Paint type advice needed

Tools, Techniques, and Reference Materials Painting and airbrushing
1

I know this question is a little off topic, but I was hoping you guys could help me out with a little info.

The first project I want to tackle with the airbrush I just ordered is to paint my ugly laptop computer. It is a Dell 9300 with the white and silver. I wanted to paint the white sections black.

The problem is I don’t know what type of paint would work best. I want something that will hold up and not ware off fast, and maybe put a clear coat on top of it.

It looks like the white parts are painted plastic. Would I have to do any preparation to it like sanding the paint that is already there with really fine sandpaper?

I ordered a Badger 360 airbrush, and I will of course have to learn how to use it before I begin.

I just knew you guys are probably the best to ask advice about airbrushing even though this particular project isn’t a model. After reading this forum, I went out and bought a model car today (I haven’t done one of these for years.)

Thanks,

Tim

2

Here’s the fact of the matter for you…

Whether it’s plastic on your model or plastic on your computer…if you paint
it regardless of any paints you can use it will eventually scratch and the paint
will eventually wear away. It will look worse than before…Even if you use
several coats, a primer, or a clear protective overspray…it will only slow
the inevitable…

My advice is not to paint it and to enjoy what’s on the inside of your computer
not the out.

But that’s just me…
Good luck,
Tank

3
4

I already know that. The original white paint will eventually scratch off and look bad. I may as well make it look good in the mean time, and when it does eventually start looking bad, I can sand it and paint it again.

That would be like saying, why paint your car the color you want, it will eventually get scratched and wear off… or why wash your car, it will just get dirty again… I don’t think that way.

Any advice on what paint is most durable and works best on plastic?

Thanks

Tim

5

Anything solvent based then like enamel colors
or spray from a can…you can use a grey primer
base like the one used in automotive primers.

Acrylics tend to wear more quickly

Tank

6

I’d use automotive laquer. Nasty stuff to paint and the vapors are rough, but it is pretty tough. You could also go with some epoxy-based laquer. That stuff is tough as iron but make sure you have a good respirator handy.

Tankbuster is right. The color of the plastic is molded in so regardless of what you do it’s eventually going to come off.