Gameboy pocket paintjob

[_Ivan_]

The other day I embarked on the quest to turn my very first video game system, a red gameboy pocket, into a custom, aesthetically pleasing super cool thing. I had planned to paint the body black, and the buttons blue. I painted the body easily and without any problems. However, if I could say the same of the buttons, I would be posting this in the News forum and not the Handheld Hacking (although, this might be more suited for Case Modding). The buttons, as I will try to show to you using hi-tech image capturing devices (read: a lame camera), aren't receiving the paint very well--the paint easily scratches off, despite painting it with multiple light coats.

Long story short, how can I get the blue to stick to the buttons? Painting with coats exhibiting even lighter qualities? Alternative methods? The obligatory etc.?

Buttons with scratched paint: (Sorry for the bad image quality and the size)

[eurddrue]

Um, good job, I guess. Try taking the picture from a little farther away next time though

[palmertech]

For buttons, you are just screwed. On my N64 themed DS case mod, the yellow just refused to resist.

Not really surprising, even the plastic gets worn down over time. I have seen D-pads that are shiny smooth from use.

[samjc3]

For buttons, you are just screwed. On my N64 themed DS case mod, the yellow just refused to resist.

Not really surprising, even the plastic gets worn down over time. I have seen D-pads that are shiny smooth from use.

yup. the fingers going across over and over and over and over and over and and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over......(eh. you get the point) acts like sand paper. my n64 controller has the letters almost worn off! (the engraved plastic ones)

[eurddrue]

For buttons, you are just screwed. On my N64 themed DS case mod, the yellow just refused to resist.

Not really surprising, even the plastic gets worn down over time. I have seen D-pads that are shiny smooth from use.

yup. the fingers going across over and over and over and over and over and and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over......(eh. you get the point) acts like sand paper. my n64 controller has the letters almost worn off! (the engraved plastic ones)

Same. I've replaced the joystick on my main controller 3 times, and I need to do it again. Mario party is all I need to say.

[arfink]

It you're going to make the paint stick you shouldn't be using paint. A couple options: make new buttons in the right color plastic, either acrylic or mold some resin or something. Or you could run and get some vinyl dye, or some Krylon Fusion, those actually stain the plastic instead of simply coating it.

[DopestKidEva]

i wish i could see better pictures

[_Ivan_]

It you're going to make the paint stick you shouldn't be using paint. A couple options: make new buttons in the right color plastic, either acrylic or mold some resin or something. Or you could run and get some vinyl dye, or some Krylon Fusion, those actually stain the plastic instead of simply coating it.

For what it's worth, I used some Krylon Fusion when I painted the buttons (and the gameboy itself for that matter).

I guess if it's too impractical to turn the buttons blue, I'll do without. I could just replace the power light with a blue LED for extra coolness. Thanks everyone for the input.

[tysonDS]

Hi guys,

I have found a lot of "Wet sanding" & then 2 coats of Tamiya model spray paint & 1 or 2 coats of Clear Tamiya Gloss to be very effective controller "buttons".

It's about as durable as you're gonna get without actually moulding the plastic in your chosen colour. The car model paint is designed for RC Cars that often smash against each other.

After the gloss, the feel is very nice too, doesn't so much feel like your holding / pressing something that has been painted.

Btw, nothing beats "Wet sanding" of plastic. I even do it between paint coats if it's not smooth enough.

Also, when spraying your buttons make sure you spray atleast a few centimetres past the edge of your buttons otherwise you gonna get those yucky clumps of paint.

Goodluck!