How to Remove Paint From a Computer
In addition to upgrading your computer internally, you can also add some pizazz to it externally. Remove the ugly beige paint from your computer's case and paint it with the color of your choice for a new and exciting look. Removing the old paint from your case is a simple project that requires little more than time and elbow grease.
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Things You'll Need
- Painted metal computer case
- Sandpaper (220, 320, and 400 grit)
- Sanding block (optional)
- Tack cloth
Instructions
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1
Shut your computer down and remove the cover from the case. Some covers may be made up of separate panels, while others are a single metal piece. Look for a release button or a series of screws on the back of the case to remove the cover. Move the case cover to a flat surface in a well-ventilated area, away from the computer. You may wish to perform the work with the case cover on top of a towel, to prevent scratching.
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2
Place the 220-grit sandpaper on the sanding block and begin sanding the paint off of the case cover. If a sanding block is not available, use your hands; a sanding block makes the work easier, however. Sand the entire surface of the case cover evenly. If the paint on the case cover is textured, this will most likely be the most lengthy part of the project. After some time sanding, the paint texture will begin to wear away and the bare metal underneath will be revealed.
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3
Replace the sandpaper with 320-grit paper once you've reached bare metal under the paint. Continue sanding until the surface is smooth, then switch to the 400-grit paper to prepare the case cover to be repainted. Each increasing sandpaper number corresponds with a finer grit; while the coarse sandpaper serves to remove the paint and texture from the case cover, the fine paper creates a smooth surface that new paint will adhere to readily.
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4
Wipe all of the paint and metal particles off of the case cover using the tack cloth. It is now ready to be primed and painted with the new color of your choice.
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Tips & Warnings
Sanding the paint off of your computer case will send tiny paint and metal particles in the air. Like any project of this kind, it is recommended that you perform this work outdoors, and with proper mouth, nose, and eye protection.
