Paint Techniques

[progbuddy]

I've tried a couple paint designs that I found awesome looking for a themed case:

1. Ripped- for that cool "patina" look, all you need are a can of primer, and two other colors (one metallic preferrably), and a paper towel. Spray on 3 coats of primer, and two of the base color (non-metallic). Then, when dry, lightly spray over the base coat with the metallic color of your choice. Let dry, then spray one thin coat of base color over the metallic. Then, when the coat is dry, after a few weeks, you will notice the silver showing through. I thought this was neat when I used it in Project Trivium.

2. Textured- for those natural-looking silvers and golds, I made a textured design. I used Primer, metallic paint (I used silver), and an unused texturing item (please don't use things you will use later for other purposes lol). I sprayed on 3 coats of primer, and two coats of metallic color. I let that dry, then sprayed another layer of paint on. Then I used the object to create a textured design. Then I sealed the design with a couple more metallic coats and a couple clear coats.

Any questions, or comments?

[progbuddy]

I have gone to the point that I even painted the side of my case w/ lithium grease & polyurethane! lol

[gobygoby]

whats with all the primer? One coat is sufficient. Pics would help us see what your ideas look like.

[MitaPi]

whats with all the primer? One coat is sufficient. Pics would help us see what your ideas look like.

This is why so much primer... at least as I understand it.

1.) Sand
2.) Spray Primer
3.) Sand
4.) Spray primer
5.) Sand
6.) Clean Surface Thoroughly
7.) Spray Color Coat
8.) Sand
9.) Spray Color Coat
10.) Sand
11.) Spray Color Coat
12.) Sand
13.) Spray Clear Coat
14.) Sand
15.) Spray Clear Coat
16.) Sand and polish to desired finish
17.) Wait a month then wax

[gobygoby]

even still, he only used two coats of primer. one should be all you need....maybe a very thin second coat incase you went thin on the first coat.

[MitaPi]

Can you use too much primer? Or color or sanding for that matter??

[gobygoby]

well...technically no. but you can overdo it. the more layers of stuff you put on, you have a better chance that its going to chip easier. plus it makes your material thicker.

Its a waste to put 3 coats of something on and sand in between each. you only need to sand about 2 times. after that your just taking off the last coat you put on.

Yes you could sand, paint, sand, paint, sand, paint....all day long. but you would be wasting your money, time and effort after the second coat/sanding process. If you want to do a lot of that, put your painting sanding effort into the last coat which is usually the clear coat. that I would recommend 2-3 coats because its the final finish, but there isnt any reason to waste your time doing 3 or more coats on the primer or paint stage.