Adding Gloss finish to Matte Steelbooks?

[MifuneFan]

I never really thought about this until now, but has anyone ever considered adding a gloss finish to a matte steelbook? I know some Steelbook fans would consider this sacriledge, but I have a few cheap US steelbooks (V for Vendetta, and Batman Begins) that I'd like to try this on. I think it would make for a vast improvement, and they wouldn't look as cheap if applied properly.

I know there are varnishes made to apply over paintings to give them a glossy finish, so presumably it should work just as well on a Steelbook..

Here's the product I'm considering getting, it says it works on metals (among other materials).

http://www.amazon.com/Krylon-12-Ounc...s=krylon+glaze

[guidofistpimp]

do it than post pictures

[AnimalChin]

I don't know anyone that ever done this, but it sounds like it should work. I'd be interested in your results if you try it, maybe take some before and after pics

[Fatmalky]

It's worth a try

[navydavey]

SACRILEGE !!!












- just thought I would get that in there first.

To be honest its not a bad idea, it couldn't make the Die hard 3 steelbook look any worse that's for sure.

[Petra_Kalbrain]

Ooooooooh....

This should end well.



Honestly, Adding a gloss finish won't do much aside from adding "reflection" qualities. Ultimately the matte finish will still keep the colours and artwork from "popping" as happens with a natural gloss finish manufacturing.

[brian9229]

I'm dying to see if it works. I've got a few steels i'd very much like to gloss. I just ordered a 6 oz can of it, will be receiving tuesday. Hope it works.

[wjasoncul]

howiesteed on HDN and our own lgans316 have been doing this with quite a bit of success. The World War Z Ent. Store looks quite smashing after this glossing


Link to a thread on HDN about Custom Glossing - http://www.hidefninja.com/forums/showthread.php?t=43865

Ocielz has been doing it as well

[wjasoncul]

For example:

[brian9229]

Originally Posted by wjasoncul

For example:

Great info! This will be fun

[lgans316]

All you need is a Clear Gloss Lacquer spray, a bit of steady hands, a dust free place, loads of patience for the liquid to dry and for the smell to fade away.

Best method is to use a spray gun if you can.

Don't use any Rustoleum spray as it can smell a lot and won't result in a smooth finish.

Some of my work mentioned below:

Gravity Steelbook (UK) - Custom Glossed - Tricky one due to the plain back. Attracts dust particles suspended in the air but it almost gave a freckle like effect.

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Before







After

Kill Bill Steelbook UK - Custom Glossed. Didn't go overboard with the glossing as I thought the quality of the finishing on the Steelbook was above average.

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Before







After

28 Weeks Later - UK - Custom Glossed (again didn't go overboard as the original finishing quality was okay).

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Monster's Inc - Zavvi UK - Custom Glossed

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Before:

[IMG][/IMG]







After:

Captain America - Zavvi - Looks gorgeous after glossing. Can be made look even more better with another coat.

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Before:





After:

World War Z - ES

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Before:







After:



























[IMG]https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-evsVliRMsJY/UwR1zuXh_jI
/AAAAAAAAL70/P0A5C_rCnlg/w687-h515-no/WWZ_ES_UK_Sheen_11.JPG[/IMG]

Pacific Rim Futureshop - Custom Glossed

Note: I have to admit that the finish is amongst the worst but after glossing it looks better (at least marginally) than the Amazon JP Steelbook. I am sure the Amazon JP Steelbook will look even better after glossing.

[Show spoiler]

Thor Zavvi - Looks absolutely stunning after glossing.

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Before:













After:

2012 HMV UK Steelbook - Custom Glossed

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Before:







After:

No Country For Old Men (Canada) - Custom Glossed

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Before




After

Hangover - USA - Custom Glossed with Custom Inside Artwork

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Before:













After:

[rickah88]

The only thing I'd worry about is, over time, the gloss might weaken and crack/spiderweb after a few openings. Especially with some of these steelbooks that feel quite flimsy.

Heck that brings up an idea: Can you reinforce between the plastic and metal to lend support? I guess it would depend on a few variables:
1) the amount of emboss/deboss
2) interior artwork

Still, this glossing idea is pretty interesting. You would definitely need to work with some sort of air handler to get a clean result, I would imagine.

[lgans316]

Originally Posted by rickah88

The only thing I'd worry about is, over time, the gloss might weaken and crack/spiderweb after a few openings. Especially with some of these steelbooks that feel quite flimsy.

Heck that brings up an idea: Can you reinforce between the plastic and metal to lend support? I guess it would depend on a few variables:
1) the amount of emboss/deboss
2) interior artwork

Still, this glossing idea is pretty interesting. You would definitely need to work with some sort of air handler to get a clean result, I would imagine.

You bring up a valid point about crack/spiderweb. This can happen not only when the coating weakens but also if place the glossed Steelbooks horizontally with Steels stacked on top for a long time. This messed up 2 of my Steels but I fixed by glossing again, ensuring that it is bone dry and by placing vertically with sufficient spacing in between the Steels.

[rickah88]

Originally Posted by lgans316

You bring up a valid point about crack/spiderweb. This can happen not only when the coating weakens but also if place the glossed Steelbooks horizontally with Steels stacked on top for a long time. This messed up 2 of my Steels but I fixed by glossing again, ensuring that it is bone dry and by placing vertically with sufficient spacing in between the Steels.

You did a great job on your steelbooks. I kind of do feel like trying on a couple cheap WB steelbooks, just to see how it turns out.

[neoz]

Nightshade has also self glossed their SB's as well. They look very nice.

[MarcusZoller]

Originally Posted by lgans316

You bring up a valid point about crack/spiderweb. This can happen not only when the coating weakens but also if place the glossed Steelbooks horizontally with Steels stacked on top for a long time. This messed up 2 of my Steels but I fixed by glossing again, ensuring that it is bone dry and by placing vertically with sufficient spacing in between the Steels.

Do you take the plastic inserts out before glossing? I've seen some people are doing it complete.

[BluRay Assassin]

This looks really cool

[Tony208]

glossy always looks better imo

anyone try it on slipcovers? or would that ruin it

[Billz]

The only problem with them being glossy, is that you've now turned them into "fingerprint magnets".

[NzScreamindemon]

He he...your next challenge is to "take it to the next level" take your matte finish steelbook and cut some stencils out to "highlight" some features on the steelie and "spot gloss" (like the title and astronaut on the Gravity steelie) to make those areas "POP"

Then we will be impressed with your skills!

Seriously....I think in most cases it really depends on the title as to what finish suits best....but those custom glossies do look pretty damn fine!

Chris