How to Paint a Gamecube Controller?

Ivan McCloud | May 3, 2023

GameCube Controller; the thing that takes us back to our joyful childhood. If you own a GameCube Controller from your school days and you don’t get enough time to play with it nowadays, I believe it has already made its place in the basement.

Wait, you can bring the GameCube Controller back to its shiny new look or even better! In this article, I’m going to tell you how to paint a GameCube Controller and bring the look that will take you to your sweet old gaming days. So, what are we waiting for? Just push the button on your GameCube Controller and let’s get started.

Also Read: Tips to Remove Paint from Rubber

What Kind of Paint Do I Use on a Controller?

When we are talking about painting a GameCube Controller, it means we are about to restore one’s childhood, and it is a serious task for sure! So, I would recommend you to stick to trusted spray paints. It will be a lot easier than traditional brush-on paints.

If you are not quite good at traditional brush-on painting, I wouldn’t recommend you try it out. So, if you want to work fast and hassle-free way, pick some spray paint cans.

How to Paint a Gamecube Controller?

There can be different ways of painting a GameCube controller. The steps may vary a little bit. But I will tell you an easy way of transforming your old masterpiece into a new one. Let’s begin.

Step 1: Take Apart the Controller

Before you make your hands messy with paints, you need to disassemble your controller. To take apart the controller, the first thing you need to do is to remove the screws. However, if you have a Nintendo product, you may find some difficulties removing the screws.

You will notice the screws are the tri-wing type, so regular Phillips screwdrivers are quite useless in this case. That’s why you need to purchase a tri-wing screwdriver. Then the rest of the process is normal as always. After removing the screws, gently pull out the rear shell.

Now you can easily remove the internal parts. You can keep them in a sealed bag or a container so that you don’t lose them. You can leave the buttons if you want to paint them. Okay, now you only have the shell which we are going to prepare for painting.

Step 2: Cleaning the Shell

The first step to painting your GameCube Controller is making good preparation. And a good prep phase starts with cleaning. You can use some dish soap and warm water. Make sure the water is mild; not too hot.

Now you need to thoroughly clean the shell with a sponge. After removing dirt and grime, rinse the shell. Repeat this process until the shell is properly cleaned.

Step 3: Buffing

After the GameCube Controller shell is cleaned, you need to buff it a little bit. You can easily do this with a regular Scotch Brite pad. This will remove the remaining grime or grease and the protective coating as well. Buffing will help better paint adhesion.

Remember I said there can be different ways of painting a GameCube Controller and the steps may vary a little bit. If you want, you can do sanding first using 600 grit sandpaper. Then you can wash the shell thoroughly and let it dry. You can use a damp paper towel to remove the excess water and accelerate the drying process.

Step 4: Adding Primer

For the base coat, a white primer would be a great choice. Shake the paint can well for about a minute. Now you need to gently apply a few very light paint coats. Once you get the speed, you need to evenly apply the paint so that the paint looks the same in all areas.

To evenly apply the paint, you should focus on overlapping your previous coat about 50% with the new coat. The height and speed you need to maintain while applying are important as well. If you are applying the paint from about 8 to 10 inches distance, you need to move slowly.

But when you are applying from a closer distance, you need to move fast otherwise you will end up with paint buildup.

Step 5: Allowing the Paint to Dry

After applying the primer, you need to allow it to dry for about 10 to 20 minutes.

Step 6: Applying the Main Paint

After the primer is dry, you need to start applying the main color. Apply the paint the same way you applied the primer. Maintain proper distance and speed to get better results. While applying the paint, following the manufacturer’s instructions would be a smart thing to do.

A single coat of paint may not be sufficient, so you will need to apply multiple coats. Make sure you allow each coat to sit properly before applying a new coat. Plus, when it comes to drying time, it may vary from brand to brand. So, make sure to check the drying time of the paint you chose and let it dry accordingly.

Step 7: Sealing the Paint

After the last coat of paint is properly dry, it’s time to protect the paint of the masterpiece. You can pick a good quality automotive clear coat spray paint. Using a good quality sealer will protect the paint underneath and make the GameCube Controller look glossy and professionally finished.

You may need to apply more than one coat. If you apply two coats, make sure each coat gets enough time to sit before you touch it. Plus, make sure the paint and sealer reach the hard-to-reach areas otherwise the finish will look unprofessional. So, don’t rush, take your time here.

Some paint fumes can be toxic, so take protective measures while applying the paint. You can wear a respirator. After you are done, you need to allow the shell to dry properly. However, don’t leave the shell outside to dry because dust, pollen, dirt, etc may damage the paint.

So, you can let the item dry in a place inside the house where it will be safe from dirt and dust particles. If you still notice some dust particles have clung to it, don’t worry, it’s not the end of the world! But it’s a tiresome job for sure. You need to allow the shell to dry first, then use sandpaper, and finally re-spray.

See How To Paint a Gamecube Controller:

How Do I Put a Logo on My GameCube Controller?

If you want a custom logo or a picture on the controller, you can choose waterslide decals or vinyl decals. Vinyl decals are very thin and you won’t be able to differentiate them from the actual paint designs until you look very closely. It’s a cheap option as well.

But if you want to add a complex design and want it to look more realistic, go for waterslide decals. After the two coats of the clear coat are properly dry, place the waterslide decals or vinyl decals on the shell and add a layer of clear coat again to make everything look perfect.

Note that if you are using a waterslide decal, you need to allow it to dry properly before applying the last coat of the clear coat.

Final Thoughts

GameCube Controllers are a true nostalgia. Painting a GameCube Controller is like turning an old masterpiece into a shiny new masterpiece that reminds our good old days when there were no worries about expenses, debt, or paying the bills. Some people get emotional when they get to meet these childhood buddies after a long time.

In this guide, I have talked about how you can paint your GameCube Controller. So, follow this guide and customize your GameCube Controller to bring your sweet memories back to their shiny look.