The 411
Astroboy,
I worked as a tech with Alchaemy in LA. They color anodize macs, so I can tell you the 1's and 2's of what you're trying to get done and how to go about it.
First I'd shy away from anodizing, though it's the better process. It's a lot trickier and dangerous than some may think. Government regulations which make it's illegal to do at home without a permit aside...because who cares right? There's a high probability you'll destroy the system. Apple Computers are already anodized so you'll need a specific bath to strip that off. That bath is also made of pretty nasty chemicals. After that....Prep, a good job is always in the prep. Then you'll need a pro set up because Apple's aluminum is a mix blend. To get an even finish across the various properties you'll have to know what you're doing, then getting the coloring right....well lol. It's just not something that I would recommend if you don't know what you're doing. It's not like anodizing a paintball gun. It takes a science to get it right. You have to know the exact acid level and electrical current for the specific size for the specific proprieties of the aluminum piece. Then theirs sealing, and what not. Mixing sulfuric acid and electrical currents may not be a good idea if you don't know what you're doing. There's a lot of things that can go wrong. From explosive to toxic fumes. If you do it, do it in a garage well ventilated.........with a professional! Even with a pro at anodizing doing to an Apple system isn't the same as anodizing standard metal, you really have to mimic the specific anodizing procedure Apple uses.
Powder-coating on the other hand is a simpler process and can be done at home with mixed results. Colorware doesn't powdercoat, they liquid paint. It's a different process. Powder-coating isn't as clean as anodizing. It gives it a thick layer as opposed to anodizing which eats into the existing aluminum. Powder coating is less durable, can chip, and scrape where anodizing can not. whether or not you can powder coat the system also depends on the model MacBook you're talking about doing. Powder coating will "fill-in" the small holes for your speakers and microphones, so if you're rocking a 15" with speakers on the side of the keyboard, you wouldn't go powder-coating. Late models which have plastic throughout the body itself is a No! The shop you spoke to was right.. But ask them if they have "Low-Temp" powder. It may cost you twice as much, but it wont damage the plastic, and any good PC shop should have some instock...depending on the color you want. Go with the shop. Powder coating takes a bit of know how as well. Both process involve working with electrical currents, but powder coating is far safer. If I were you, I'd go with powdercoating. Worse thing that can happen is you'll ruin your system, not to dangerous to you as a person if you use common sense, are mindful of the voltage, don't do it at home and have the appropriate safety gear. Like all good paint jobs you'll need a clean room.
As for resell value..something is only worth what someones willing to pay for it. If you do a sick job, with a sick color....it could very well go up.
The safest and cheapest way is liquid paint, like colorware does, but you really have to know what you're doing if you're going to paint aluminum. You'll still need to get the ano off the macbook, and get the surface etched....SMH. PM me if you get hung up. I've heard of people straight painting over Apples ano, which if you prep it right might work.. I've never seen it but Airliners ano aluminum before they liquid paint. The ano provides adhesion for the paint. But I believe thats Phos ano not Sulf...could be wrong.
Try which ever solution fits your budget. If you don't like the result you may just end up going with the pros. Colorware for liquid paint or Alchaemy for anodizing. If you're dead set on powder-coating there's a shop in Vegas I believe that powdercoats Macs. Let me look for their info and post back. ........Or the best, easiest, safest and most cost effect measure of getting your mac a good color...A nice hard case from your local Apple store
They've got loads of colors and a rather nice looking leather one last time I was in there.
