thinking of starting a console painting side gig

[alexis524]

i've been tossing this around for some time. i love all things video games and consider myself artistic. i've been wanting to earn some cash on the side and do what i love at the same time (gamestop is out of the question), so i'd like to give this a go ahead. Now mind you, i'm at the complete beginning. before i go and buy materials and consoles, do you think there is any market for this sort of thing? I've seen what thretris can do with a gameboy, which is kinda what inspired me. But any ideas, suggestions, what to do, what not to do, what your preferences would be if you were to buy a painted console, what you would be willing to spend, etc., etc. thanks in advance

[bobbynewmarkiii]

I'd really like a painted wavebird controller...

[Opa Opa]

I think the Snes outer casings would be a good thing to paint. Anything is better than a yellowing system.

Edit: You could also have pre-painted console shells and charge people to switch them out.

[alexis524]

was thinking of doing controllers, and empty shells too and swaping out. i guess that could be a way of replenishing my stock kinda? i was thinking of doing NES, SNES, gameboys, case mods for ds lites, and possibly mp3 players in the form of NES controllers, and maybe gameboy units with say blue/purple backlit screens that act as an mp3 player too, but for retro game musci. dunno, but these are a few ideas i'd really like to go hard at. ilove th efeedback so far, please keep it up

[Mod_Man_Extreme]

It's a solid idea, but a tough thing to do.

Golden tips/rules are:

Rule #1: NO ACRYLIC! PERIOD. This is one of the first and last mistakes most painters make in the business.

Rule #2: Learn to Spray paint. It's the most effective way to put down a base coat.

Rule #4: Get to know your materials/mediums. There are lots of spray and regular paints but not a lot of them are effective on plastic, and even less so on a high use item such as a game console. Vinyl Dye, Rit Dye and Krylon fusion are some of the best ways to color or paint plastic differently from it's base color and 90% permanent.

Rule #4: Tape, Tape, Tape. Tape off all the logos/stickers. important holes/etc... using masking tape on the quick jobs and good painters tape on more long term stuff.

Rule #5: Disassemble! Lots of people don't disassemble the unit before painting resulting in an ugly bad mess.

Rule #6: Take your time. The more time you take the better it'll look. Rushing will just result in a nightmare.

Those are the rules I followed when I painted an SNES mini with vinyl dye for a buddy and it still looks fantastic.

[Mod_Man_Extreme]

I think the Snes outer casings would be a good thing to paint. Anything is better than a yellowing system.

Edit: You could also have pre-painted console shells and charge people to switch them out.

But you can un-yellow an SNES in merely a day.

http://www.racketboy.com/forum/viewtopi ... 15&t=17667

[Opa Opa]

was thinking of doing controllers, and empty shells too and swaping out. i guess that could be a way of replenishing my stock kinda?

I'd say that's the best way to keep shells coming in. I'd hate to keep buying ebay lots of dead consoles.

Rule #5: Disassemble!

I like his rules. Especially number 5.

[Opa Opa]

But you can un-yellow an SNES in merely a day.

But will it turn yellow again? I'd rather have mine painted and not worry about the yellowing but it's cool to be able to keep the original color.

[Mod_Man_Extreme]

But you can un-yellow an SNES in merely a day.

But will it turn yellow again? I'd rather have mine painted and not worry about the yellowing but it's cool to be able to keep the original color.

Nope.

Basically it would take another 15-20 years before it yellowed again and you'd have to keep it in a window under the sun all day too.

[alexis524]

rule #5 is key. i'm OCD when it comes to that stuff. i wouldn't have it any other way . I want what ever i'm painting for you to blow your mind when you get it and unwrap it. i've looked into vinyl dyes alot too, and that seems to be preferred. i'd also like to throw on some custom art (8-bit themes(mega man, mario, yoshi, kirby, etc.)) color coordinated with no tow consoles alike, so it would truly be custom.

P.S. yes, i would also de-yellow a console for anyone who didn't want to do it themselves.