Anyone ever refinish a Reo?

[XDoctor]

My first Reo was a black Grand. I've carried it with me every day for about eight months now. That's unheard of for anything I handle daily. I've been through five phones in the same amount of time, I'm pretty hard on things.

The Reo has held up really well, but looking at it today, even though it still works like new, it looks pretty bad. I've dropped it on concrete on every corner, the anodizing is starting to wear off the edges, the bottom is almost totally silver. In other words, its good and broke in!

This bares no reflection on the quality of the mod, it is absolutely top notch and the anodizing has lasted on it MUCH longer than I expected it to, considering the environments its been living in.

I'm seriously considering smoothing out all the dings and painting it. Maybe with some ceramic based paint like cerakote or gunkote. Or maybe even doing a full on automotive paint and clearcoat. Might even dehorn all the little edges, get it all nice and rounded and then airbrush some flames onto it.

Has anyone else done anything like this? Post some pictures if you have.

 

[lostknitter]

I've never done this, but if you do, we would LOVE to see photos!

 

[Big Hitter]

Give it a try

You go through a phone every 7 weeks ???? Thats crazy, I guess you never make it 18 months and score a cheaper price.

 

[pianoguy]

You might try something like this - if it gets shabby-looking, just peel it off and re-do it:

Carbon Fiber Film | Dedicated To Selling 3M Carbon Fiber DI-NOC Vinyl

 

[davelog]

I have to say, I really like the idea of a REO with a flame job. Adding my request that you document whatever process you end up doing so we can learn and mod vicariously!

 

[washvap]

You could also have it powder coated. Which will give it more of a durable finish. Even with automotive paint and clear coat, it won't stand up to any abuse. You'll find yourself doing daily touch ups which will look ridiculous after time. Vinyl is an option but, it'll be a PITA to get it on there without having all sorts of gaps everywhere which makes it look completely cheap. Not to sure about ceramic paint since I never dealt with that stuff before.

 

[davelog]

How about electroplating? A copper REO would rock. Or bronze. Or platinum. OR OR OR!

 

[washvap]

copper, bronze, or platinum REO =

 

[misplacedsooner]

heck, while we are at it lets do a 24k gold plated.

 

[Delilah718]

Here's a pic of the vinyl covered REO by MatrixTech

 

[beezer]

You can go to Michael's and get a sheet of their colored tape paper and cut it to size and apply it. It would probably hold up for awhile. They sell it to match their duct tape. They have flames and skulls and black/white checked and colors.......

 

[XDoctor]

Yeah, I'm not going to be applying stickers. Not a bad idea, but I do some custom pinstriping and airbrushing in my spare time, so I don't think vinyl graphics are going to cut it.

 

[mlinky]

Yeah, I'm not going to be applying stickers. Not a bad idea, but I do some custom pinstriping and airbrushing in my spare time, so I don't think vinyl graphics are going to cut it.

Man, I DEFINITELY want to see what you do with it!

 

[disfilam04]

Custom laser engraving annodizing! I wantt....

 

[Creniker]

Another vote for powder coating.