How can I protect key switches when painting keyboard?

Submitted by ez2knockbeats t3_11c9j86 in DIY

I already sanded the keyboard and had planned to tape each switch in order to spray paint, but that seems not possible to tape them clean enough. I cannot remove the switches because they are not hot swap switches. Any advice or creative ideas on what I am able to do would be awesome. Thank you

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extra_specticles t1_ja2cn4o wrote

Can you post a few pics please? Not quite sure what your painting and what you're not.

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ez2knockbeats OP t1_ja2jakc wrote

keyboard

This it’s the keyboard with the key caps removed. I need to paint all of the black parts without touching the clear blue switches.

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saharien t1_ja33kua wrote

Find some Silly Putty and use it to mask the switches. It’s a little tacky, so it will have some grip, but it’s not like poster tack so you won’t need to worry about little bits sticking when you pull it away.

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ez2knockbeats OP t1_ja3kai9 wrote

Hmm seems like it could work. Maybe I’ll try that thank you

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Sevulturus t1_ja38qo8 wrote

Take the case apart and paint it. The switches will be soldered to the circuit board that is held between the two pieces of the case. Just disassemble it more.

I can even see the small silver screws you need to undo in order to take it apart. Take all of those out.

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ez2knockbeats OP t1_ja3k7ko wrote

So I opened it up and the circuit board seems attached to the top because the switches look like they were pushed through from the front and then soldered to the board and this lip (in attached picture) keeps them from being pushed through to the back

https://imgur.com/a/LN5ogM0

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BeyondRemarkable t1_ja2uc55 wrote

Have you considered using a brush and just going slow and careful between the switches? You can always mask off the switches to get the spray finish on the areas that will be exposed. Once the key caps go back on the inner area will be barely visible so a brush finish could be sufficient to accomplish your goals.

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ez2knockbeats OP t1_ja3kh63 wrote

Not a bad idea. I think if all else fails then I will go with that. Thank you. Do you know what type of brush paint would be best for this metal?

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c0brabubbl3z t1_ja5s2zn wrote

Why do you want to paint the plate that the switches are attached to? You’re not going to be able to see it.

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ez2knockbeats OP t1_ja5u3rz wrote

They are attached to the front plate so the part that is seen outside

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