Build Your Own Arcade Controls Forum

Main => Main Forum => Topic started by: shardian on February 28, 2006, 03:19:08 pm

Title: repainting buttons/controls
Post by: shardian on February 28, 2006, 03:19:08 pm: Hello all,
This is my first post here so be gentle. I have finished reading Project arcade, and have started to source my components for my arcade machine. I got two 8-way sticks and some buttons really cheap. I would like to paint them all to match if possible. I have searched the forums here and could not find a post dealing with refinishing used controls. What I am proposing is using enamel model paint sprayed thru an airbrush. I would like to get some feedback from anyone else who has possibly tried to restore used controls before I go and possibly ruin these buttons and joysticks. Any feeback would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!
Title: Re: repainting buttons/controls
Post by: SirPoonga on February 28, 2006, 03:25:51 pm: paint is going to add a little it of thickness so that could be a problem.

I'd use Krylon's plastic paint.
Title: Re: repainting buttons/controls
Post by: kaz1961 on February 28, 2006, 03:43:29 pm: Are the buttons for leaf switches? If so, what colors do you need? I have some old ones you could have if the colors are right. If you are going to paint them I would suggest using Fusion spray paint for plastic. It holds up better than regular paint.
Title: Re: repainting buttons/controls
Post by: shardian on February 28, 2006, 03:55:53 pm: The buttons I have are Ultimate buttons. there seems to me to be enough play in the button to allow a coat of paint on each part. What I was most worried about was durability of the paint. i thought of the model enamel paint because, well, it is enamel and is tough. i have not actually handled the models I built when I was younger alot to be sure of durability, and wanted to make sure the paint would withstand the arcade torture test. ;)

by the way, thanks for the quick replies.
Title: Re: repainting buttons/controls
Post by: divemaster127 on February 28, 2006, 05:11:53 pm: Im afraid any paint you use will flake off over time
thanks
dm
Title: Re: repainting buttons/controls
Post by: RickDIII on February 28, 2006, 06:22:17 pm: Quote from: divemaster127 on February 28, 2006, 05:11:53 pm
Im afraid any paint you use will flake off over time
thanks
dm

I have to agree with DM. Even though the enamel will be tough, the problem may lie within the bonding to the plastic. I think over time it will begin to let go and cause you problems.

I think the paints specific for plastics will bond better, but I am not sure of the durability.

Either way it seems that mashing the buttons will scrape the sides and eventually you will start to see problems. :(
Title: Re: repainting buttons/controls
Post by: deadkenndys1105 on February 28, 2006, 09:48:39 pm: Any paint that can hold up in the track and feild test has my vote. (go back and forth on the buttons with a quarter)