Painting Precolored Plastic

[Bensa]

Ok, I have the top and sides as one piece for my Soundtastic mod, but this is precolored plastic(black) and pretty smooth, should I still sand it down to 1500grit if I want a mirror finish?
What paint is the best for plastic, not brand, but type?
Is working with plastic different, or do I just rub the paint with rubbing alcohol between coats? I've heard that alcohol can somehow ruin plastic.
I sanded some of the inside since there were jagged edges, but I also want a mirror finish on the inside because of windows and they also reflect the cc better.

[Skiing Squirrel]

I would still throw a coat of paint on it to be safe, and then sand it... But, even if you didn't I would put a coat of clear cloat. That would make it shine. But I really don't know if what would happen if you finesanded it.

[NcBaller1985]

It all depends what type of finish you want. If you want a nice high gloss paint do this:

1. Sand the plastic with 400 grit.
2. Paint it with some primer.
3. Sand the primer with 400 grit then 600 grit.
4. Paint it whatever color you want.
5. Sand with 600 grit...then 1000grit.
6. Apply a final coat, then a clear coat.

It is a lot of work but the results will speak for themselves. :D

Hope this helps.

[Bensa]

Thanks, I'll also ask the guys at the paint shop whats the best for plastic. Hopefully I will get a mirror like finish. Mmmm, aluminium and mirror finish.

[athayer187]

Yo - I painted my laptop using an acrylic enamel automotive paint. If you go to ppgcarpaint.com, you can get any color on just about any car ever, and the best thing is that they'll put it into a 12 oz. spray can for you so you don't have to worry about paying about $100 for a gallon of it.