Paint your laptop and add custom designs with the TSS mod master.

Page 1  2
You don't have many options for modding your laptop. The easiest and most effective mod is a color change. Sadly, you can't paint your laptop without taking it apart. But don't worry. If you're meticulous about how you take apart your laptop, the project's no sweat.

Painting a laptop isn't so different from painting a full-size case. (Read my article on case painting for more tips and instructions.) The one big difference is that you have many more very small and delicate parts to disassemble and put back together. Let's get started.

Step 1: Decide on a graphic theme
I chose a black-on-black theme for my project. I even chose to black out the keyboard. (This has a side benefit of making it harder for others to use my laptop.)

If you're unsure how your theme will look, use a grease pencil to draw it onto the existing case or tape paper stencils to it. This is very important. Once you start you can't go back.

Take time to think about it. Sleep on it. I will emphasize again: Don't start until you're sure of the design you want.

Step 2: Start taking apart the laptop
Take pictures before you take anything apart. These pictures will be a lifesaver if you get stuck.

Also, make good use of parts bins or ziplock bags. Put screws for each component into their own bag or compartment, and label the bag or compartment. Using twice as many bags is nothing compared to the angst of finding a spare part or two left over.

Step 3: Prep the parts you want to paint
The parts you want to paint must be very clean. Make sure any areas that need to remain unpainted are masked off. Regular masking tape is fine.
  • Labels
    Take special care with any labels and other glued-on pieces you want to retain. Some can be easily removed and reapplied. You'll need to mask off others.

  • Getting a glass-smooth finish
    If you're going for a glass-smooth finish, you'll need to sand the parts with 600-grit sandpaper. This is where you need the most planning and elbow grease.

  • Using multiple colors
    If you're doing a multiple-paint job, the order you mask and paint is critical. Go from lightest to darkest color. If you start with a dark color, it'll take thicker layers of light paint to cover the dark areas.


Step 4: Paint the parts
Make sure you have a dust-free work area. If you have to paint outside, wet down the surrounding area (20 feet radius) with a garden hose. This will help keep dust from blowing onto your paint while it's wet. I like to use a can of compressed air to lightly blow off the parts right before I apply paint.
  • Working with spray paint
    Make sure you use thin, even coats of paint. To get thin, even coats with spray paint, place the cans in a bowl of warm (not boiling) water for a few minutes. This thins the paint, allows it to atomize, and speeds up the drying time a little.

  • Multiple colors
    If you're doing multiple colors with masking, let the paint dry overnight before applying new masking. This rule also applies to pin striping and hand-lettering.


Depending on the ambient temperature, you might want to use a makeshift heat lamp. Don't let the lamp get too hot. Otherwise you'll melt plastic parts and burn the paint. What you want is dry hot air (100 degrees Fahrenheit).

Step 5: Put it back together
Let your parts dry for a few days before putting the laptop back together. The parts are very prone to scratches during drying.

I hope you took care to photograph and label all the parts. You'll need to glue some parts back on. Be careful not to get excess glue on the freshly painted surface.

Enjoy! Post pics of your mods at my forums.

Page 1  2