It show no wear at all so it's pretty durable considering I am always touching it.

MX revolution is such a POS, I hate that mouse with a passion.........
Title: Re: how do you paint your keyboard?
Post by: IvanIvanovich on Wed, 14 November 2012, 17:49:59
I'm sure it hates you more.
Title: Re: how do you paint your keyboard?
Post by: xyril on Thu, 15 November 2012, 06:51:41
i think im gonna keep it nice , clean, slick and durable .

  I think imma gonna either put white color or do like an IBM model M theme. 


but i like how the white case + black keycaps makes a great contrast <3.
Title: Re: how do you paint your keyboard?
Post by: fohat.digs on Thu, 15 November 2012, 07:38:55
Black keys on a white board look great.

There are paints made for plastic, I think one trade name is "Fusion"

Look for old threads on this.
Title: Re: how do you paint your keyboard?
Post by: jeroplane on Thu, 15 November 2012, 07:43:20
Black keys on a white board look great.

There are paints made for plastic, I think one trade name is "Fusion"

Look for old threads on this.

Yep, it's called Krylon Fusion. As far as I know you don't need to sand or prime, just spray it right on. I don't have first-hand experience, however. It's made specially for plastic and it's the same stuff they use on the plastic body kits on cars.
Title: Re: how do you paint your keyboard?
Post by: xyril on Fri, 16 November 2012, 03:22:27
I've notice the QFR case, has somekind of rubber coating. Do i need to sand it off too ? .
Title: Re: how do you paint your keyboard?
Post by: Ovoxo on Fri, 16 November 2012, 03:37:39
I recommend that you sand it. I used a 600 grit sandpaper to sand down the surface when I spray painted my keyboard. Then I used Krylon fusion spray paint and finished it with Krylon fusion clear coat.
Make sure you do light coats when spray painting, I did about 7-8 light coats. Let it dry for about 20-30 min in between each coat. Then let it dry for about 2 hours before applying the clear coat. Also do light coats while spraying on the clear coat. I did about 3 light coats.

Pic of my QFR after paint job.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v369/Steve41184/20121114_163831.jpg)