Adding Gloss finish to Matte Steelbooks?

[ritmomundo]

Well, I royally f'ed up my first attempt at this. I really shouldn't have started with my X-Men: Apocalypse steel. Luckily it's still available in stores, so I can go get another one.

There are TONS OF BUBBLES all over the damn thing. It looks wet, but no, it actually dried like that (about 24 hours later)! I read that I can sand the bubbles down and reapply the enamel, but I know it'll look terrible.
Not that it helps, but on the parts that aren't ruined, I do like how the glossy finish makes the details pop (like in the last picture).

[Show spoiler]

[TheFalsetto]

Originally Posted by ritmomundo

Well, I royally f'ed up my first attempt at this. I really shouldn't have started with my X-Men: Apocalypse steel. Luckily it's still available in stores, so I can go get another one.

There are TONS OF BUBBLES all over the damn thing. It looks wet, but no, it actually dried like that (about 24 hours later)! I read that I can sand the bubbles down and reapply the enamel, but I know it'll look terrible.
Not that it helps, but on the parts that aren't ruined, I do like how the glossy finish makes the details pop (like in the last picture).

I'm an ar$ehole. I couldn't help but laugh as soon as I saw your photos as i've messed up like that as well, not on steelbooks though ... trying to refurb my alloy wheels. But oh well. You live and learn.

But you can save those. Wet sand it with ultra fine sandpaper. Something like Grit 2000 and give it 24 hours before having another go with lacquer.

[ritmomundo]

Originally Posted by TheFalsetto

I'm an ar$ehole. I couldn't help but laugh as soon as I saw your photos as i've messed up like that as well, not on steelbooks though ... trying to refurb my alloy wheels. But oh well. You live and learn.



But you can save those. Wet sand it with ultra fine sandpaper. Something like Grit 2000 and give it 24 hours before having another go with lacquer.

Yikes, hope that wasn't too pricey for you. I'm glad my mistake will only cost me ~$25 to replace.

I'll give wet-sanding a shot for the bubbles. Thanks for the tip. But I think I'm done with spray paints (I'm clearly not skilled enough to do it as meticulously as I'd like). Maybe I'll try a pour-on method next.

[kryptonite1970]

Use a nail polish remover and apply it on the gloss. It will make removing of the glossy layer easier. I have tried it and it does not harm the steelbook in any way.

[DioramaMaker]

Acetone will eventually take the paint off. It's important that if you use it, you remove it as quickly as you've put it on. Don't let it linger and don't be abrasive with it.

[kryptonite1970]

Originally Posted by DioramaMaker

Acetone will eventually take the paint off. It's important that if you use it, you remove it as quickly as you've put it on. Don't let it linger and don't be abrasive with it.

I use the non-acetone nail polish remover. But, as you have said, one must remove it as soon as possible also.