geekhack
geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: Hypersphere on Sun, 27 April 2014, 14:25:33
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I am cleaning up an IBM XT keyboard that has some minor dings and scrapes on the plastic top and metal bottom of the case. I would like to touch up these areas so that they no longer show, and I am seeking advice on painting techniques as well as the type and color of paint to use to match "IBM beige". If possible, I would like to avoid painting the entire surface, but either way, I would like the final result to look like a new keyboard rather than an old keyboard that has been painted. Thanks for any painting tips you would care to share!
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The Model F plastic is something that I have been complaining about for years. There is a "skin" layer with texture on top of a shiny substrate. You can make this blend fairly well under a paint job, but I have never really tried to preserve the beige color in situ.
A black metal bottom pan is easy: mask off your label(s) being careful that your masking tape does not pull up the paper. I often cut a plastic rectangle the exact size of the label and let the tape extend beyond it just a couple of mm. That will also survive a quick wash in warm soapy water if you are careful. I mask any rubber feet or bumpers, you do not have to be too careful there if they are black. If they are cork, they need to be masked or removed and replaced. Naptha is good for removing adhesive residue, but it is hard on paint and plastic.
When the metal is clean, paint it black. I swear by Rustoleum and many products are combined primer and paint.
Glossy black looks better but magnifies all imperfections. Flat black is much more forgiving and still looks good.
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Thanks for the tips. Do you recommend brush-on or spray paint? Multiple coats? Sanding between coats?
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Thanks for the tips. Do you recommend brush-on or spray paint? Multiple coats? Sanding between coats?
Clean it and sand it before you paint.
I use spray paint and do a couple of coats in the initial period ("apply 2nd coat within 1 hour or wait 24 hours" do it the first time!).
I do very light coats from all 4 sides to make sure all surfaces are coated evenly, wait 1/2 hour, and do it again.
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Thanks for the tips. Do you recommend brush-on or spray paint? Multiple coats? Sanding between coats?
Clean it and sand it before you paint.
I use spray paint and do a couple of coats in the initial period ("apply 2nd coat within 1 hour or wait 24 hours" do it the first time!).
I do very light coats from all 4 sides to make sure all surfaces are coated evenly, wait 1/2 hour, and do it again.
Thanks again!