Painting CCTV Cameras

Greetings. Apologies as the photos aren’t the greatest. I was in a hurry and heaps going on. Out of the box most CCTV cameras I have seen are glossy white or black. For my purpose I needed a covert camera to conceal in a tree. Trail cams didn’t quiet fit my needs. I purchased the Eufy 2pc unit from JB Hifi so dressing them up was my choice. I had considered going all out and concealing with camouflage and scrim but by just changing the paint to a matte finish made a big difference.

These cameras have a large piece of glass on the front of the housing to protect the camera, infrared light and speakers etc. I chose to leave the glass as is. I don’t need any function other than the camera as there is sufficient ambient light for the camera to function. I could have painted the glass as well but eh.. The glass really does stand out though.

Painters tape

Acetone

Plastic primer

Paint in matte finish

Fine sand

This is a very short instructable as it’s very easy. I couldn’t find info on painting cameras and thought I would share. I will admit I was a little nervous potentially affecting the warranty of a brand new set of cameras that I had just purchased and hadn’t even used. For this reason I chose not to paint the glass.

I will not be explaining how to paint or apply aerosol products. Please follow the directions and use as directed in a well ventilated area.

Step 1. Disassemble your camera mount to allow painting. Leave the plastic screen protector on the glass lens. Take your painters tape or masking tape and tape off the areas you don’t want painted. These cameras have a small button on top. If you are worried about affecting it, tape over it. I didn’t and just freed it up afterward.

Step 2. Clean your surfaces with acetone. WARNING Acetone eats plastic. Your camera case is most likely plastic. With a cloth or paper towel add a very small amount of acetone so the cloth is just damp. A quick and very gentle wipe over and your done. You may notice the plastic might react to the acetone. If you wipe it down with a rag soaked in it, the housing might melt. Less is definitely more.

The acetone will take the sheen off the plastic and rough it a little to help the paint stick. Don’t touch the surface after cleaning.

Step 3. Find a plastic specific primer and apply. I used a Dulux product I previously used for models and it worked well

Step 4. Apply a matte or ultra matte finish paint. In aerosols, Rust o leum are the only ones I am aware of that make such paints that are available where I live. They have their camouflage series as well which are great. It’s easier to find pot paint in a matte finish and apply by brush or gun.

Optional step 5. To give an even greater non reflective finish, dust with fine sand/silica/grit or similar anti slip products to the wet paint and spray a dust coat to stick the sand in place. If brushing on, mix into the paint. I would avoid brushing if possible. Better results with spraying.

I am really happy with the result I could have colour matched the house camera so it blended right. The other camera is concealed in plain view at head height in a shadowy spot and it cant be seen unless you are looking for it.

Paint to suit including camo if needed.

Hope that helps.