Is it possible to paint outside of ABS enclosure?
This weekend I will be picking up a new ABS enclosure from The Reptile Factory and I am super excited! I have seen his enclosures at shows and he is highly recommended, plus his prices are very reasonable as well. However, he now only produces black enclosures and I wanted white to go along with my room. The door hinges he makes are glued on and made of acrylic. If I wanted to paint just the outside, would that be possible? What should I do to get the paint to adhere properly? What alternatives do I have in order to make it more boho to fit into my room decor?
Re: Is it possible to paint outside of ABS enclosure?
According to this site, it is: https://paintsprayed.com/how-to-spra...t-abs-plastic/, but just because it's possible doesn't mean it's advisable. I imagine it's a pretty easy thing to screw up. You're probably better off painting your room black.
Re: Is it possible to paint outside of ABS enclosure?
You can paint it, but it probably won't stay painted very well. Every time you bump up against it you'll knock paint off. Maybe you could make an "envelope" of white coroplast? That would help with maintaining constant temps, too.
Re: Is it possible to paint outside of ABS enclosure?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Spicey
You can paint it, but it probably won't stay painted very well. Every time you bump up against it you'll knock paint off...
That's what I think too- I wouldn't paint it. I'd sooner neatly tape poster board in the desired color to the main outer surfaces- poster board has a foam core & helps insulate- + you don't have the mess & fumes of painting, with all the paint chipping off later on. I'm not in love with "Contac paper" (it gives off a chemical odor) but that's another option that might be better than painting it, IMO. You can also get large decals (in a wide variety of subjects if you search) to decorate (most of?) the outside. You could do a "collage", actually, of things you like to look at. Or you could attach "peel & stick" thin cork tiles & leave it plain, or use it for photos etc. (Cork comes in light or dark brown, probably not white- but who knows?) Carpet tiles are also "peel & stick"- in many colors & they insulate- easy to cut with scissors- I've used them for some projects.
Re: Is it possible to paint outside of ABS enclosure?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Bogertophis
That's what I think too- I wouldn't paint it. I'd sooner neatly tape poster board in the desired color to the main outer surfaces- poster board has a foam core & helps insulate- + you don't have the mess & fumes of painting, with all the paint chipping off later on. I'm not in love with "Contac paper" (it gives off a chemical odor) but that's another option that might be better than painting it, IMO. You can also get large decals (in a wide variety of subjects if you search) to decorate (most of?) the outside. You could do a "collage", actually, of things you like to look at. Or you could attach "peel & stick" thin cork tiles & leave it plain, or use it for photos etc. (Cork comes in light or dark brown, probably not white- but who knows?) Carpet tiles are also "peel & stick"- in many colors & they insulate- easy to cut with scissors- I've used them for some projects.
I completely forgot some of these things existed... I was worried the paint wouldn't stick well, so I'll definitely find an alternative. I need to build or buy a stand, and If I do then I could always put a piece of light colored ply good there and maybe add some other things to accent it. Thank you guys for the help!
