A few questions on spray paint...

[Seven]

Hey guys,

For my new computer I'm thinking of spray-painting a Lian Li PC-V2000 or V2100 series case with an automotive quality spraypaint going for as close to a mirror finish as I can get. I've looked at a few guides online but nobody seems to have answers to a few questions of mine, so here goes.

1) Both cases have perforated aluminum at some point on the chassis. On the 2000 it's on the front and back, on the 2100 it's on the back only. How would I paint over this?

2) I want to get a nice design in a contrasting paint color on the side of the case, how would I go about doing this without sacrificing my finish?

3) Any suggestions for paint or tools?

[DarkAlexandr]

Not really sure on #1, maybe try to fill it with something I cant think of the name of. As far as #2 goes, you could probably pull it off by masking off everything you dont want painted and stencil the design out. if you want the whole side mirrored then do this before you hit everything up with rubbing compound. Basically do the same process as you would if you were doing a whole nother case panel. At least thats how I'd try it.
#3, duplicolor works quite well, but I think any automotive paint would do wonderfully.

Wish you good luck in your attempt!
-DarkAlexandr

[Seven]

Thanks Alex.

For #1 I just meant is there a reliable method of spraypainting over the perforated aluminum without sacrificing finish or quality?

[DarkAlexandr]

If you dont want to fill it with something, you should be able to just spray it and sand the flat part. The perforations wouldnt be mirrored, but the rest of it would be the same as the rest of the case. I really dont know how to deal with the perforations, as I've never tried it, but I'm curious to see how it turns out.

-DarkAlexandr

[Sleepy_Steve]

Thanks Alex.

For #1 I just meant is there a reliable method of spraypainting over the perforated aluminum without sacrificing finish or quality?

Take it off... then paint.
or
tape off the area behind it and then paint

Its all about the tape

[Susquehannock]

Rattlecan (spraybomb) tip #1 ...

Most people know to shake the can, but many don't know how to keep the nozzle clean.

Every so often hold the can upside down and spray until it comes clear - keeps excess pigments from clogging your nozzle. This is especially important to do before storage. Do that and you should get a consistant spray pattern from the entire can.

tip #2 ...

It is also a good idea to keep extra nozzles from spent cans around just in case one gets clogged. Keep in mind there are several different types of nozzles so you may need more than one.

Hope that helps :)

[InThrees]

tip #3 - multi coat. Each coat should be WAY less than enough paint in your mind. Buy two extra cans and practice on the inside of an old panel you've sanded or otherwise prepped, if you've never done any 'serious' spraypainting before.

[CrackerD|ce]

For #1 like Susquehannock said keep the nozzle clean, and spray far enough away like 6 in. to a foot. Keep the underside taped tight. If perforated means the same as I wanna think, like a pair of my shoes, then I would even try to get something to go inside of them. Maybe tooth picks but then again that could get expensive.