I got this idea when my Alps touchpad died a week ago and dell sent me a whole new palm rest. I suddenly found myself with a spare part and got the idea to aquire certain other parts so I could paint them. So I have a backup of all the plastic parts I painted so if my m170 ever dies i'll slap on stock and have my warrenty back .

I began with this, Screwdrivers, Plastic Primer, Red Metallic paint



Got down to the palm rest



I had to cut off the little peices of plastic holding it together with a razor... Hard to show really, but you'll know when you see them.



Got each part seperated from electronics, areas i didnt want painted covered.




Then I sanded that sucker.. i was kinda lazy/excited so i only did a little so paint would stick.



Then I primed it.



Waited a few hours, went red.



and when it was not wet, i carefully assembled it... which is the time when you get the most scratches and it drives you mad. But when its done...





What I will do when I repaint it to fix little things. First I will sand that sucker down to the bone... Next I would really let paint dry... aka days... Lastly I am going to put a clear coat on it so it is smoother. If you got the spare parts, give it a try!

nice job

That is a terrible paint job. It looks dull.

Ouch dude. if you are going to criticize, at least give him some suggestions.

TROLL.

Yeah, right now it doesn't look like the best job BUT he did say he's going to sand it much better and let it dry for days next time, not to mention the clearcoat. Don't be so hard on him I've been thinking about painting mine, but I might take it to an auto body when the time comes (my dad knows the guy, etc).

The only other thing I know when it comes to spray paint is it's better to do several "light" layers instead of a single thick one to avoid the lumpy orange peel effect. It probably wastes more paint, but should come out a little smoother too (the clearcoat might make all the little bumps and dings stand out).

Anything different is kewl.

Maybe some clear coat to spiph it up a bit =]

Don't listen to tommms, I think you did a wonderful job, and if you think it looks good more power to you. I bet he couldn't make his look half as good as what you've done with it (I know I couldn't :-\)

wow you're the first to paint your xps. keep it up!!!

how long did it took you?

omfg i've got wood

nice job man

i personally wanna look for a shop that would paint my notebook with a cool design, but i cant seem to find a place that does that kind of work

i dont trust myself ><

reminds me of the acer ferrari

either the pictures dont do it justice or it does look a little bland and not 'shiney'. Try a fine grit sandpaper, sand it, then repaint. Do this process a few times. Then paint it with polyeurethene(sp?).

u need closer up shots, looks good though, although i wouldnt have gone with red if i did it.

Looks like !!!. Congrats