MacBooks are fantastic computers, but if we’re being honest, they can be look pretty boring. There are limited options available, and sometimes all we want is a little color on our computer. MacBooks are made with a low-carbon aluminum to keep them light and durable.
So, can you paint a MacBook? Yes you can! You will need to primer the surface first before applying paint. You can also use acrylic paint markers that work just like paint, but tend to be less messier. Another option is simply painting the MacBook case.
Even though you might have a hard time getting paint to stick to the surface of your MacBook, it is still possible to do. With the right materials, you will be able to turn your plain MacBook into a beautiful laptop that all your friends will be jealous of. Let’s read on to find out the best way to paint your MacBook!
How to Paint a MacBook
Before you think about painting your MacBook, there are some things you need to seriously consider. First, painting your laptop will most likely void any type of warranty you have on it. If you don’t have a warranty any longer, then you can paint your MacBook without having to worry about anything.
Painting your MacBook will also hurt the resale value if you decide to get rid of it at any point.
You will also need to consider the amount of time it will take you to complete your project. You likely won’t be able to use your laptop during the process, so make sure you account for this. There Is also no turning back. Once you start, you are going to have no choice but to keep going until you are finished.
You should avoid painting the bottom of the laptop or the inside. This can ruin the electronics needed to run your computer and should be avoided at all costs. You should just stick to painting the top of your MacBook for the best results.
My favorite and top pick is always Arteza Acrylic Paints. They have so many different colors, and the quality is amazing! I usually use Arteza Paints for all my projects.
The first step for painting your MacBook is to cover any vents or ports with painter’s tape. This includes any headphone jacks, charging ports, fan vents, and USB ports. For extra protection, cover the screen and the webcam, too.
If the surface of your laptop has any dents or scratches, you will want to sand it down. The best sandpaper for the job is going to be 400-grit. This is just enough to remove the top layer of the paint on your MacBook. Do not sand too much, as you do not want to ruin any of the metal. Sanding is an optional step depending on what kind of paint you are using.
After you sand the surface, you will want to clean it with soapy water. It is extremely crucial that you use as little water as possible. Do not let it drip down the sides of the computer and find its way into the vents or ports. The best way to do this is dip the corner of a rag into soapy water and ring it out as best you can before wiping the surface.
Dry the surface. When it is dry, you can apply a primer to the MacBook. This will ensure that the paint sticks to the surface without any issues.
I highly recommend using Mont Marte Primer. It works great on all surfaces and can be used with other medias as well.
You can then apply the paint in thin layers. Let each layer dry before adding the next one. After your last layer is added, let it dry for about 24 hours before you apply a sealant. Later in this article we go over how to seal your painted MacBook.
As I stated above, I recommend you use acrylic paint on your MacBook. It is non-toxic and the best choice of paint to use on metal/aluminum.
Can You Paint a MacBook Case?
If you want to paint your MacBook, but you don’t want to commit and potentially ruin a very expensive computer, a great alternative is painting a case for your laptop. The material that a MacBook case is made out of will generally be easier to paint on than the surface of the computer.
In most cases, MacBook cases are made out of plastic. Plastic is easier to paint than aluminum, and you can still use acrylic paint for your project. Remember to prime, paint and then seal your project.
Can You Use Acrylic Paint on a MacBook?
Acrylic paint is a great medium to use when painting a MacBook. This is a great way to add detailed designs on your computer instead of having it be just one color. Acrylic paint is likely to add some texture to your laptop, so keep that in mind before you make any decisions.
You do not need to sand the surface before using acrylic paint, but it is important to use a primer when you are painting with acrylic paint. The material that MacBooks are made out of is very difficult to paint on. With the help of a primer, the acrylic paint will be able to stick to the surface easier and you will not have as many issues with your design.
You can also utilize painter’s tape to create some fun designs like geometric shapes or stripes. Painter’s tape will come off the surface easily without damaging your painting.
Can You Spray Paint a MacBook?
It is possible to paint a MacBook with spray paint. You will need to make sure it is a lacquer spray paint for the best results. This is because lacquer spray paint will provide a hard, glossy finish that is resistant to scratches and dings when dry. This type of spray paint is also pretty inexpensive and easy to use.
You will want to sand the surface of your MacBook slightly before you use a spray paint. This will enhance the adhesion to the surface. However, you are also going to need to use a primer designed for spray paints. This will help fill in the scratches created by the sandpaper and provide an even easier adhesion for the spray paint.
When you use spray paint for your MacBook, you can use a stencil to create an awesome design. You can make your own stencil with cardstock, or you can find a premade stencil that matches what you are trying to do. This of course isn’t required, and you can paint your MacBook however you wish.
How Do You Seal Paint on a MacBook?
To protect your design on your MacBook, you are going to want to seal it. Wait for the paint to dry completely before you try to add a sealant on top. The best option is an enamel sealer. This is because it will keep the paint from scratching, chipping, and fading.
I recommend using Krylon Spray to seal your acrylic painted MacBook. You can use a spray-on sealer or a brush-on one, but I recommend using the spray-on varnish.
You will want to apply a minimum of two layers of enamel sealer. Always follow the directions from the manufacturer to ensure you apply the sealant correctly. Different manufacturers can have different directions, so be sure to follow what they say is best.
Final Thoughts
MacBooks are one of the most popular computers around, but they can be kind of boring. You might be tempted to paint the surface of your MacBook to bring some color to it. While this is possible, aluminum is really hard to paint, and you might run into some issues.
If you don’t want to commit to painting your laptop, you can paint a MacBook case that is removable from your computer. This allows you to change your painted design as much as you want and you won’t need to worry about ruining the surface of your computer or voiding the warranty.
Make sure to follow all my tips and recommended products to ensure your painted MacBook project turns out great! Also, don’t forget to check out my other articles for all your painting Q&A’s. Happy painting!
