Paint Markers on Consoles...

[Barry the Nomad]

...specifically on a Dreamcast.

I'm considering doing a little illustrative decorating to a dead Dreamcast of mine. Essentially, I want to draw some crazy Jet Set Radio image using paint markers. The plan is to first sketch it out on the console in pencil, then color in the colors and finally give some sharp black outlines. Is there anything I should do before starting my sketch? Is there a certain paint marker that is the best?

[Hobie-wan]

There is stuff called vinyl dye which actually stains plastic, this way you wouldn't have to worry about chipping it later. I haven't used any though, so just something to maybe go read up on. As a general painting rule, sanding a surface will help paint stick too. Now I wouldn't take sandpaper to the system, but earlier in my console cleaning days that the green rough side of a kitchen sponge will remove scuffs, but it also roughs up the surface just a bit without really changing the look other than dulling it just a bit. It might help paint stick too. If you wanted to try it I'd make a test spot first somewhere.

Again, I haven't done any painting, just tossing out ideas.

[DNT 2.5]

Paint markers Don't react well with the Dreamcast, In my experience, they don't react well with anything. The marker seems to Peel off like a thin layer of latex,I Think your best bet would be to pencil it on, then mask out the areas you don't want a certain color and use a fine auto detailing airbrush go over the area in several coats, then switch to the next when it is dry ETC... Paint gives a really nice high gloss finish.

[Metalcrack]

I'd use mineral spirits or wash the unit in dish soap to remove oils and contaminants that may cause "orange peel".