Painting my case: how do I stop paint from scratching off?

[quikgp]

Ok, so fairly simple question

I'm using flat black/satin finish black spray paint. I put like 5 coats on as added protection, but I want to know, is there some way I can stop the paint from scratching off? (I dont want to use clear coat, as I like the flat black look)

[Pelt]

Your best bet would be to look more towards automotive paints for your matte clear coat. Most folks who want a clear coat usually want a gloss or super glossy because those finishes provide the most protection, that's why they are so shiny. But in the automotive side of things there's been a trend to use matte finishes on interiors, like sub boxes and center consoles and what not. Sorry I can't point you in a specific direction as far a product is concerned but if you have an auto shop or even Canadian Tire nearby see what there stocking on thier shelves.

I did have a friend years ago who wanted a similar effect your looking for, on his entertainment stand he built. But like you he couldn't find a matte finish top coat so he used a semi-gloss clear coat and then sanded that with a 600 and 1000 grit sand paper and he got the look he wanted it, worth a try I guess, if you don't like it you can always repaint it.

Good luck with your project post some pictures and show it off when your done.

[TopDogZero]

I know Krylon has a matte clear coat, don't haw good it is though.
Krylon: Products: Matte Finish

[gingerbee]

plaste-kote clear coat(or any good automotive clear coat) and as many coats as you can handle doing

[acadiancrusader]

take note that a matte clear coat is achieved by additives to a clear coat. you will end up 'dulling' the color. a deep matte black will look desaturated. also, matte clear coats are not as durable as true clear coats.

[crazyhorsejohnny]

Get a pro to do it.

[gingerbee]

i know a auto body specialist who builds classical cars. he's advice to me was use the best paint you can and do it yourself what your paying them for is there time. save the money and take your time with good paint and it will work out just remember wet sand between coasts. i have painted many a case in the last year in fact i just finished one red on black looks great. you will save a fortune from a pro my guy said you can do it for less then a 100 dollars in paint or i can pay him and it will only cost 300 to 500$ i took the time to learn and saved. ( just for any body in or around orillia body by biggs is the shop i am talking about great old cars not my thing but great cars and good paint boy)

[fruity]

are you using primer prior to spray painting all those layers?
(1st post =) )

[gingerbee]

you should be using primer and welcome

[artistpavel]

I started customizing Xbox 360s few years ago, and made tutorial video:

artistpavel.com: Video: Painting Xbox 360 Faceplate In 3 Steps

back then I used automotive primer for a base coat available at Curry's Art Store, but later I discovered Krylon products, their stuff just sticks to any surface. You just have to make sure not to overspray it to avoid paint bleeding and build-up, it can't be removed.

this topic made me think if should offer custom art services for PC users, since I have all the experience, but for some reason was limited to Xbox community. If anyone wants to give it a try, I'm based in Toronto. The way I think it can work, you can send me the removable side panel and I will paint design on it, like I did with 360 faceplates:

Xbox 360 Faceplates - a set on Flickr

for example if I was to paint HWC rig it would have a beaver and red and gray decorative elements.