Same here!

Have a couple of design options for the CD at the rear of the case, I am hoping to make the backing part a clear perspex window so show parts of the CD in the system. but I do have some unique issues to address, to try and make it look sleek, easy for someone else to get the same result (ie preformed) and not too high. Case looks closer to the 52mm-55mm mark at current estimation; of which 21mm is for the screen, PSone screen and console boards, etc - remainder is for the CD device and holder and batteries. A lot of work yet to do.

Think I may have thought through how the case will work and be constructed. I am very good at planning details and visualizing them to completion stage before doing anything in real time. Handy ability sometimes!

Think I have resolved the issue for the lettering. Problems I saw were that dry lettering has a habit of tearing and also going onto a surface at an angle; a stencil often makes the paint going through it bleed when applying it, sticking paper onto it looks crap, i'm not into calligraphy so that option is out - however, found these - from a craft shop (The Range) - they are rubber craft stickers autocollants (whatever that word means). Bottom line is they are sticky rubber foam pads ready made into lettering. If I stick them to the case with superglue they should stay on permanently, and then varnish them to give the rubber extra strength. As you see in the pic, they are about the right size (look at "rrrssstt"). Cost 99p for a lowercase and 99p for an uppercase set; quite reasonable.

My thoughts on lettering - if you can't do it well, don't do it at all. Properly done it will make things professional, otherwise it just undermines an amateur effort.

Quite honestly, I'd keep looking. Of course you're free to do whatever you want, but that's my opinion.

The white case is looking very nice. Props for cutting out the d-pad buttons.

Autocollants means stickers...

Yeah, the white case is extremely nice looking. You're not going to paint it, are you?

Are the d-pad holes finished? They look a little rough to me.

Mario - Yes, going to spray paint it metallic black, as per my previous postings.

White looks very nice, granted; however I want it black!!

I think the black metallic look looks rather stunning - trust me - wait for the final result!!

Zedzy - Thanks, logical!!

Neildo_64 - Yes, finished; rough, no. That is the illusion from a residue of the CD marker pen on the edges. I filed the sides, they are smooth. When painted, these CD marks will disappear.

marshallh - Thanks, it took a while to cut out the PSOne d-pad buttons; harder than a standard d-pad cross, for sure.

As to the lettering, I agree with your sentiments. Lettering isn't easy and perhaps why many systems don't have any wording on them. I wanted a funky typeface, one that wasn't boring and regimented (eg Arial, Times, etc), red and a good size. The only negative to this lettering kit in my pic is that they are about 1mm thick.

I have the option of trying them (after the case is spray painted, etc) and if they don't look great, removing them and making a stencil and spray painting straight onto the case with the lettering.

I want the final look of the system to look quite commercial, but have a bit of a jovial touch - this is where a funky typeface for the lettering comes in.

Personal choice though, anyone who makes their systems have many ways to put lettering onto the case, or even not at all. Each to their own!


Going to call this system "into·play" BTW. Next system "iNto·64" and then "iNto·SNES"


UPDATE - Had a brainwave!!

If I spray paint the case at the bottom area in red, then put the stickers in place, and spray paint the whole case in metallic black, with the stickers on, then in effect, the stickers become the stencils - when removed, the red undercoat will show the lettering over the black casing!

marshallh - Thanks, you got me thinking laterally!!

This will look stenciled now!

NOOOOoooooooOoOoOo...

Oh well, It's your portable, and you may go with whatever color you like. Please do not feel obligated to change the color because I think it looks nicer.

Out of interest, what's the reason to being anti-metallic shiny black?

I am looking right now at the two - black looks really great! (camera doesn't pick up the black as well as it might):



(no, that isn't a nick off the white case, just a paint mark, just removed it!)


Once the case is complete, I am sure you will change your mind, Mario and think it lovely (I hope)!

Alright, I'm sure it will. It just looks really nice as it is.

Here's an idea, Mario; when my cases go on sale, buy one from me, make your own system with it and make it whatever colour you like. If yours ends up looking nicer than mine, I will send you something as a prize!

I don't think that's gonna happen.

Nice idea, by the way, with the sticker-stencil idea. Very clever, and It'll look perfect, too.

this is really great work your doing bacteria
i cant wait to see it finished

Double post.

If you're going to use the stickers as stencils like you say, make sure before you peel them off, that you very carefully score lightly around the sticker with an exacto knife. If you don't there is a 100% chance that it will peel of a little bit of the top coat of paint exposing your red. I know this because I've made the mistake before.

If you're really keen on doing a professional on this thing, why not try screen printing it? That way you can print designs right off your PC and use those! Apparently it's really easy and cheap to do at home. There's an instructable on exactly how to do it here:
http://www.instructables.com/id/Screen- ... d-At-Home/

Another option you have is inkjet waterslide decals. You put them in your inkjet printer and they turn out exactly like those decals for model cars and the like. They are also really cheap:
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/A4-PHOTO-QUALITY- ... =72%3A1345

They yield a nice, professional result: