laptop paintjob

[rhett803]

I recently purchased a used gateway laptop. While I know buying used isn't that popular, neither is buying gateway, I couldn't beat the deal.

The problem is its silver! Plain old silver, just like everyone elses. I hate that.

So I was looking for some advice, or webpages, etc, on painting and modding a laptop.

[bird603568]

i would say you would have to sand it first then paint it primer then probably airbrush it. i dont know ive never painted a laptop

[Casework]

Yeah, I don't really know anything about this either, but it seems like airbrushing it would be the best way to go. I remember an episode of Hak.5 where they used spray paint to paint a keyboard, but it seems like that's a little more risky. But, if you're looking for something you can do in your backyard, then you could probably pull it off with spray paint.

--But don't take my word on it, and don't come to me if you ruin it.

[rhett803]

I'm fairly confident in the painting part. My biggest thing is going about it. Should I try to take the casing off? Do laptop keys pop off like a regular keyboard?

Surely someone out there has modded their laptop enough to give us all at least some direction!

[senshi]

Seems like you guys missed that episode of The Screen Savers. Yoshi painted a laptop. (http://www.g4tv.com/techtvvault/features/44294/Yoshis_Mods_Project_Mobile_Style.html) He said the hard part is taking it apart, and even harder to put back together. Other than that, it's the same as painting a case.

[qtip42]

Painting a laptop is an art form. I've done quite a few of them for customers over the years.

The only thing I have to say is for the love of god use automotive paint. There is no sense in voiding a warranty with a bad rattle can paint job (voiding if it's a new laptop at least). Rattle can paint jobs will bring down the value of your laptop rather than add value.

Airbrush is nice but still needs to have a quality clearcoat on top of it. There's no way around it.

I'd like to see more people painting their touchpads/keyboards as well but most (even pros) shy away from it. BAH.

[Drmumbo]

Thehardest part would be getting the keyboard out if you wanna do the inside of it. i recomend usinga small flat head screwdriver to pry it up. then you will have to disconnect a couple wires and there you go. as for the screen i can only say try your best to cover it.