I got a little bored with my phone, so I decided to paint it.
How it's Done:
As I would like the paint to last for a while, and look fairly snazzy, I decided to go for Pearlescent Auto Spray. This means preperation
and lots of it!.- 500 grit Sanding Block
- 1200 grit Sillicon Carbide Paper
- UN1300 [Turpentine Substitue]
- Grey Primer
- Colour Spray [I used Ford Ash Black]
- Clear Lacquer
Firstly I removed all the paint that was already on the shell [After dismatling it first. Duh.] using the sanding block. Then use the paper [After soaking in water with a bit of mild detergent] to get the scratches left from the block out. Wipe the surface with a cloth [that won't leave fibres] that has been splashed with turpentine, to clean it.
Apply the primer [Needs to be grey primer fro black paint usually] in a couple of even coats to the surface, and leave it in a dust-free environment to dry. When dry, go over again with the paper.
After primer is fully dry, then you can apply the paint, and then after that the primer. Follow this guide - it's pretty good:
- Holding the spray can approximately 25cm away from the surface to be painted, apply a number of coats of primer at 15-minute intervals until the area is evenly covered. Go an inch over the original layer of paint to help it blend in (to create an even softer edge, peel the masking tape back from the surface slightly). When spraying, use a smooth movement from side to side. It is best to apply several light layers of paint, as applying too much paint in one go can create sags and runs.
- Allow at least 24 hours for the primer to dry thoroughly, then rub down with 120grit wet and dry paper until smooth. Clean the area with warm, soapy water, rinse, then dry fully.
- To start painting, shake the can vigorously for two minutes to ensure the paint is thoroughly mixed. Apply a number of coats at 15-minute intervals, shaking the can between each one.
- If you're using a metallic colour, allow the paintwork 24 hours to dry then rub it down with 1200 grit wet and dry paper. It should lose its gloss appearance and take on a dull, matt finish. Clean with warm, soapy water, rinse and dry.
- Now apply two coats of lacquer, separated by a gap of 15-minutes. Halfords are launching a new petrol-resistant lacquer for fuel tanks/motorbikes etc. If the finish looks patchy, apply another coat or wait until the surface is completely dry before rubbing it down and starting the lacquering process again.
I'll post some nice looking pictures when it's all dry
Btw: I did look into doing a flipcolour, but it was £25 for 300ml!!
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Photos
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Safety
