If your laptop looks plain or similar to the laptops most people have, you can paint it. Painting a laptop can be done yourself at home, as long as you do it very carefully and know which parts to paint. This article answers some frequently asked questions so you can make your laptop look more beautiful, while keeping it safe.
Step
Question 1 of 6: Can laptops be painted?
Step 1. Yes, you can paint the exterior
There's no problem with the paint sticking to the outside, but don't let it hit the inside of the laptop because it can damage it. Be sure to cover the screen, webcam, and any holes and ports to prevent paint from getting on them.
If you are afraid the paint will get inside, leave this laptop painting to a professional electronics painter
Step 2. The inside and bottom of the laptop should not be painted
This can damage the electronic components of the computer. Do some painting on the top of the laptop because this is what people will see.
If you want a non-permanent change in appearance, try using a shell casing
Question 2 of 6: How do I prepare my laptop for painting?
Step 1. Cover all holes and ports first with tape
Use paint tape so that it can be easily removed when you're done. Cover all holes that can get paint, such as USB ports, fan ports, and headphone jacks. Also cover the monitor screen and webcam.
Paint tape can be purchased at a hardware store
Step 2. Scrub the laptop with sandpaper if there are dents and scratches
If you're painting your laptop to cover dents and scratches, buff the outermost layer of paint using sandpaper with 400 grit (roughness level). Once the paint is gone, you can continue the process by giving a beautiful design to the laptop's surface.
- Be careful not to sand the surface too deep! You only need to remove the paint layer, not the metallic layer.
- This sanding is perfect if you want to use spray paint. If you use acrylic paint, you don't need to scrub the laptop with sandpaper.
Question 3 of 6: Can you use spray paint to paint a laptop?
Step 1. Yes, if you use a varnish-type spray paint
This type of spray paint gives a glossy and hard finish so that the surface of the laptop will be safe from scratches. You can buy this spray paint at the hardware store in a variety of colors.
- Spray paint is usually relatively inexpensive. One can of paint costs around Rp. 70 thousand.
- If the laptop is sanded, you should also use a primer.
Step 2. You can also create beautiful designs using stencils
Make a stencil from cardboard or cardboard in the shape you want. Position the paint can within about 30 cm from the laptop, then spray it!
- Use a round stencil to make planets and stars, or make triangles or zigzags out of cardboard or cardboard.
- Try spraying several colors of paint on top of each other for a nice visual effect.
Question 4 of 6: Can I paint my laptop with acrylic paint?
Step 1. Yes, if you don't mind a little texture on the surface of the laptop
Acrylic paints will generally dry in clumps if you don't smooth them out first. If a laptop that feels rough isn't a problem for you, continue the process and use acrylic paint to change the look of the laptop.
The use of this paint can make it difficult for you to install a case or skin on a laptop in the future. Take this into account when you choose the type of paint
Step 2. Make fun stencils and shapes using masking tape
If you want to get a geometric look, apply white acrylic paint over the entire surface of the laptop as a base coat. Next, stick the strips of paint tape in a zigzag or triangle shape and apply the darker paint over them. When the paint dries, peel off the tape to reveal your design.
- The paint tape is easy to remove from the surface of the laptop so you don't have to worry about smudging or adhesive tape.
- You can even recreate a work of art, for example a painting by Affandi or Basuki Abdullah.
Question 5 of 6: Can the keyboard (keyboard) be painted?
Step 1. Yes, if you paint the buttons one by one using a small brush
This can take a long time. So, start this work when you have free time in the afternoon. Use a small brush and acrylic paint to coat each button in turn. Wait for the paint to dry before you write the letters on each key using a black marker.
- Do this very slowly and carefully. In some cases, painting the laptop keyboard can void the warranty. So, do this carefully.
- Try painting all the buttons one solid color, then adding cute characters on top with pen or paint.
- If you want a non-permanent change, try sticking a skin on a laptop keyboard.
Question 6 of 6: What are other ways to decorate a laptop?
Step 1. Try using stickers as an easy solution for adding designs
If you want a chaotic look, buy some stickers at a craft store. Stick the sticker all over the front of the laptop to give it a nice look and it won't go away for a long time.
- You can add multiple layers of stickers to make it look even more chaotic.
- Try collecting stickers from friends or local companies to give your laptop a unique touch.
- You can paste stickers anywhere, except for keyboards and laptop screens. Stickers generally leave a sticky residue that is not easy to remove.
Step 2. Use Washi tape as a delimiter
If you just want a little embellishment on your laptop, take and cut Washi tape (Japanese tape with various interesting patterns and colors) half the width of the original size. Stick this tape on the outside edge of the laptop on all four sides to give it an attractive look around the outside. Washi tape can also be affixed to the inside of the laptop, under the keyboard for added embellishment.
- You can buy Washi tape at a craft store or online retailer.
- Do not stick Washi tape on the laptop screen because it can leave a sticky residue.