painting the inside of my case

[PruritusAni]

I've just finished adding a bunch of cable management holes to my Tempest Evo and in the process really scratched up its insides. As a result I'm thinking I need to repaint it (matte black). Given I've never done this before I have some questions:

1) Is there a way to paint it without taking out the rivets?
2) What paint do you guys recommend?
3) Any tips?

Thanks a bunch

[say what]

i was going to ask this in like a week

[Drdeath]

Depending how modular the case is, dis-assemple as much as you can. It is much easier to paint the inside this way. Some parts come off like the drive bays/back plates and it makes for a easy clean job. I would lightly sand the original finish where possible with like 2000 grit sandpaper(preferably wetsand).

If the case is not very modular, you will have to tape all the areas you do not want the paint to get at. I would do 2 to 4 coats and spray very lightly with quick even strokes, not to get drips. Let dry thoughroughly between coats.

Krylon makes some good spray paint and it takes less than a half hour to dry but if you paint metal, I would give it a day for the next coat if you want a good job.

You can use most any spray paint made for metal. Just go to Home Depot or Sherwin Williams. and tell the "paint specialist" (lol) what you are painting(Metal) and they will supply you with the proper spray paint. I would use matt not gloss.

[PruritusAni]

thanks man, I did take everything off the case that was screwed on there. Everything else is on there with rivets, and I don't have the necessary tools to remove them/put new ones back in when done. I also did sand a bit, but with a rougher grit to remove the scratches I added. Going on a big shopping adventure in about an hour or so and I'll be sure to seek out "the paint specialist!".

[Deton]

some people don`t bother with primer but it helps to cover the imperfect surfaces.
Do serveral thin coats instead of one thick coat, void the runs.
wet sand, 2000 grit between coats to take away the imperfect spots.
use clear arcylic spray as last coat for durabiity and proctection.
DIY painting inside cases are easy to scratches, so let it dry at least in room temps for 2 weeks before you assemble them or if you have nice dry weather then leave them bake in the sun.

[PruritusAni]

haha and here i was thinking I'd get it done in a few days! thanks for the advice though. Ended up getting some flat black krylon stuff for metal and just applied the first coat. The can says dry in 10 minutes but I don't know how much I believe it. I am however tempted to believe it when it says that it can be handled in an hour. I'll let you know how it goes.

[Drdeath]

haha and here i was thinking I'd get it done in a few days! thanks for the advice though. Ended up getting some flat black krylon stuff for metal and just applied the first coat. The can says dry in 10 minutes but I don't know how much I believe it. I am however tempted to believe it when it says that it can be handled in an hour. I'll let you know how it goes.

I have used Krylon. I am sure you got it at Sherwin Williams. It is good stuff!