Need some advice on painting the inside of my case.

[C7J0yc3]

Hello all, first time poster, long time system builder, and finally getting into real modding (not just cutting a hole for a fan or tidying my wires). The project I am going to embark on is going to be centered on a brand new Antec 900 and a UV Blue theme. After surfing so many case threads, I have decided that I want to paint the inside of the case flat black as I think it looks a lot better then stock silver.

I have scoured the internet looking for guides on how to paint the inside of the case, and have only come up with ways to spray the outside. In the past when I have spray painted other things I have usually just done two or three even coats of paint, let it cure, then two or three layers of clear coat, and they all look good to this day, no peeling or flaking or anything. I figured that since the case looks like the inside is just bare aluminum I would be fine doing it this way, but I also don't want to be redoing this 6 months from now.

So on top of the method of painting help I was also wondering how important it is to take the case apart to paint, can I get a decent finish leaving it all together or should I really take it apart, and if so how do I get it apart and back together.

All the parts get here tuesday, so if I have all the answers I need by then work log starts saturday.

Cheers
Cameron

 

[Odin Eidolon]

i'm not a modding expert, but i suggest you to watch the videos you can find on mnpctech.com
lots of them are very useful and full of good advices, i'm sure that there is one on how to paint a case.

and, of course, WELCOME TO TPU

 

[C7J0yc3]

Thanks for the link. I had seen their finished works before, but their tutorials are really helpful, not to mention the case painting video they had was for the interior! They also answered my third question and looks like I don't have to drill any rivets, YAY!

So now that I know what I need looks like I'm off to home depot for some 80 grit sand paper, and some SEM self etching primer, not to mention flat black Krylon and clear coat.

Like I said earlier, parts come tuesday, work log will probably start friday night or saturday.

Cheers
Cameron

 

[Polarman]

I just used a high gloss paint (red) and brush to paint the inside.

 

[kenkickr]

I generally rough the area up with a 400-600 grit sandpaper so the primer has something to stick to. After 2-3 coats of primer I then rough that up with 600 grit and then coat that with 3-5 coats of the paint. The reason for the 3-5 coats of the paint is because it's best to use light coats instead of laying it all on due to when you lay it on you'll more than likely get runs or spots in the paint and especially it will cause it to lift(not good). This is all with spray cans.

 

[exodusprime1337]

the steps in which i painted the inside of my case was use a grey primer specifically designed for metal, make sure you score up the metal just a little bit, most alum, steel cases have been polished, then prime it with one or two very light coats sanding in between each one, after that spray nice even coats of the color you want, sanding lightly in between each coat. if you wish add a clear coat to the top, although it's not always required.

 

[C7J0yc3]

Ok just got home from the good ole Home Depot (insert Mitch Hedberg joke about apartment depot here) and here is what I ended up with.

2x cans of Krylon grey primer
2x cans of Krylon flat black
1x can of Krylon flat white
1x can of Krylon Crome
1x can of Krylon Matte Finish
2x packs of 3M 400 grit wet/dry sandpaper
Hand sanding tool
3M 400 grit wet/dry sanding block

Now I just need to decide on a dremel (cheaper then getting a drill and holesaw).

Cheers
Cameron

 

[kenkickr]

If you have a Harbor Freight and not going to use the dremel for much else I'd go there and pick one up. $10.00 deal going on now, http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=94076.

 

[C7J0yc3]

If you have a Harbor Freight and not going to use the dremel for much else I'd go there and pick one up. $10.00 deal going on now, http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=94076.

Awesomely enough I have one of those about 5 min from where I live, may pop over there and pick one up.

Cheers
Cameron

 

[kenkickr]

I have no idea what the quality is like on theirs but just remember, your tool is as good as you take care of it.

 

[sneekypeet]

Im sorry, Isnt the new release of the Antec 900 already painted black and have all the wire management holes cut already?

 

[C7J0yc3]

Im sorry, Isnt the new release of the Antec 900 already painted black and have all the wire management holes cut already?

Outside is black, far as I know the inside is still silver though I could be wrong. The new 900s do have two holes cut, however as I figure to get my cables perfect to my liking I'll need to drill two more holes in the mobo tray.

Cheers
Cameron

 

[sneekypeet]

No problem, I have one of the originals, but every site I hit shows the images orf the release prior to mine. IIRC kyle here got the newest one with the holes cut but I am unsure if it was painted internally like the 1200's are!

Edit: I was mistaken on Kyle2020 even getting the newer model at all, looking at his public profile shows he recieved the same version as me!

Also I painted the inside of my case with this.... http://www.rustoleum.com/CBGProduct.asp?pid=31 Gives it a speaker box carpet look without the fuzz.

 

[lilkiduno]

the antec 900's are black on the outside, buts still the sliver on the inside. also they do have a couple holes for wire mangament, it which i need to use because the insaide of mine looks like cousin IT.

 

[MKmods]

So on top of the method of painting help I was also wondering how important it is to take the case apart to paint, can I get a decent finish leaving it all together or should I really take it apart, and if so how do I get it apart and back together.

All the parts get here tuesday, so if I have all the answers I need by then work log starts saturday.

Cheers
Cameron

very important, a pop rivet tool and a box of 100 short alum rivets will help you tons.
(check out harbor frieght for them too)

The detail of the alum rivets inside a black case is very nice.

 

[p_o_s_pc]

No problem, I have one of the originals, but every site I hit shows the images orf the release prior to mine. IIRC kyle here got the newest one with the holes cut but I am unsure if it was painted internally like the 1200's are!

Edit: I was mistaken on Kyle2020 even getting the newer model at all, looking at his public profile shows he recieved the same version as me!

Also I painted the inside of my case with this.... http://www.rustoleum.com/CBGProduct.asp?pid=31 Gives it a speaker box carpet look without the fuzz.

I painted my case with that stuff too it looks nice but i am getting tired of the color going to try to paint over it and still keep the look. IDK how well that will turn out but i really don't care


BTW painting your case really isn't that hard. When i started to paint mine i was kinda scared that i would mess something up. but just relax if you tape everything off and take your time anything that you do mess up can easily be taken care of.

 

[Odin Eidolon]

If you have a Harbor Freight and not going to use the dremel for much else I'd go there and pick one up. $10.00 deal going on now, http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=94076.

argh! lucky americans! i have never ever seen a dremel for 8€ in europe!
if i were you i would buy 5!