Case Window and Paint

[OrionThunder]

I've got a spare case on my hands, and enough parts to put a pc together... however, the case is very dull... beige (argh). I was planning on putting a window in, and have a window kit ordered, but was looking for a nice guide so i dont screw up. I also was planning on giving it a nice coat of paint... i remember seeing somewhere in this forum a link to a site that showed how to give a "mirror effect" but i couldnt find the thread, so if anyone could help me out there as well it would be much appreciated.

[Joeberg]

http://www.heywirestudios.com/writeups/200306_mirage/case_painting.html

Good Luck :)
-Joe

[Designer]

If you're painting it with metallic paint make sure you use a clear laquer over the top, seals it and gives a better finish (more durable)

[Designer]

Also, why buy a window kit?

All you gotta do is buy a small sheet of perspex or acrylic and cut it to the size you want, cut the case and drill a couple of holes and screw it in

[Jaggannath]

Yup, that's what I was wondering... instead of buying a pre-made design, enjoy doing it yourself. I can't imagine anything more fun :D

[Designer]

Metallic paint is easier to finish than flat colours otherwise you'll be spending a long time working away with rubbing compound.

[OrionThunder]

Hey, I'm back from out of town and hopefully someone will still look at this post... the reasoning behind the window kit was just because I didnt know of any places to get thin plexi or whatever is used for case windows. I also thought that the molding looked like the easiest way to install the window- I dont particularly want to use screws, but are there other options? Thanks

[OrionThunder]

Actually, I already cut my window and it doesn't look half bad if I do say so :D... just need some plexi now.

[OrionThunder]

Actually, I already cut my window and it doesn't look half bad if I do say so :D... just need some plexi now.

[Designer]

I was thinking of using Anodised aluminum bolts in mine, it's like a plated cap screw, they do them in loads of different colours, look at the bits on this page and you get an idea what i mean.

http://www.modelhelicopters.co.uk/acatalog/VarAccs_ScrewsFast.html.

I know it's actually an RC helicpoter site but i was just referring to the fasteners.

[OrionThunder]

Link doesnt seem to work. Also, I started painting the case, following a guide to get that "mirror finish". After the first coat, it looked really good, but after I wetsanded it again and put on a second coat it completely hazed over. I'm not sure what happened, but it no longer has any shine whatsoever.

[Designer]

Are you using standard (flat) cellulose paint or acrylic?

If your using cellulose, then just keep doing what you've done to build up the paint layers till you've got loads of layers on, then wetsand with progressively finer wet-and-dry paper, when you've got the surface imperfections out of the paintwork then use some good quality cutting compound like Carplan T-Cut (work that in small areas around 6" at a time). It's hard work but you should get a mirror finish back.

Hope this helps

[Spartan]

Designer is right on the money (I use the same technique on acrylic enamel and it works also). Just remember to use fine sandpaper when you start wet sanding. Probably start at 800 if there are some easily visible imperfections you want out and work to 1200-1500 before switching to the rubbing compund.

-Spartan

[OrionThunder]

Snap... I was continuing my painting work when my mom decided to come and observe what i was doing... she got real pissed and started ranting how exposure to spraypaint can lead to certain respitory diseases. So my spray paint was officially confiscated :mad: , and now my question is: is there any non-toxic spray paint that will serve my purpose?

[Spartan]

Just paint in a well ventilated area. If she is still concerned then you can pick up a painters mask (not a paper mask, but if a paper mask will get her to let you keep painting....). In my opinion, and I have painted many cars and other things over the years, painting one computer case is not going to give you cancer or any other respiatory disease. It is the repeated and unprotected exposure that can lead to health problems.

-Spartan

edit: They may exist, but I have never seen a non-toxic spray paint. By their very nature acrylic enamel and urethane paints need solvents to keep them suspended in liquid form and the gas for propulsion contains VOC's.