Nice, may I make a suggestion for a video. Do some kind of custom AA logo in different colour and then paint it black. I've always wanted to do a custom logo on my lappy. I think I have the same notebook. Is it an x220?
Thanks for this tip! Regarding the ThinkPad sticker, what I did was use Q-Tips and isopropanol to wipe the Plasti Dip off the sticker(s) when it is still wet. Make sure you roll the Q-Tip to absorb the Plasti Dip. If you use it like a mop, pushing the Plasti Dip around, you'll end up bunching it, making wrinkles around the stickers.
The 3 month update video can be found here: ua-cam.com/video/YQ1HCSXNHX8/v-deo.html Quick correction. I think I said the T430 lid was made out of metal during the video. According to lenovo it is actually a "Carbon-fiber / Glass-fiber hybrid" material.
The T430 is not a bad laptop. I could picture using mine for a couple more years if needed (though mine has a lot of upgrades). I find it odd that your university is still issuing students these though in 2017, with all of that money they are getting one would think they would issue you the latest and greatest :p
AA Computers and Technology hey, could I please get one of those optiplex computers behind you in the video for free, I really need a computer for school, thanks
Supergamer 1 Lol using the oldest trick in the book, TBH you are more likely to get a free computer from a school you can just E-Mail them and give them you're reason for why you need one. They will probably give you a older computer but its something at least,
The light coats really look great, and it's an amazing idea! The soft touch of those Lenovo laptops is really comfortable. Using Plasti Dip this way opens us to new ideas. Great work.
Dude? I think it looks even BETTER with the logos covered up!.....gives it a "Noir" edge!.....I also have T-420's and T-430's and I'm DEFINITELY gonna Plasti-Dip 'em to be "blacked out"!....Thanks for the info and the suggestion!!
You could also pick up a new set of stickers from eBay to replace the Lenovo and ThinkPad logos if they're scratched. I plan to get a new Lenovo logo as the letters were sliding around when I was cleaning it yesterday.
I've been a lenovo guy for years. Currently restoring / upgrading an x200 to use for Linux. This tutorial will help make the exterior brand spanking new again. Thanks for sharing.
Tl;Dr - Video starts at: 3:29, Just in case anyone else out there came here to see a laptop get Plasti-Dip This guy must have been great at writing essays in school.. I swear he just turned "the laptop is worn and is getting Platti-Dipped" into 2min and 43sec of video in the beginning.. I zoned out while reading an article and when i finished and started listening to the video again he was still saying the same thing lol. Bravo to you sir, I'm bad at "fluff".
Hey man, the end result looked great. I just had a few concerns before I try it myself. Did you experience any wireless signal reduction after applying the coating? I don't know if the wireless card is 2.4 or 5, but water dense materials usually cause some trouble. The antenna is behind the screen on this model, no? You wouldn't happen to have speed tests from before/after, would you?
Nice, cans are way cheaper at Lowes or Home Depot, I checked If you're going to be fully disassembling then you can probably do the bottom too, just put paper on the inside.
6:44 Ok then, it's been 3+ years now like you said in your video. It's time to update us on how your plastidip coating fared through your college years. Did you graduate? Did you get a job? Did the plastidip hold up?
That turned our really well! have used it on car wheels before with good results, its amazing how well it is to work with! We were looking at doing our Thinkpad with Vinyl Wrap but tbh that looks a better solution
When you use tape masks with Plastidip, pull up the tape while the coat is still wet. Otherwise, you are ripping the rubbery compounds that cause it to be jagged.
@Raymond I don't have any, that's because I did it on a T430 as discussed in the video and not an X Carbon. Did you even look for the video I mentioned before you went ahead with your "repair"?
AA Computers and Technology Wow! It looks brand new! Wonder if the plastic coating will cover someones name scratched on the lid or should I use a filler first and sand it?
You should be able to do touch ups after the fact with something like a toothpick dipped in some of the PlastiDip material. The can clearly has some kind of solvent in it, and it should make those jagged spots where you cut it blend right in. Assuming, of course, that you have a very steady hand.
Wow, this looks awesome! That's exactly what I need for my T420, it doesn't look too bad tho but some refreshment would be nice. Do you think this would work out for the trackpad too? The rubber coating of mine is pretty much worn out.
Little feedback on the recording. Watch your lighting next time. I'd record with the light in front of the laptop at the end of the video instead of behind it, as you can't see the sides of the lid due to the shadow
you can get rid of the texture by spraying heavier coats(evenly) but I like how yours turned out :D Anyway if you read this, I'm planning to get a thinkpad to do web development and for daily use but I don't have a lot to spend. I only have about $100 to spend for a thinkpad. Which thinkpad would you recommend?
There me trying it in truck bedliner ,because local Halford here in the uk ran out of the plastic dip also did over my boblbe hard case cloth covered rugsack too came good
Once my think pad comes, I will plastidip it and leave the Lenovo badge covered but remove the dip from the Thinkpad badge. I don't like this shiny Lenovo badge, I like the new embossed Lenovo badge and leaving the plastic dip on it will give a similar effect
Why does almost everything that looks cringe on cars actually seem to work nicely on computers XD Might do this with a Dell Optiplex desktop just to give it back its black color
Hi! this is a great idea! I have a sony vaio that is at least 9 years old and it is white, but the part around the keyboard have become more yellow than white at this point (the lid is still glossy white) and I've been thinking on how to change that yellow color back to white and maybe this is a good option! How do you suggest I protect the keyboard for applying the layers of plasti dip so I can remove it later without removing the painting as well?
I use a HP Envy DV6-7213nr, I was wondering if I should carbon wrap the lid, I don't want the metal getting scratched but IDK if it could hurt the laptop.
So, I found a Lenovo ThinkPad T400 for 71 usd converted from 120 bgn( bulgarian leva) with a core 2 duo p8400 2gb ram. I think thats a good deal, since electronics in my country are like 20% more expensive than the rest of the world.
this vid might help me restore a yoga 260 that once belonged to a school but was abandoned its scratched up badly because of the student who had it was careless
where do you source genuine batteries for these laptops, i cant seem to find a genuine battery for these. i bought one that was listed as genuine, but it was a fake.
If you want to have a smooth finish put the plasti dip in hot tap water for 5 minutes, put again hot water for another 2-3 minutes and then spray the plasti dip. you will have a really smoth finish then. Thank me later.
i have bought an 10 inch aspire one laptop in terrible state. it is missing a hard drive and a keyboard, and it's really really dirty! i am gonna clean it and fix it.
Could I make a suggestion? do a follow up video on this in about 3 months to show how well the plastidip holds up with time...
I think that's a good idea!
Yeah
Yes, please do the follow up video. Does Plastidip come in any other colours?
yes: plastidip.com/our-products/plasti-dip/
Nice, may I make a suggestion for a video. Do some kind of custom AA logo in different colour and then paint it black. I've always wanted to do a custom logo on my lappy. I think I have the same notebook. Is it an x220?
Thanks for this tip! Regarding the ThinkPad sticker, what I did was use Q-Tips and isopropanol to wipe the Plasti Dip off the sticker(s) when it is still wet. Make sure you roll the Q-Tip to absorb the Plasti Dip. If you use it like a mop, pushing the Plasti Dip around, you'll end up bunching it, making wrinkles around the stickers.
The 3 month update video can be found here: ua-cam.com/video/YQ1HCSXNHX8/v-deo.html
Quick correction. I think I said the T430 lid was made out of metal during the video. According to lenovo it is actually a "Carbon-fiber / Glass-fiber hybrid" material.
AA Computers and Technology This is poetic because this is literally my college grant computer. Still helping me after all these years kappa
The T430 is not a bad laptop. I could picture using mine for a couple more years if needed (though mine has a lot of upgrades). I find it odd that your university is still issuing students these though in 2017, with all of that money they are getting one would think they would issue you the latest and greatest :p
AA Computers and Technology Hey Thank Man thank to fix it my old laptop just like this...
AA Computers and Technology hey, could I please get one of those optiplex computers behind you in the video for free, I really need a computer for school, thanks
Supergamer 1 Lol using the oldest trick in the book, TBH you are more likely to get a free computer from a school you can just E-Mail them and give them you're reason for why you need one. They will probably give you a older computer but its something at least,
I put this video in a playlist thinking I would need ot for my newly arrived refurbished T530... BUT IT LOOKS ALMOST BRAND NEW! I am so happy!
The light coats really look great, and it's an amazing idea! The soft touch of those Lenovo laptops is really comfortable. Using Plasti Dip this way opens us to new ideas. Great work.
Dude? I think it looks even BETTER with the logos covered up!.....gives it a "Noir" edge!.....I also have T-420's and T-430's and I'm DEFINITELY gonna Plasti-Dip 'em to be "blacked out"!....Thanks for the info and the suggestion!!
You could also pick up a new set of stickers from eBay to replace the Lenovo and ThinkPad logos if they're scratched. I plan to get a new Lenovo logo as the letters were sliding around when I was cleaning it yesterday.
This turned out amazing! I personally like the rough textured look the Plasti-Dip gave off. :)
I've been a lenovo guy for years. Currently restoring / upgrading an x200 to use for Linux. This tutorial will help make the exterior brand spanking new again. Thanks for sharing.
Thinkpads are the best!
Jacob Hernandez I found a refurb one for $600 less than new and it turned out to be in fantastic shape and works great.
they are not meant for gaming
yes , and they're not made for cooking..
@Baby McGee thinkpads are for working, I am software developer and these laptops are great.
Twinkpads are shit, they break if you even look at them wrong. Buy a toughbook.
Have you made a follow up video to this? I'd like to see the longevity /durability.
is the dip safe for health?
Awesome job! Looks great. I have a Thinkpad T60 that came back looking good with some car polish, otherwise, I would do this method for sure.
Dude looks like it was factory made you did an amazing job I love and prefer the rough texture it gave one of my computers has that texture
Little tip: you have tp remove the tape while the last coat is still wet.
otherwise you would rip the plastidip off.
It's good idea I have A Thinkpad T400S and still Amazing today
Now I have a strange desire to hold my laptop close and dance dreamily around the room.
Tl;Dr - Video starts at: 3:29, Just in case anyone else out there came here to see a laptop get Plasti-Dip
This guy must have been great at writing essays in school.. I swear he just turned "the laptop is worn and is getting Platti-Dipped" into 2min and 43sec of video in the beginning.. I zoned out while reading an article and when i finished and started listening to the video again he was still saying the same thing lol. Bravo to you sir, I'm bad at "fluff".
That looks fantastic. I'm certainly gonna do it, but with deep blue color
Hey man, the end result looked great. I just had a few concerns before I try it myself.
Did you experience any wireless signal reduction after applying the coating? I don't know if the wireless card is 2.4 or 5, but water dense materials usually cause some trouble. The antenna is behind the screen on this model, no? You wouldn't happen to have speed tests from before/after, would you?
Nice, cans are way cheaper at Lowes or Home Depot, I checked
If you're going to be fully disassembling then you can probably do the bottom too, just put paper on the inside.
Excellent idea I never thought to use plastidip to redo my Thinkpad.
I did this to a T410 back in 2013 except I used red. I was very proud of how snazzy it looked.
Why not just take the lid off? Tape it up over the badges and you'd be gold.
Why not just get a new lid if your’e gonna take the lid off xD
Taking the lid off a ThinkPad is a massive pain in the ass though.
That's how you refurbish a laptop. Good job.
6:44 Ok then, it's been 3+ years now like you said in your video. It's time to update us on how your plastidip coating fared through your college years. Did you graduate? Did you get a job? Did the plastidip hold up?
That turned our really well! have used it on car wheels before with good results, its amazing how well it is to work with!
We were looking at doing our Thinkpad with Vinyl Wrap but tbh that looks a better solution
So stoked on starting my own thinkpad project. Want to dual boot mac os and windows on an x220 simply because of its portability and ruggedness
When you use tape masks with Plastidip, pull up the tape while the coat is still wet. Otherwise, you are ripping the rubbery compounds that cause it to be jagged.
Just saw a video on how to restore the cover of a Thinkpad using, first, magic eraser then finishing with Nvidia cream. Tried it and it worked.
@Raymond Which model? Newer ones don't have the same surface.
@Raymond Think that uses a different surface.
@Raymond Nice blaming others for your mistake.
@Raymond I don't have any, that's because I did it on a T430 as discussed in the video and not an X Carbon. Did you even look for the video I mentioned before you went ahead with your "repair"?
AA Computers and Technology Wow! It looks brand new! Wonder if the plastic coating will cover someones name scratched on the lid or should I use a filler first and sand it?
Huh. I'll give this a try. I just ordered a T-430 off E-Bay, so I'm sure it'll need something like this.
Damn, you make me buy a thinkpad by watch your videos! Thanks bro!
Want a better solution? Mr. Clean Magic Eraser activate it with 91% alcohol evenly clean the top. Found out the top of my T430 has pearls in it lol
You should be able to do touch ups after the fact with something like a toothpick dipped in some of the PlastiDip material. The can clearly has some kind of solvent in it, and it should make those jagged spots where you cut it blend right in. Assuming, of course, that you have a very steady hand.
Wow, this looks awesome! That's exactly what I need for my T420, it doesn't look too bad tho but some refreshment would be nice. Do you think this would work out for the trackpad too? The rubber coating of mine is pretty much worn out.
The trackpads have a sticker on them and plastidip is non conductive so covering the touchpad is a bad idea as it won't work afterwards
Montisaquadeis Well, no Plasti Dip for the trackpad then. Thanks for your reply.
Yeah you can buy a set of trackpad stickers on amazon for around $10. You just need a sharp knife and patience to do it.
For example www.amazon.com/Trackpad-Touchpad-Sticker-Thinkpad-T400ST410S/dp/B074K1YKRG/
Nick Schafer A trackpad sticker schould work fine. Never thought about that but I think it's the easiest solution. Thanks.
Little feedback on the recording. Watch your lighting next time. I'd record with the light in front of the laptop at the end of the video instead of behind it, as you can't see the sides of the lid due to the shadow
Cool idea, you should use and X-acto pencil knife to uncover Lenovo Thinkpad logos, it will be easier. Thanks for sharing!
When ever you post o get so happy!
you can get rid of the texture by spraying heavier coats(evenly) but I like how yours turned out :D
Anyway if you read this, I'm planning to get a thinkpad to do web development and for daily use but I don't have a lot to spend. I only have about $100 to spend for a thinkpad. Which thinkpad would you recommend?
You could easily get a T410 for under $100 bucks.
Great content! I'm thinking about buying an old school Thinkpad but this rubber panel was making me nervous then I saw your video. Thanks a lot.
How's it holding up after 2 years? Chipping off yet?
There me trying it in truck bedliner ,because local Halford here in the uk ran out of the plastic dip also did over my boblbe hard case cloth covered rugsack too came good
Once my think pad comes, I will plastidip it and leave the Lenovo badge covered but remove the dip from the Thinkpad badge. I don't like this shiny Lenovo badge, I like the new embossed Lenovo badge and leaving the plastic dip on it will give a similar effect
Why does almost everything that looks cringe on cars actually seem to work nicely on computers XD
Might do this with a Dell Optiplex desktop just to give it back its black color
It's the finish. Plastidip is rough and bumpy. You don't want that on a car, you want smooth and shiny.
did this to my Sony Vaio and it looks absolutely nice!
Hi! this is a great idea! I have a sony vaio that is at least 9 years old and it is white, but the part around the keyboard have become more yellow than white at this point (the lid is still glossy white) and I've been thinking on how to change that yellow color back to white and maybe this is a good option! How do you suggest I protect the keyboard for applying the layers of plasti dip so I can remove it later without removing the painting as well?
diana sousa Maybe try doing a process called Retr0bright. It might help. You can find a lot of tutorials of it on UA-cam.
Thanks! I'll check it up!
Can you tell me, where to buy thinkpad's ?
E-Bay. You can get used models like this for as low as $50 plus shipping
Inside the laptop also ? What about trying to refresh your keyboard ? Or the LCD panel !
Looks good. Easy. Do you think Plasti Dip will work fine on a motorcycle helmet?
I use a HP Envy DV6-7213nr, I was wondering if I should carbon wrap the lid, I don't want the metal getting scratched but IDK if it could hurt the laptop.
you are such a good boy man.
Hi. Tell me, please, how much time ago did you cover (because the video could be uploaded later than the cover) and how does it look NOW? Get like.)
So, I found a Lenovo ThinkPad T400 for 71 usd converted from 120 bgn( bulgarian leva) with a core 2 duo p8400 2gb ram. I think thats a good deal, since electronics in my country are like 20% more expensive than the rest of the world.
I spiced things up with my thinkpad and made it all black and purple with paint over the red
this vid might help me restore a yoga 260 that once belonged to a school but was abandoned its scratched up badly because of the student who had it was careless
I have a T420 and it looks like your thinkpad, great idea for my thinkpad thumbs up, great channel!! (from chile)
Good job Buddy! 💯
Car guys: "Ah I see you're a man of culture as well"
Does it last? If you can remove plasti dip, doesnt it peel away just by regular use? Thx!
Looks like it would have better grip also, neat idea.
I might use this to protect my collectible 1996 IBM thinkpad
On the T420 what is that slot on the right side below the extra memory slot? Still have not figured out what its for
I didn't know that the Lenovo era Thinpads had rubberized lid as well.
The sound of the intro shocked me. Now I am fully awake.
You did a good job in the end.
That came out solid!
would plastidip work on laptop surfaces where their rubber coating is getting sticky?
Great idea! Thanks for making this video!
Why don't you try bedliner for a more perminant fix, you would want to law down a primer first though.
This video's auto-generated Close Captioning thinks our boy is JAPANESE! LOL!
could you do the same thing with flex seal?
No, sorry
My inspiration 1525 has a ruber coating on rhe top too and it hasn't held up to well so i think I'll try this out
How long did it last before the coating started wearing off?
This is so Awesome! You make my day! I have many Lenovo's and a couple of them needed this.
I have lenovo thinkpad l570 i7 laptop bios locked how to reset bios chip .same body help me plz
where do you source genuine batteries for these laptops, i cant seem to find a genuine battery for these. i bought one that was listed as genuine, but it was a fake.
video style is very good
loved this customization
may be even try it on some weekend
Yoh should try a camo spray paint job like Dade from the movie Hackers.
does it rub off in normal use, putting it in a bag and so on
to avoid that orange skin, soak paint can in warm water before use
Love your channel! The contents are really useful / practical and interesting!
I wish I could get a cheap Thinkpad here in Italy...
you can, just keep searching on ebay and subito. i paid 105€ for my x220
105€ is far from 30/40$ for an used one in USA.
+HΞLLBΞNT For an X220 it's cheap.
just search around. I bought a like-new used x250 with the i7 processor for 400€ a year back in Switzerland.
HΞLLBΞNT be happy to not be in Brazil here a used one is equivalent to a one month salary
(R$:800,00)
Nice restauration man
I know this is old but how much do you charge to do this to a laptop ?
What do you think of chuwi lapbook 12.3?
Just bought a sliver version thinkpad, much harder to get dirty during daily use
so is not about apple... perfect, i'll continue watching
So, how's the plasti dip holding up after a year?
What are the specs of your desk top pc and your laptop?
Fair play that looks mint
looks super good.but im goning with a vinyl wrap for my acer beacause its cheaper and easier.
i have a acer aspire zg5
If you want to have a smooth finish put the plasti dip in hot tap water for 5 minutes, put again hot water for another 2-3 minutes and then spray the plasti dip. you will have a really smoth finish then. Thank me later.
*You could also vinyl wrap the laptop.*
Is it okay if I wrap a thinkpad with Vinyl sheet
How well do you think this would work on my T60?
nice job bro. ThinkPad W530 | Black (Factory New)
i have bought an 10 inch aspire one laptop in terrible state. it is missing a hard drive and a keyboard, and it's really really dirty! i am gonna clean it and fix it.
Wonder if it would cause the laptop to overheat
Thinkpads should look worn in. That's the point of them. Although I think everything should show its age and use.
There even is a transparent version of it
This is okay but can we use flexseal