Forums | MacLife
You are not logged in.
#1 2007-02-14 11:22 pm
- dcalfine
- B&
- From: The City
- Registered: 2003-12-01
- Posts: 2413
Painting a G4 iBook
I'm about to buy an old refurbished G4 iBook to replace my Pismo (sad to see it go!) I imagine that when I get it it will be scratched, not to mention boring. I'm thinking of spraypainting it, just like I've seen people do to like Xboxes and stuff, and like they do at ColorwarePC.com. I've done a bit of research, and I think the paint I should use is the Krylon Fusion spraypaint for plastic, but most of the how-to's I've seen are for either the G3 PowerBook and require removing the plastic shell, or show cracking/rubbing off of the paint. I'd like not to have to remove any part of the computer (I almost lost a blueberry iBook to that fate) just to color it. What's recommended?
Offline
#2 2007-02-15 3:08 am
Re: Painting a G4 iBook
I've done this quite a bit,and yes, Krylon Fusion is an excellent paint.
However, to do a really clean job, you'll want to take the top and bottom off the computer.
Currently, I'm using dyed case parts-
I boiled the top and bottom, as well as the plastic battery cover (which is held on by a thin strip of two-sided adhesive, like tape) in RIT fabric dye, which can be found at most drug or grocery stores.
It works like a charm. Get the plastic hot enough, and it absorbs the dye, which tends to result in a color job more resilient than paint. I'll get some pics up eventually and update this thread.
Offline
#3 2007-02-15 6:11 am
- dcalfine
- B&
- From: The City
- Registered: 2003-12-01
- Posts: 2413
Re: Painting a G4 iBook
if I were to use masking tape (or the blue painter's tape) over the parts i didn't want painted, would that look fine? Exactly what do you mean by a "clean job"? And how hot are we talking when boiling the dye (I don't want to melt any plastic)?
Does removing the top and bottom and plastic over the battery put any parts of the iBook at risk?
Thanks
Last edited by dcalfine (2007-02-15 6:12 am)
Offline
#4 2007-02-15 9:58 am
Re: Painting a G4 iBook
Well, if you use tape, it will be a clean looking job, but edges around the plastic will remain exposed, which means chipping when those edges bump against things. Taking the plastics off (which is relatively easy, especially the LCD lid) means painting around those edges as well, making for a complete shell.
As for boiling, it's got to be hot, and for some time.
While boiling mine, I watched the top and bottom pieces warp. Upon cooling, they took their proper shape and fit back on just as they should. This is tough stuff, it can take the abuse. You just want to make sure you keep an eye on things, to make sure the water doesn't evaporate out (I added water a few times).
I placed a cake pan over two burners, used four or five packets of dye, and just enough water to cover the pieces. I'd say 45min will do it, once the water is boiling.
Offline
#5 2007-02-15 10:34 am
Re: Painting a G4 iBook
dcalfine wrote:
Does removing the top and bottom and plastic over the battery put any parts of the iBook at risk?
Yes, and it's more fiddly than simply taping the 'Book and spray-painting it. But it will make the difference between an excellent job and a nice job, at best.
Antonio wrote:
I placed a cake pan over two burners, used four or five packets of dye, and just enough water to cover the pieces. I'd say 45min will do it, once the water is boiling.
Pixplzthx.
,xtG
.tsooJ
Offline
#6 2007-02-15 4:47 pm
- dcalfine
- B&
- From: The City
- Registered: 2003-12-01
- Posts: 2413
Re: Painting a G4 iBook
Antonio,
If it's not too much trouble, I'd appreciate some detailed construction. It sounds like you did something really cool here, and it would thrill me to have a similar product. Though this seems like the kind of thing where you'd play it by ear, not having too much experience in this area at all, I'd like to know what to look for and what to beware of. And yea, pixplzthx.
Seriously, thanks.
Offline
