How to Silk Screen a PC Case

Give your computer tower an interesting look with silk screening.

A PC case covers the computer tower, protecting components from dust and damage. If you want your case to stand out -- instead of looking like every other black case around -- you can add color and flair with silk screening. The silk screening process poses a threat to delicate computer parts, such as hard drives and fans, so proceed with extreme caution whenever dealing with paints. For best results, protect the computer tower with a back-up case while silk screening.

Things You'll Need

• Emulsified screen
• Paint brush
• Enamel ink
• Construction paper
• Painters tape
• Marker
• Exacto knife

Instructions

1. Draw the desired design on construction paper. The most effective silk screen designs consist of solid designs with little details and only a few colors.

2. Cut the design out from the paper using an exacto knife. This should create a stencil of construction paper.

3. Prepare the screen. Place the emulsified screen on the PC case and secure the edges of the screen with painters tape. Tape the construction paper stencil to the screen.

4. Mix the enamel ink according to the instructions.

5. Use a paintbrush to apply the ink to the screen, inside of the construction paper stencil. Avoid painting outside of the construction paper area.

6. Lift the construction paper stencil, then screen and allow the ink to dry for several days.

7. Flip the case to its side. Add additional designs following the same silk screening process. Allow the case to dry for at least two days before returning it to the tower.

References

• Printer's National Environmental Assistance Center: Screen Printing
• Princeton Online: Silkscreen Lessons
• Reuels: Screen Printing Instructions