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[HELP] Discoloration on the Exterior of T420 (sopuli.xyz)

submitted 3 months ago* (last edited 3 months ago) by timkenhan@sopuli.xyz to c/thinkpad@lemmy.ml

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Hello good folks in the Lemmy Thinkpad community!

I have recently built a T420 from parts. Things have been running well. Since it's mostly from scraps, it's far from perfect, but it works.

One of my pet peeves is some discoloration along the edges and corners of the top cover. I am guessing this is the part where the paint got worn off from bumps and frictions. Is there a way to restore it? I honestly don't care about the rubberized coating, but having that consistent matte black would be really great.

I was thinking of that plastic model paint. Would it work well?

Also, the back part of magnesium chassis that's supposed to be painted black seems to have its bare color exposed.

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[–] NessD@lemmy.world 8 points 3 months ago

The only reasonable thing is to disassemble, sanding it down and then spray painting it. Even if you get the color right, the texture of the missing rubber coating will always make it stand out.

[–] Jumuta@sh.itjust.works 5 points 3 months ago (1 children)

the discolouration looks pretty cool ngl

I feel like repainting it would make it look more janky, unless you repaint the whole cover

I have the same discolouration on the corner of mtyt430 btw

[–] nerdovic@discuss.tchncs.de 1 points 3 months ago (1 children)

I also kinda enjoy these "battle scars" on my ThinkPads. Shows that it's a well used tool.

[–] timkenhan@sopuli.xyz 1 points 3 months ago

It would be nice if these scars were actually by me 😅

But yeah I get your point

[–] AnUnusualRelic@lemmy.world 4 points 3 months ago (1 children)

You could consider applying a vinyl wrap or something similar?

[–] timkenhan@sopuli.xyz 0 points 3 months ago

Definitely an option, but I'd rather not wrap it.

[–] OWO_I_OWO@sh.itjust.works 3 points 3 months ago

Sandblast and armonite?

[–] fuckwit_mcbumcrumble@lemmy.dbzer0.com 1 points 3 months ago

Plastidip the lid. Don't use paint on it, it's always going to look horrible.

[–] Nomecks@lemmy.ca 1 points 3 months ago (1 children)

Get a replacement lid. They pop off pretty easily. Make sure to watch a video on how to do it first.

[–] timkenhan@sopuli.xyz 1 points 3 months ago

I actually assembled this thing from parts, including the lid. Replacing it is not an option as it is in a very good condition except for that outer layer. I just wanted to see if I can do anything to it.

Thanks for the suggestion, tho.

[–] Majestic@lemmy.ml 1 points 3 months ago

It’s the rubberized coating itself that came off. I had the exact same look on a remote control where its rubberized coating began to wear.