Blackout

[BALISTX]

Well I've come with a crazy idea to make my new computer case look ***y once I get it. I'm gonna strip the case down and paint the inside either flat black or a matte black, including the HDD racks. Do you think this is a good idea? I think it would make the case look nicer inside especially since it will have a window. BTW the case is the NZXT Apollo (Black).



Plus I plan on replacing all the blue LEDs with red and also adding red LED case fans.
What are your thoughts on my idea?

[enaberif]

Painted black on the inside is nice, but just remember if its not thick enough it'll scratch easily.

[sswilson]

I'm not sure how much of an affect it would have, but black does retain heat. (Think of the difference between black and virtually any other colour of leather seats).

[Babrbarossa]

And I would guess that you might end up getting very visible scratches in the paint unless you properly prepare the surface before painted (like and acid etching primer)- I like the idea, though.

As far as heat reflectivity- I know that black obviously has a higher Albedo that silver (a perfect 1.0, in fact, but I'm pretty sure albedo is only applicable to absorbtion uv radiation- ambient heat doesn't matter)

[BALISTX]

I will properly prep the case before painting. I use to apprentice in a body shop as a painter assistant. As for the heat from what I have red the paint shouldn't retain the heat that it would be noticeable and I will have sufficient cooling inside the case. Once I do it I'll post some pics. Not to mention I have 5 old cases to practice on.

[enaberif]

powder coat it :)

[Deathspawner]

Sounds like a great project... I look forward to seeing the progress. That case with red LEDs would look great. I have an orange Apollo and love it.

[BALISTX]

Originally Posted by enaberif

Painted black on the inside is nice, but just remember if its not thick enough it'll scratch easily.

Powder coating is too expensive for my blood.

I've done this in the past. It looks fantastic. I used a UV colour scheme for the rest of the components of the inside of my old case, so instead of getting a bunch of glaring purple light all over the inside of my case, the flat black finish absorbed the light, while still allowing the UV reactive components to glow. Personally I think it looks great. I look forward to seeing your results.