[Nexus 7 General] rollerpig:
Will defiantly detail the process. For anyone interested in doing this here are the basics (pics coming once I get back to school):

I'm basically going to be using the same process i use on my projects. So if anyone is planning on attempting this they can decide, pending whether they have access to these materials/willing to put in the time. This process will work on pretty much anything you want to durably paint if you can find a primer for a material then you can paint it.

Here's a typical outline of what I do for a project in these case I'll apply the instructions for the Nexus 7 cover.

They start out with a dense shaping foam that is roughly shaped to design (not applicable here since the back cover is our "shape")

Create a solid stand for the back cover, I usually use left over scrap wood and mount with some hot glue or double sided masking tape

Apply layer of primer this creates uniform color/texture. This process may be skipped depending on how the cover reacts. I'm going to try and use acetone to strip off the waxy surface on the back cover. If this works depending on the new "raw" surface i will apply a thin coat of PCL Poly Primer thinned out with acetone (if this is applied too thick it may fill in the divots on the back which is one of the reasons i may skip it)

Pending whether or not the primer is necessary it may have to be smoothed with high grit sand paper (400-1000 wet sanding is not necessary)

Application of Automotive Basecoat (NOT SINGLE STAGE PAINT) Paint via HVLP gun or Air Brush an air compressor is necessary. If paint booth is accesible use this to prevent dust on paint job

Allow paint to dry look for paint imperfections, something known as orange peel is common where paint appears rough and textured like an orange. If any imperfections are seen wet sand with 1000 grit sand paper.

After paint is completed clear coat will be applied (must be in a dust free area or spray booth you don't want dust trapped between the paint and clear coat). I'm going to us a flat clear coat because I want to maintain the softer "leather" like appearance. Future paint jobs I may use a glossy clearcoat.

After clear coat dries you will have a durable back cover and a one of a kind nexus 7

I know these directions may seem a little over the top for novice "craftsmen" but this is what is necessary for a quality/durable paint job. I may try to find some rattle can primers and paints for a simpler paint job but i suspect this will not create a durable/quality job.

Materials:

For a quality/ "semi professional" job:

Acetone (nail polish remover) - steal it from your mom or girlfriend or go to home depot and buy a big metal tin

HVLP Gun - You cant get the cheapest of the cheap Amazon has these for sub $20 (may need a regulator if your air compressor doesn't have one)

Air Compressor

Respirator or dust mask

Materials to build a stand

Automotive Basecoat - you can find these at pepboys or other automotive shops they may have a limited assortment I go to a place called FinishMasters they can help you with all your questions and are priced reasonably

Automotive Clearcoat

TIME - applying the primer/paint/clearcoat would take literally less than 5 minutes its drying time that will take a while. intotal this process could probably be done withint 2-3 days

Estimated total $100

this may seem like a large upfront cost but as I mentioned with these materials and method you could paint virtually anything - cars, headphones, guitars, anything you can easily take apart and prime is paintable and in my opinion its a solid skill to learn

Poor Man's method:

Acetone

Spraycan Primer Krylon/Rustoleum

Spray Paint

Clear Coat

Estimated Cost $30

This is risky method for a few resons 1) all brands of products should be the same otherwise there may be strange chemical reactions 2) the benefit of an hvlp gun is you can control an even play of paint. With spray cans the only control you have is the pressure you put on the cans nozzle 3) The quality and "eveness" of paint will not be as good

If anyone is interested in getting theres painted (after I figure out all the ins and outs with my own of course) feel free to PM me I should have mine completed by the end of august(pics will be provided asap) and it will probably be cheaper than going out and buying a bunch of primer and paint spray cans.

Stay Classy XDA I'll update in a few weeks when it is finished