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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: Trippyginger on Sat, 06 July 2013, 13:13:15

Title: QFR vs Trigger
Post by: Trippyginger on Sat, 06 July 2013, 13:13:15

I have a trigger and I would like to mod it. I was thinking about doing custom back lighting and changing the body color. But I have one problem, I am not sure if you can spray paint a CM Trigger. Does the QFR have the same soft touch as the Trigger. And with the soft touch rubber could you paint it? From what I see I might have to sand it down a bit so make the paint stay on the board, but I am just not sure.

Title: Re: QFR vs Trigger
Post by: Photoelectric on Sat, 06 July 2013, 17:29:07

Yeah, you can still paint it.   I've owned a Trigger so I know what you're talking about, and I've painted a gray rubberized QFR case.  The rubbery soft-touch coating is a very thin layer that will come off easily with 400-grit sandpaper.  Just go slowly, as it will come off easily from all the edges but will take more work for flat surfaces.  Could try 600-grit for those, just remember to smooth out any rough sanding lines afterwards.  Just get good quality sandpaper, like by 3M from auto supply shops. 

One thing to keep in mind is the logo part that's backlit.  It's going to be stepped where you'll see the outline.  If that doesn't bother you, just maybe put some electrical tape over it from the back side to prevent LED light bleeding through the paint, as it will likely otherwise do so.  And because there are many ridges on the casing, spray in VERY thin layers, just do many of them.  If you do thick, you'll end up with too much accumulating in the crevices, and it will not dry evenly there / will look bad.  Best to just mist the color on gradually changing directions (rotate the casing periodically) to get all the corners / crevices evenly coated.

Title: Re: QFR vs Trigger
Post by: Trippyginger on Sat, 06 July 2013, 22:26:21

Thanks man, that helps a great amount. One question, with those little creases around the edges should I just fold the sand paper and place into the crease? How would you go about doing this?

Title: Re: QFR vs Trigger
Post by: Photoelectric on Sat, 06 July 2013, 22:42:51

I would only sand off the silver rubberized coating.  I don't think the black parts have that coating, but you can check when you're sanding.   Make sure to clean the surface thoroughly before painting and dry completely.

Title: Re: QFR vs Trigger
Post by: Jack Karneval on Sun, 07 July 2013, 19:40:03

Just wanted to say that I am currently typing on my Storm Trigger now, and yes, the entire top half of the case has a rubberized coating, whereas the bottom tray of the case does not have rubber coating. This is good info though as I've been thinking about painting my Trigger, thanks guys!

Title: Re: QFR vs Trigger
Post by: Photoelectric on Sun, 07 July 2013, 19:54:12

Well in that case, use some 400-grit sandpaper on the top, tear off small pieces and go around the edges on all the little corners and such.  You don't need to get all the coating off exactly, but get it off at least from all the edges of the case and mostly from other parts.  I painted a QFR with oil-based enamel (Rust-Oleum Painter's Touch, and Stops Rust line is also good to go directly over plastic), and I left some of the rubberized coating on--mostly took it off the edges cleanly and thinned it out on the flat areas.

Title: Re: QFR vs Trigger
Post by: Jack Karneval on Sun, 07 July 2013, 20:46:32

Have any pics of how it turned out Photo?

Title: Re: QFR vs Trigger
Post by: Photoelectric on Sun, 07 July 2013, 20:48:33

I've not painted a Trigger.  I sold mine, but was considering painting it.  I did paint a QFR, a Ducky (no rubberized coating), and Filco (Multicam coating).  This was the QFR:  (Rust-Oleum Universal in "Aged Copper")

(http://i.imgur.com/et650Xv.jpg)

Title: Re: QFR vs Trigger
Post by: Jack Karneval on Sun, 07 July 2013, 21:13:51

Quote from: Photoelectric on Sun, 07 July 2013, 20:48:33

I've not painted a Trigger.  I sold mine, but was considering painting it.  I did paint a QFR, a Ducky (no rubberized coating), and Filco (Multicam coating).  This was the QFR:  (Rust-Oleum Universal in "Aged Copper")

Show Image

(http://i.imgur.com/et650Xv.jpg)

Ah yes, I've seen that picture by you somewhere on here before, and that is absolutely gorgeous. Now you've got me seriously contemplating painting the thing  ^-^

Title: Re: QFR vs Trigger
Post by: Rafen on Sun, 07 July 2013, 21:51:21

Quote from: Photoelectric on Sun, 07 July 2013, 20:48:33

I've not painted a Trigger.  I sold mine, but was considering painting it.  I did paint a QFR, a Ducky (no rubberized coating), and Filco (Multicam coating).  This was the QFR:  (Rust-Oleum Universal in "Aged Copper")

Show Image

(http://i.imgur.com/et650Xv.jpg)

That looks really nice. I just painted my QFR and I'm waiting for it to dry.

@ trippyginer - if you follow the directions and take your time the board will turn out looking amazing. Just remember to let it fully dry and don't use to much paint because you will a "cracking" look and it makes the board look horrible.