THX a lot again to everyone for clearing all this up! =)
I didn't intend to start such a big discussion, but I think It's pretty awesome we got everything clarified, so thx again to everyone supplying all the infos on this!
Not being an expert i can't tell the exact properties of stainless 304, but based on the statement of Overkill and JDs experience I very much believe now that it's high grade enough
to be no issue whatsoever in most situations, so sorry for anyone who might be concerned now because you most likely won't have to worry! =)
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I have many keyboard plates made of 304 stainless, and I have yet to have one corrode at all. Of course, I live in a relatively dry climate, but I still can't imagine one of these corroding.
It's was just the fact that I have seen it at least once (on probably not the highest grade stainless steal) as well
and it's most likely to happen on areas which don't get any physical wear, that would keep 'polishing' the surface constantly like KHAANNN mentioned.
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...keyboard plates absorb a lot of humidity from hands, yet they never get rubbed/cleaned/touched, so its very likely they will corrode at one point, my previous laptop had a stainless steel keyboard top plate, I wasn't using the keyboard of the laptop, the room isn't humid, there were no liquids near the plate, yet it corroded in 2 years, small corrosion spots start forming after a while, they grow in time
On the other hand it's still great to know it's possible to diy paint the plate for people who just want to modify it for the looks,
which should also be pretty durable as well since the plate doesn't get any physical wear usually.
So big thx to JD for the tips and experience on this! =)
Really love the poker plate btw! <3
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I sand mine with 80-grit sandpaper to prep for painting. Then I apply 3 thin coats of spray paint, allowing it to dry between coats, and let cure 48 hours before installing.
I typically use Kryton brand spray paint.
Here is a stainless Poker plate I painted purple for dustinhxc:
Show Image
[Image credit: duxtinhxc]
Also finally I want to mention that if anyone ever where to experience slide surface corrosion on the stainless steal plate its usually pretty easy to remove as it will only affect the surface.
Usually slight sanding with even fine grid sandpaper or some sort of soft metal brush/sponge should be enough to remove corrosion from the surface and make it shiny again.
The only issue is that you might have to remove the plate as it maybe hard to reach all corners with switches mounted but there is no reason to ever replace it.
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I guess I'm going to buy a single infinity and see how it goes, I guess we can always replace the plate when it corrodes
If you decide to paint it and the paint really wears it would pretty much be the same process of desoldering switches, sanding and repainting it.
I really doubt a well done paint job will come of that easy tho if you prepare the surface well like JD mentioned.
So as mentioned, definitely roughen up the metal, to increase the surface area and give the spray paint more 'bite'.
If possible also use something like aceton or cleaning alcohol to remove any grease that might be left from fingerprints for example and could prevent paint from sticking.
Then spray in thin layers (don't worry about 100% coverage on the first layer) because to worst that can happen is paint to 'run' or drop.
Wait for the appropriate amount of time in between layers (usually mentioned on the paint) and even if it mentions dry after 24h, leave it dry for 48h min before assembling.
(even tho the paint may feel dry on the surface and will be safe to touch it will still be less resistant to scratches that might happen during assembly.)