geekhack
geekhack Projects => Making Stuff Together! => Topic started by: Merloobi on Mon, 15 July 2013, 02:11:28
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Hi All,
I'm new to this scene and am very interested in getting a few keyboards myself. The keyboard that got me interested was the Limited Edition CM Storm QF TK. I'm a big fan of black on white designs so it instantly got my attention. Unfortunately, I've had no luck trying to buy one so I thought I could buy a normal black QFTK and paint the case white myself. I just a have a few questions.
What kind of paint is best for a plastic case?
Is the paint surface noticeably different from the stock surface in terms of touch?
How easy/hard is it to disassemble a QFTK?
I heard that its a relatively simple mod, but I have no previous modding experience. Are there any good modding guide/resources for beginners like me?
Thanks!
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What kind of paint is best for a plastic case?
You can use various paint types. There are paints made specifically for plastics, such as Krylon Fusion and DupliColor vinyl and fabric dye. You can also use acrylic lacquers and oil enamels, either with an appropriate primer for plastics underneath or some already come formulated to stick to plastic, such as Rust-Oleum Painter's Touch.
Is the paint surface noticeably different from the stock surface in terms of touch?
Yes, QFR comes with a very thin layer of rubberized coating that gives it color and texture. The gunmetal color is a fine rubbery layer over black plastic. The new texture/feel of your painted case will be of whatever paint you choose for it. It won't be rubbery though. And you'll want to sand off a fair amount of the rubber coating prior to painting.
How easy/hard is it to disassemble a QFTK?
Remove one screw from the back, use an old credit card sliding it in under the top cover along the back and front to pop open plastic tabs. There are probably videos of this.
I heard that its a relatively simple mod, but I have no previous modding experience. Are there any good modding guide/resources for beginners like me?
Thanks!
Yeah I think it's not that bad, especially for simple white. I helped someone paint their Ducky white with oil enamel, so if that's what you want, send me a PM for tips. In any case, google computer case painting as well as specific questions and do some reading. Then practice on random plastic or scrap metal. Only use very fine layers of paint. Multiple fine layers > thick wet layers, if you wish to achieve a neat uniform look that will cure well.
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He's talking about a quickfire tk, not a QFR. The quickfire tk (from my googling) has no rubber coating as opposed to the QFR. Not sure about dissemblance but I am sure there are videos.
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Oops, still half-awake... Well, in case of the TK, there are screws under the rubber pads for the feet also.
http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=44060.0
If there's no rubber coating and it's just plastic, you won't really need to sand, just clean very thoroughly. The surface will feel different after painting anyway.
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Thank you SO much for the responses. It looks like I have a lot of learning and practice to do :D
Can't wait!