Author Topic: Case modding - Paint, Vinyl or Hydro-dip?  (Read 2115 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Offline misconceit

  • Thread Starter
  • Posts: 38
  • Location: Hong Kong
Case modding - Paint, Vinyl or Hydro-dip?
« on: Tue, 05 July 2016, 08:02:17 »
Has anyone does a comparison between these option?
Airbrushing seems the best since I have full control on what will be on the case,
but I have heard hydro-dipping will last longer which makes this option superior since a replacement case for HHKB is hard to find :confused:
HHKB Pro 2 Type-S   
HHKB Pro 2

Offline fohat.digs

  • * Elevated Elder
  • Posts: 6538
  • Location: 35°55'N, 83°53'W
  • weird funny old guy
Re: Case modding - Paint, Vinyl or Hydro-dip?
« Reply #1 on: Tue, 05 July 2016, 09:36:06 »
Any "film-forming" product can wear and peel with ugly results, and few or no cases can truly be dyed.

Dipping seems like a good option because the finish itself is strong, then it can be peeled back off when it goes bad, as I understand it.

I have had good results with "Dupli-Color" available at auto supply stores.
"However, my view has changed in recent days. Trump’s behavior is so bizarre, so unhinged, and so counter to his short-term interests that the most likely explanation for his actions is that Trump either believes or knows that he is mentioned in the Epstein files in ways that are even more damaging than the blowback he is getting for not releasing the files."
- Greg Pfieffer 2025-07-21

Offline y11971alex

  • Posts: 402
  • Location: Toronto, Canada
  • Looking for Toronto meetup
Re: Case modding - Paint, Vinyl or Hydro-dip?
« Reply #2 on: Tue, 05 July 2016, 12:12:00 »
What about powder coating? 
Keyboards owned: IBM Selectric | 3278 | 3101 | 5251 | Model F XT | AT | 122 (6110344) | Model M 1390120 | 1390131 | 1391472 | 1392464 (DisplayWriter SSK) | 1395100 (SSK) | Honeywell RD IBM 09F4230 | Leading Edge DC-2014 (Blue Alps) | Chicony 5891 (Monterey Blue) | E&E-101 (KPT Blue) | BTC 5100 | 5100C | 5369 | DEC VT100 (Hi-tek Linear) | Burroughs TP109 (Hall) | Realforce 87 (55g)

Keyboards wanted: IBM Model F 104 (Unsaver) | Model M 1391401

Offline tacnificent

  • Posts: 42
  • Location: CA
Re: Case modding - Paint, Vinyl or Hydro-dip?
« Reply #3 on: Tue, 05 July 2016, 12:29:16 »
Paint is the least durable of the options and the most finicky to apply.

Vinyl like 3M Di-Noc is probably the best option of your list as you don't need to send it off anywhere or buy specialized equipment except maybe a hair dryer to soften the wrap on the corners.

Hydrodip you'll either need to send it off or buy a kit. It can be durable but it seems to be more for those who want a pattern (e.g. digicam) or paint on an object where it'll be hard to reach every nook and cranny with a spray gun/can.

If you're going to send it off, think about powdercoating; so long as the case can withstand the ~400F bake time.
« Last Edit: Tue, 05 July 2016, 12:31:11 by tacnificent »