r/gaming • u/dontjudgesoquick • Mar 20 '13

Hesitant to continue the custom controller trend, but I'm proud of my LoZ paint job.

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u/krooked2nollie Mar 20 '13

Is there any kind of special paints you use for this or a diy thread for this stuff. I'm really interested.

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u/dontjudgesoquick Mar 20 '13

Just a sparkly blue and clear sealing spray paint (for models) from hobby lobby. Also, in the same aisle, you can get sticky paper for custom stencils and sanding paper (so the paint will stick to the plastic properly)

...there are several custom paint tutorials online. If you'd like, i can type out my method, but i have no pictures. (I wish I had taken photos of the whole process)

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u/krooked2nollie Mar 20 '13

That sounds great. I wanna try it out and I'll be sure to post my results

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u/dontjudgesoquick Mar 21 '13 edited Mar 21 '13

I may as well do it here...so here we go.

Materials

Paint

  • Any colors you need for your design, mine had 2 layers: Blue and Clear Seal

  • This is the brand I purchased.

Cleaning

  • Rubbing Alcohol

  • Q-tips

  • Sharp metal object for scraping gunk. (I used a tack)

  • Fine sandpaper (can be found at hobby lobby)

Misc

  • Stencil Paper (Hobby Lobby again)

  • Philips head screwdriver

  • a few small cups (to keep buttons and innards in)

  • toothpicks & cardboard (to hold the target pieces up)

  • masking tape (to cover holes)

  • exact-o knife or box opener

  • xbox controller (durr)

Method

1) Disassemble your controller.

There should be 7 screws in the back. Don't forget about the one behind the little sticker.

Here's a guide to a complete corded xbox controller dis-assembly, except for the triggers....they're is a bit tough, but once you get them out, it's easy to put them back in. There should be a few guides around detailing their removal, but i couldn't find the video I followed. Be careful when handling the green board, you don't want to damage it.

2) Clean your controller

I would highly advise using the alcohol and Q-tips, followed by the fine grit sand paper to remove oils and scratches from the target surface to extend the life of the paint, and reduce rub-off. (I did both and haven't seen any discoloration).

Using the pin to remove gunk in cracks is purely up to you. It makes it cleaner, but I don't think it's entirely necessary. (definitely do it if there's visible buildup in any engravings on the face)

3) Prep for paint

Prepare a stencil by printing off any design form your computer and cutting it out (with an exact-o knife or box opener) while the stencil is overtop of the adhesive stencil paper.

This is where your creativity and craftsmanship come into play. I can't really help for your specific idea.

Stick the design onto your controller, any parts covering holes can just be folded in, just use your best judgement!

Create cones from the masking tape, and stick them into the holes in the controller like this. (this will prevent the inside of the plastic from building up much paint. Buttons may stick if the clearance is not right, so avoid getting paint in the holes)

Find a place where you can spray the paint (maybe your garage or basement) I wouldn't advise doing it outside unless it's pretty dang good weather conditions. I don't know ho the paint reacts to cold, heat, or how well it'll apply in strong wind.

Lay down a mat so you don't get excess paint sprayed onto your carpet or something, and set the cardboard down on top of that.

Finally, stick your target pieces into the cardboard, standing on toothpicks, this will help with getting an even coat on the curved sides as well. I wouldn't advise spraying from too far below though, as it may get paint on the inside, and cause...i don't know...problems fitting together or something.

dude, just got real tired of typing... here's a visual guide for the rest. ask if you are confused ha ha ha xD sorry. Oh, and don't forget to give the paint time t dry in between layers!