Project: Black Smilodon

preparation is 90% of a good paint job

take everything out, even deriveting parts is good
scuff it all with a red scotchbrite pad or some 320-400 grit sandpapaer
clean it all out (blow out with compressor or canned air) then wipe down with denatured or rubbing alcohol
let evaporate 15+ minutes

standard indoor outdoor acrylic enamel primers and paints are fine
prime 4 light even coats until fully covered, let dry according to can instruction before paint. most primes can be topcoated quickly (after 15 mins or so drying time)

if you want a glossy finish and good coverage see if you can get Rustoleum Universal Black Gloss (stocked at home depot). Its a hi build hi gloss paint and you can pass on the clear coat step if you like, thats how good it is. Not to mention you can spray that particular brand from any can angle, even upside down

if you go to my current project table of contents (second post) and link to the later "case paint" based updates youll see where I did the inside of the Intelli case black gloss using the same paint I am recommending here (pics)

Quote:
100 grit is a bit coarse, you would probably see scratches in your finish. If you want to start with 100 thats ok but then move up 220, 320, 400

Quote:
no worries, we are all noobs once at everything
I dont claim to be a pro or know it all but I have learned a lot here since I started modding back in may. Thats why this place (OCN) is great, ask questions, learn something, try it, pass along your experiences (pay it forward)

Thanks for all the help CattleRustler! I took your advice and went out to The Home Depot today and picked up some of the supplies you recommended.



I bought a 320 grit block, and sandpapers that vary between 200 and 400 grit, 10 sheets. I also bought the paint you recommended. Even an employee at the store told me that it was great. I also got some painters tape, so I can tape down my case before I paint it.

As for the compressed air and rubbing alchohol, I have both. I have a neat little vacuum-type compressor that draws in or blows out air, and it's really powerful. Much more powerful than a can of compressed air. I also have a 90% Rubbing Alcohol solution which should be adequate enough for the job, I believe

I'm going to tape everything down tonight and get it prepared. Then tomorrow, I will sand it down and then paint it. (if the weather allows me to)

Thanks man!

Quote:
That should do you well. My paint job in my Antec 900 will probably be far inferior to yours. Good luck making that thing beautiful.

Quote:

lol...