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How to Paint a PC case using multiple colors for details? (Like a Minecraft texture)

FudgeBot47

Dipping my toes into case modding, I'd like to make a PC case that looks like a Minecraft stone block, using multiple shades of gray for the details. The look I'm going for is older stone textures, (files attached) as they don't have many shades in them.

How might I achieve this? I believe the best way to start is applying a typical PC case spray paint job using the most prominent gray shade. But after that, what's the best way to apply details? One thing I've thought of is cutting my own stencils out of strong cardboard, laying them on the panels and spray painting with the detail colors. Or would just hand-painting be better? or is there another way?

Oh and another question, do I need to re-prime or apply more clear coats or something to paint a new color over existing spray paint?

PC modding is super cool, and this newbiw appreciates any responses, thanks 馃檪

stone1.png

stone2.png

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1 hour ago, FudgeBot47 said:

How might I achieve this? I believe the best way to start is applying a typical PC case spray paint job using the most prominent gray shade. But after that, what's the best way to apply details? One thing I've thought of is cutting my own stencils out of strong cardboard, laying them on the panels and spray painting with the detail colors. Or would just hand-painting be better? or is there another way?

That sounds like a good way to do it, although I do not think that cardboard is the best thing to use as a stencil, I have always seen people use masking tape.
Hand-painting sounds really cool, but also like you would need to be quite experienced to do it well.

Trans Rights!
Please tag me or use the "reply" function so I get a notification

I will find your Laptop thread and I will recommend an ITX build instead

Sure would be neat if there was something useful here, eh?

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Agreed about cardboard. You cant use the thick packing box stuff, BUT you can use like cereal boxes types which work very well for sharp edges etc... and will stick around for a couple sprays. To do blocks like that id, sand,prime, then the darkest shade at least 2 light coats more if necessary, then the next lightest with the stencil, etc... make sure you tape the stencil to the back of whatever your painting so it stays tight, painters blue tape preferably so you can remove the stencil when done and hang it to dry also while case drys, use new tape with each time you use the stencil. Clear coats at the end will protect the overall scheme you just painted and then you can wax and polish it for a nice shiny, pro look. Make sure you do at least 3 clear coats though. Theres a ton of guides out there for doing this and it may be a good idea to practice on something first before you go all in. Good luck and dont forget to show us the result! 馃槈

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10 hours ago, AI_Must_Di3 said:

Clear coats at the end will protect the overall scheme you just painted and then you can wax and polish it for a nice shiny, pro look. Make sure you do at least 3 clear coats though.

Awesome! thanks for the advice, I do have just one clarification question; do I need clear coats in between each color? (like Darkest gray, clear coats, medium gray, clear coats, light gray, clear coats, etc) or do I just need the clear after all the coloring?

Oh and another big odd question; can you paint tempered glass side panels? Would it be the same process? I think it would look cool to add a blocky boarder to the glass (and maybe some of those Minecraft glass cracks)

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NO! Clear coats go on at the end, always. Theyre a sealer to preserve the design under. If you can scuff the glass a bit so the paint can grab, sure you could paint it. That ive never done myself and havent looked into ever so your on your own there. I would think a vinyl decal or window stick on may be a better option for glass, but hay, you do you and have fun doing it, thats the point. Try it on junk, scrap or cut offs from somewhere first and see how it goes. Even a junk car sittin in your backyard you could spray the window in a small area just to see how it goes. Vehicle window glass is about the same type of glass, with glass and plexi layers.

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  • 2 weeks later...

@AI_Must_Di3 and @Bismut Hey thanks for the advice! I ended up cutting stencils and the panels turned out great! (when the whole build is done I'll post) In terms of the glass panel, I've taken your advice and decided not to paint the glass itself, but rather I'll be painting a thin board and adhering it, I imagine it'll create a cool 3D effect.... Anyway, thanks for answering my stupid questions, my custom build is coming along very cool!

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11 hours ago, FudgeBot47 said:

@AI_Must_Di3 and @Bismut Hey thanks for the advice! I ended up cutting stencils and the panels turned out great! (when the whole build is done I'll post) In terms of the glass panel, I've taken your advice and decided not to paint the glass itself, but rather I'll be painting a thin board and adhering it, I imagine it'll create a cool 3D effect.... Anyway, thanks for answering my stupid questions, my custom build is coming along very cool!

Glad to hear it! Thats why were here.... its all about the other guys that need some help. Whats important is that you are doing the project yourself and getting the experience of actually doing it so you can pass the actual knowledge on to the next kid that thinks he has stupid questions. I hate to break it to you, but there are NO stupid questions. If you need the knowledge to accomplish something, its not a stupid question. Good luck, enjoy it an we look forward to the result. 馃檪

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