This was just sort of a trial run, I was pressed for time(so finished entire thing in under a day, with a 2-4 hours of work... But since i am using parts that I have stock back ups for, im just gonna try and make it perfect(lots of free time with college break and all). I didnt use a gloss on it just primer and metallic paint, but i will post new pics when i re- sand/prime/paint and gloss this sucker... I was thinking next time maybe a yellow... I went to three stores and all they had was red, but now since i got more time i will look online for a color, any suggestions or links would nice. Thanks guys for positive responses! if any of you want to attempt this or want more info drop me a line

You gotta fight sparkles with sparkles, make it glossier!

This isn't the first time someone here has painted their 9300/XPS laptop. Quite a few people have. Just this past week there was a posting "Custom Paint Job" where darkloki painted his 9300. He shares a number of good pointers around post 50 so check that out. There are also a number of custom paints such as Chameleon paint and Eclipse Heat Reactive paints.

Whichever you do I'd highly suggest completely sanding it with fine sand paper 600+ grit before primer. Multiple fine/light spray coats.. at least 3 or 4. Something I've seen done before is to apply a very thin clearcoat followed by another very thin coat of paint right afterwards. Both these need to be done very lightly and quickly. Final clearcoat(s) to follow afterwards.

For people who want a really nice paint job ... Specific Recommended Paint: An Acrylic Urethane Paint! Why? Well its an extremely hard coating which will resist fading, scratching and chipping. They dry faster than most other products. NOTE: Oils dont affect it so you no longer have to worry about the palmrest turning black as many people find happen .

I've see vehicles painted with this stuff and then hit with a hammer and not be scratched or chipped! For those who have to argue as they always lurk.. yes if hit hard enough you'd dent and scratch it .

I've been tossing the idea around myself to modify the appearance of my 9300 but haven't decided if I want to use the XPS2 palmrest and LCD cover or to custom paint it. If I do paint I'll use the Acrylic Urethane for sure!

looks good.

Acrylic Urethane Paint --- Where can I get it in a good solid ultra glossly color?
oh btw, chameleon paint isnt my thing and heat reactive paint i believe would look terrible because of the uneven heating patterns of the m170

MKraemer999.. I would imagine you could try any auto body shop or perhaps PetBoys, Home Hardware, etc.. It is geared more towards the auto industry as its used on most big highway trucks like buses, dump trucks and snow plows.

I'm waiting to hear back from a seller on ebay for 1/4 or 1/2 gallon, single stage kits. These 1 stage kits allow you to paint one coat which dries very quickly and is extremely hard and shiny. Shiny already?? Yup because the paint contains a high gloss finish! You can add additional depth later if you want by adding a second ClearCoat over it. I'll update when I find out more.

my 9300 i jealous that i'm using her to check your lappy out.

You should have used an air brush gun or some sort of paint gun, paint strait out of the can never comes out smooth since cans have an inconsistant flow of paint.

(now you know why Hypersonic charges a shitload of money for a paint job)

Good start, i'd recommend doing it over and using a paint gun on it.

Just saw this thread and wanted to say holy crap man, nice work. I absolutely suck at painting and know little about it, but I think your laptop looks great

We finally found something that Mr. K6 knows nothing about!

In all seriousness though, that's pretty tight man. I'm alright with pinmodding, voltmodding, installing a GPU, modding the GPU, but I don't think I would venture to paint my computer unless I had a full set of replacement parts.

About the replacement parts, does Dell not require you to send the old parts back when they send you a new palmrest?

well its more like they dont say anything to me so i dont fight it, i figure its a compensation for the crappy touchpad.... by the way, Adrenolin if you find a nice single stage kit online post some info about it, i'd be really interested

I like your idea, and the color is nice too. The only thing I would do differently is take the parts to a body shop and have them shoot it. Of course, that takes more time and costs more, so I don't know if you can live without the computer for that extra time. Good job though man.

Sure thing except that I dont see me doing this until the spring or summer. I know my dad is using this paint on the car he is restoring as its got a beautiful finish that'll last. Unfortunately he is up in Canada and isn't using a color I'd want on my laptop

Take it to an autobody shop.....and let them paint it. An epoxy type paint can look great but might not combine well with whatever you used. They can find something, I'm sure. It'll probably cost you less than $50. The clearcoat and the paint can be mixed. They can also treat the plastic so the paint sticks properly. They use an airgun so it aerates the paint and can apply an even coat. A really good paint job is tough to do. If you sand it down super smooth yourself, you can save even more....go as fine on the sandpaper as you can.....even up to 1200 grit. Your first job was a great effort. If you like the colour, sand that down, and you can have them spray a clear metallic/pearl, combined with the colour. It'll look like a million bucks. Good luck.

If you get the hang of it, you can sell the panels on ebay.

Actually, I paint cars, not for awhile though. I've never heard of mixing the clear with the paint. I believe it would defeat the purpose. You can use an over the counter spray paint, but if the prep work isnt done well (sanding and cleaning the surface), the paint might not stick for a long period of time. One thing to remember is that with spray cans, the will not give an even flow, and will never come out high gloss. BUT you can definatley achieve a very acceptable finish. as far as spray cans, I'd recommend Krylon Fusion if you can find the right color, as this paint will chemicaly bound with plastic making it much more durable and long lasting. There are over the counter spray on clear coats, but the don't work well at all, and will scratch and chip off. I have not tried the "house of wax" (which is an awsome brand) clearcoat because it is an enamel paint and most spray cans are laquer (DO NOT APPLY ONE TYPE OVER THE OTHER!).

Another slightly more expensive option is to go to your local automotive store. There you can buy an areosol spray canister that allows you to put in your own automotive paint. With that, you can now buy a pint of your favorite automotive color paint, some clear and paint your lappy with a much more desireable result. This automotive paint will be 100 times more durable and last 100 times longer that any spray can will. It will also look like a proffesional grade job!

Sorry for so much info, just some options for you guys!!!!