Hello this is my first Instructable so go easy with the comments. :P well in this Instructable I will show you how to paint your xbox 360 controller! (yea I know there is a lot of Instructables on this). well I am not a pro painter/modder but I will try my best on describing every step. :D

Step 1: Materials

you are going to need a few things but they can be found around the house.
The things you need are :

An Xbox 360 controller
Spray paint (any color will do, I choose green for halo, lol)
Fine grit sandpaper
Rough grit sandpaper
a Paint brush
Tape
Polyurethene clear coat (spray paint or in a paint can)
Scissors
String
Torx T8 security screw driver
OR a Small Flathead from a eyeglass screw driver set
a Cup
Sharpie (any color) (optional)
and Patience

Step 2: Preperation

ok now that you got all your materials go ahead and find a place to work like a table.
Now ask your self 2 questions:
1.) do you want to do this?
and
2.) do you want to void your warranty?
(saying yes to #1 means you have to void your warranty)

if you said yes to both go to step 3

Step 3: S C R E W S!!!!!!

it is annoying to remove the screws but thats something your going to have to deal with soooo,
remove 'em!

Once you removed them put them all in that cup or something similar
and put the serial label somewhere you'll remember.

gentally lift up on the circut board and the rumble motors. put it all carefully in a spot where it wont be damaged. also put the buttons and grey pads with the board too.

*NOTE* the d-pad has two little screws so don't yank on it or it could snap that would be bad.

Step 4: DESIGN :D

this step is all up to you. go crazy with stripes, create a psychdellic design, or you can even make it one color! but just make sure you have it all planned out before hand.

PREP THE CONTROLLER

OK your controller should be just the empty shell (take the bumpers too, but paint them separately, and leave the grey part in your room or off to the side)

thread some string through the top part of the controller and tie it in a knot (pic2)

if your doing a design,like a strike going diagonally through the controller, then make the stripe by putting tape how you want it on the controller (see pic 1)

Step 5: Painting Time! :D

Finally.....
It is time....
TO COLOURRR!!!

First what your going to do is get your spray paint and apply a nice neat EVEN COAT (very Important). Then wait an hour for it to dry. Then apply another even coat. Wait ANOTHER hour.Then apply a 3rd coat. I bet you cant guess what to do next? yup thats right wait, but this time wait like 4 hours for it to completely be dry (long time is'int :p) Once done move to step 6.

P.S. for the last time i waited i just let it dry over night (i started this painting at about 2:30pm)

Step 6: Tape + Sharpies

OK now you are going to remove all the tape.
then color over or fill in the white spots with any color sharpie. or not. its up to you.
then go spray paint the bumpers (RB and LB). and use the same steps as in step 5.

Step 7: Clear Coat Time

OK so far you should have everything painted and looking cool. you should have your controllers' PCB in a safe spot along with the buttons and that grey part.

So far, So Good.

Now what you want to do is get your polyurethane clear coat, your controller, a paint brush, and some tape.

*Note* If you painted the bumpers and the little button that connects your controller to another xbox apply clear coat to those parts separate from the rest of the controller.

Now every hole where a button used to be cover with tape from the INSIDE of the controller. (your controller should be separated into 2 halves.

now apply an even coat of the that polyurethane stuff to both halves of the controller.
then wait for it to dry.
then another coat to both halves of the controller.
then wait for it to dry.
then a final coat to both halves of the controller, and wait for it dry over night again.

Step 8: Assembley

Ok this one is pretty simple all you have to do is put it back together.
if the hole where the analog sticks go feel sticky, sand it down with the rough sand paper first and then smooth it out with the finer grit sand paper.
same thing with all the other holes where buttons go sand it down with the rough grit sand paper and then smooth it with the finer sand paper.

CONGRATULATIONS!!!
you did it
pat your self on the back and go kick some ass