Painting decals

[the_creed4]

I'm not sure if anyone can help me, but i want to paint a decal on my case. Making the template is no problem, i have full access to every auto desk program and Photoshop. But it's the process that i'm worried about. I do not wish to paint my whole case. Can i just tape down my template and start spray painting away, it's probably not that simple but i would not know. I would like to make the template as soon as possible. All help is appreciated.

just in case anyone wants to know, my case is a thermaltake commander MS-l

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811133190

 

[davcon]

I would imagine using a quality spray paint like Krylon would work just fine.

 

[the_creed4]

yes thank you, they are a reputable brand, but is there any prepping to be done, or can i just start spraying it?

 

[davcon]

yes thank you, they are a reputable brand, but is there any prepping to be done, or can i just start spraying it?

Don't think you would need to do any prep work.
Pick the appropriate paint,Krylon makes quite a large selection for various purposes.
http://www.krylon.com/products/

 

[the_creed4]

awesome thanks, i was quite worried. should i buy a clear coat and a color, or just the color. And what kind of spray paint. i guess there is enamel and some other type, but i guess i should stick with enamel

 

[davcon]

awesome thanks, i was quite worried. should i buy a clear coat and a color, or just the color. And what kind of spray paint. i guess there is enamel and some other type, but i guess i should stick with enamel

I'd probably use this,since it dries fast and has a large colour selection.
http://www.krylon.com/products/indooroutdoor_paint/
This looks good too.
http://www.krylon.com/products/rust_tough_rust_preventative_enamel/

 

[the_creed4]

ok cool, i like the rust tough because of the color, but aluminum doesn't rust, so i hope it won't have inverse effects. thanks a lot

 

[davcon]

ok cool, i like the rust tough because of the color, but aluminum doesn't rust, so i hope it won't have inverse effects. thanks a lot

Your case isn't aluminum guy it's steel.

 

[the_creed4]

woops, i swore it was secc aluminum,it doesn't matter, it shouldn't be rusting, it's not like im keeping it outside

 

[daship]

You need to sand and prep the surface or the paint will chip/flake off.

What I do is use my printer and print on water slide decal paper. Then clear the paper and a little past the edge to protect it.

 

[the_creed4]

so should i add a clear coat to protect the paint

 

[thesnappyfingers]

what daship states.

Sand the surface that you want painted with some 120 or 100 grit sand paper then wipe the area off with mineral spirits or paint thinner. You could also use just a damp rag but I typically use spirits as they evaporate quickly and that is the solvent of most metal spray paints.

You may want to take some caution when doing this as over spray can be an issue. Spray multiple light coats in roughly 2-4 minute intervals, unless your going for a drip textured look.

the paint will probably adhere even if you did not do all the sanding prep. This is just what I have done in ensuring that the surface of the metal is clean and ready for paint.

 

[the_creed4]

awesome, guys. i finally came up with a design, i am going to do the AMD dragon. But i want to use a metallic finish like this

http://www.krylon.com/products/xmetals/

i want the red one. But it says to apply the basecoat. so what i should do is sand the area i want to paint with 100 grit sandpaper, remove the excess with a thinner. and then apply the color coat 2-3 times lightly. Am i correct or am i missing something

 

[the_creed4]

*EDIT*

after the paint thinner i add the basecoat

 

[thesnappyfingers]

typical process for painting is to apply a primer for the paint to adhere to. However, the case already has paint on it, in other words there is already a base.

The sandpaper is simply used to rough the surface up a bit so the paint better adheres. Your not trying to sand the paint down to bare metal. The thinner or wet rag, which ever you have, is simply used to wipe off the residue from sanding.

what I think Daship is suggesting is that your the paint could bleed through the decal if you are not careful. By applying a small clear coat just around the edges will prevent the paint from bleeding thorough.

 

[the_creed4]

alright cool, if anyone can find a cheaper alternative to krylon x metal red, that would be greatly appreciated, i just checked on amazon and the shipping cost as much as the product.

Thanks guys for all the help

 

[davcon]

http://www.krylon.com/products/dual_paint_primer/
Don't know where you live but any hardware store worth it's weight should stock Krylon.

 

[thesnappyfingers]

Rustoleum is what I use for metal. To be honest I have not used Krylon that often. Like Davcon states you should check your local hardware store. I believe if they don't have the item in stock they will order it for you and not charge for shipping.