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What does an old webmaster do now that he's in a state of semi-retirement? He paints his old Powerbook!

This Wallstreet computer, purchased in 1998, sits in my studio so clients can surf the net.

I wanted to spiff it up, so after visiting Applefritter, I studied the paint mods on display there and grabbed my torx screwdriver. This paint job required me to totally disassemble the Powerbook.

To keep track of the screws, I documented everything by placing small tape tabs where screws were removed. They said things like: "short flat head Phillips". :-)

Using tape, I masking off the plastic around the top metal plate and prepared to apply some 'EZ Strip' paint remover. I was concerned that the center Apple logo would get damaged, so I removed it. Here's how.

Remove the top cover to the screen. The logo is sandwiched between the metal and plastic. You have to dig the plastic 'ring' from around the logo. Be careful not to dig too hard or you'll damage the metal. I used a very small screwdriver to pry it up.

Once the Apple logo was removed, the stripper made quick and easy work of the paint on the metal. I used a toothbrush to work in the stripper. To give the metal an even finish, I polished it with #0000 steel wool (just like a DeLorean).

The clean metal was covered with tape and I started painting the disassembled lid. The paint I used was Rust-Oleum Colonial Red. I bought one can for three bucks.

The rest was pretty straight forward. I removed the motherboard, all daughter cards and taped off any ribbon cables to protect them from spray.

After applying two coats of paint two hours apart, I let it dry for 24 hours before reassembling.

IMHO, it looks great. What was once an old laptop is now a machine on one can keep their hands off of.