Using paper in mods.

Augusta

Hello. I'd like to try decoupaging my mouse. Basically I'd just glue wrapping paper onto it then apply several coats of a clear sealer. I've searched this forum and the internet for information on using paper in computer mods but haven't been able to find anything. Is there a reason I shouldn't be glueing paper to my mouse? What is the best way to seal and protect a mouse, bearing in mind it will receive a lot of wear? I have a dreadful feeling this idea is going to be met with incredulous disdain but c'est la vie.

Deth.Addict

Well I can't help you Augusta but I think you have a nice idea. The only other thing like it is case painting which has its disadvantages, so I really hope someone can help you.
There is one thing that comes to mind, and that is maybe holding a lot of Varathane in your sweaty palms for hours could be toxic. That's about all I can think of, if your mouse is made of plastic. How much of your mouse are you going to seal?

Edit
I took a quick look and apparently polyurethane isn't really bad for you unless it gets really hot, like 200C. Never mind...

Augusta

I've done a rough mockup of the design. The plain blue is just paint.(I'll use the standard sand, spraypaint and seal technique for this bit.) The floral part is wrapping paper. I thought I'd key the surface with sandpaper, apply a glue for use on plastic and stick various cutout paper flowers on. Then I'll seal it with about six layers of polyurethane varnish, sanding in between each coat. My main concern was whether the varnish would react over time with the sweat from my hand and discolour.I never even considered that it might be toxic!Thanks for checking that out.Anyway, I'll give it a whirl and see how it turns out. Thanks for your reply,Deth.Addict.

ETA Here's an alternative idea for those less florally inclined.

furball zen

Dont use a varnish, use clear coat in a can. Might i recommend Plasti-Kote Engine Enamel, it has a 500ºF resistance.

Always thought decoupage was like paper mache, so i envisioned this honkingly huge, impossible to use monstrosity with lava flowing out of it. LMAO.

How about this? Look into a clear plasti dip, like the rubber on the handles of wire cutters and pliers? That way you only have the top part of the mouse to worry about, it wont melt, can come clean with alcohol and if dont right, shouldnt get in the way of re-assembly.

Oh, and welcome :)

Augusta

I checked out the clear coat and it seems like the way to go.Thanks.

LMAO!...although it would be incredibly cool if you could make it so the mouse was still able to be used.

This is my first mod and the plasti dip looks a bit tricky.
Thanks a lot. It's so rare to find a hardcore tech site that's female-friendly. This place rocks!

furball zen

Well, youre one of 3 such girls (that i know of) on here lol.

rakudakaji

Sorry for thread hijacking, but we have 3 females on here? I thought we had 2, both of which I haven't seen in a while :O

Oh, and, if this mod works out, it'll look pretty sweet. Some really nice stuff can come out of this if it's neat.

furball zen

Brandi and Lealirex, and the new girl ;)

rakudakaji

Ohhh, you're counting our new lady :D

furball zen

Wait for it... wait for ........it...! ;)

Augusta

Thanks, mate!

I saw a thread about a mod Lealirex did but tragically, the pic links were broken. It sounded brilliant, too. It appears she also knows about decoupage. I'll have to put out a call for her on the International Women's Frequency. (Don't bother trying to tune in. The IWF uses the glitter range of the electromagnetic spectrum. Yes, women can hear shiny.)

Sorry for the OT. The newb would like to point out that they started it.

Grez

LOL...no worries on the OT, and yes, I can confirm (being a married dude), that women can hear shiny.

The decoupage sounds like a cool idea, and I'm juiced to see you try this one out. I'll keep my eye on it.

Welcome to the forum, Augusta!

furball zen

Dont forget the color green. As in paper money. LOL ;)

photonlust

hey furball zen, you refer to this? it's clear, that vendor has other colors too, you personally used this stuff before? i'm interested in hearing more about it, as i'm generally looking for a residue free, non-reactive plastic/acrylic protective coating or sealant.

oh yeah how rude of me, cool idea augusta. please post pics of your project once you decide on a plan and execute it, the floral design is quite pretty and i'm curious how the decoupage will play out (its actually not a bad idea for keyboards or cases either, i'm tempted to maybe cut up some comic books or something and go with a super hero theme.) also tell us what the mouse itself feels like and what kind of sealant/protective enamel coating you use and your 2 cents on that as well.

and welcome to XOXICDE!

furball zen

Yes, i always use Plasti-Kote paints. The engine enamel may be over kill, the regular clear may work also, if its a price difference. Im usually dealing with high heat, which is why i said the engine enamel first.

Augusta

No worries? You speak Australian!

I'd just like to draw your attention to the fact that I'm ignoring this comment.

Thanks for the welcome and the brilliant idea about using comic books...or,as it will now be known, Augusta's brilliant idea about comic books. Stealing is the sincerest form of flattery.

Now allow me to present the finished mouse:


I used an old Microsoft optical mouse.I pulled it apart and glued pieces of wrapping paper to the *insert technical term for top bits* then sprayed on about 7 coats of clear enamel. I sprayed the sides with a plastic primer then put on about 4 coats of a metallic-finish enamel.

The buttons are a bit stiff and the decoupaged bit is the slightest bit sticky but other than that the mouse feels fine.

The violets don't blend in as well as they should and I need more practice at spray painting but, overall, it's got flowers and shiny so I'm satisfied.

R.Carter

Very nicely done.

To help with the stiff buttons, you might want to try some very light sanding around the edges of them to take off the excess clear coat. You'll have to take it apart and put it back together a few times until it is right, but it will be worth it.

CWv2

Wow, that's awesome! Congrats on the mouse, very pretty. :D

Since I'm making a case that won't work, I might try doing something like that.
LAVA~

Augusta

Thank you.I sanded the mouse again as you suggested and it fixed the sticking buttons.

Thanks a lot.

Somebody has to do it. It's an idea whose time has come!

R.Carter

Glad it worked for you.

Not trying to hijack your thread, but here is an example of using paper mache in a case:

http://www.xoxideforums.com/case-gal...tion-case.html

There's a link to the worklog in that thread.