Painting Plastic Hardware

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=200058204176
from WinCustomize Forums
Hey folks. I'm new to the community here but I had a question about painting an MP3 player I just ordered. (Modding of this type seems only slightly off topic here, lol)

The MP3 player can be seen at the following link: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=200058204176

So basically, I want to paint anything that is that icky color of pink. I haven't recieved it yet but I already know I'm gonna want to paint it...
I figure if I'm gonna paint it I may do more than just a solid color (but I will be doing a solid color to cover the pink then some sort of design).

What sort of paint would you guys reccomend based on what you can tell of the texture, etc. of the plastic from the picture on that page? I'm fairly confident that Krylon Fusion would work for the solid coat but what about designs? Is there any certain paint that takes well to Fusion?

And yes I know that masking is going to be important. But hopefully I can pull it off

Thanks in advance, folks!

-=The Prynce
4,196 views 6 replies
Reply #1 from JoeUser Forums Top
Modding's not horribly off topic...I suggested on another thread that they consider making a forum for it. I'm preparing to mod a TRS-80 color computer myself.

I think the mod's a good idea, but how you do it and how thorough you are depends on how good you are with computer components. While I would never recommend a novice disassemble a product like this, if you're experienced and absolutely sure you won't ruin it, it would produce a more thorough end product. And how often do you get to look at the guts of these babies? The downside is that if it's new, you can say buh-bye to any warranties.

I have yet to see a surface that won't take paint with a good sanding myself. The case looks rather smooth, so it might be hard to paint without sanding it up first. You can do it manually, of course, which would be the only way to do it if you leave the case intact. Again, though, beware the warranty if this is a new product. I'm pretty sure modding's an automatic warranty void.

Good luck, and be sure to share your end results with us.
Reply #2 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Actually...Krylon makes a spray paint called "Fusion" which it claims is made specifically for bonding to smooth surfaces. WWW Link
Offworld Trading Company
Reply #3 from JoeUser Forums Top

That player looks a lot like a Zune.  I'd suggest paining it black with Fusion, then putting a Zune skin on it.  There are some here:  http://www.decalgirl.com/browse.cfm/2,230.htm

Even if you had to trim them some, if you painted it black and applied something like this: http://www.decalgirl.com/browse.cfm/4,5096.htm it would still look cool since the black would blend with the black case.

Unless you know how to airbrush, I'd shy away from trying to put a design on yourself, and it could end up being a disaster.

Those skins also can be removed, so if you hate it, all you've wasted is about $10

Reply #4 from JoeUser Forums Top
Awesome skins, Karma. I'm planning to get a Zune at tax time (right after I get the Ibanez acoustic-electric my wife agreed I could get if I passed my cert. exams by Dec. 31), and plan to personalize it shortly after.
Reply #5 from WinCustomize Forums Top
If you're gonna paint by hand I suggest heading down to the local decent hobby shop. One that has people working there that also customize/paint models. They can give you an idea of what paint would would best, since most models are plastic.
Reply #6 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I tried this once. It did not go well. Of course, I used regular acrylic paints. Acrylics belong on canvas, not on mp3 players. (Although I did use acrylics on my laptop on the top and a few other places, and it worked out.)

Be very careful when you mask, and use the right kind of tape. Otherwise paint could seep under it. Be careful not to get paint into the cracks and seams. It would be a lot easier if you or a friend could take it apart, but only if you know what you're doing.

If you want to do a design, airbrush always looks great if you know what you're doing. To buy all the supplies is very expensive, and probably not worth it for a one time thing. Plus airbrushing take a lot of practice. Otherwise, I'd say to make some templates or stencils and work with that. Don't get too elaborate either.

And post pictures of the final results!