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How do I install a skin?

The Basics

Here are some basic guidelines we follow.

  • Wash your hands with soap and water.
  • Look over the skin to identify & match up where the pieces fit on your device.
  • Water works best for cleaning; don't use stuff like alcohol or glass cleaner.
  • If the skin sticks to itself, a quick snap frees it. Yanking or pulling can stretch it.
  • Don't peel up the clear layer; it's there to protect the skin's artwork.

 

Make It Easier

Here are a few things that can make installation a bit easier:

  • A flat, clean and dry work surface
  • A slightly damp paper towel or cloth
  • A dry paper towel or microfiber cloth
  • A safety pin, paperclip or Exacto knife

 

Step-By-Step

  1. Prep your operating table: We want a flat, clean area. Make sure it's clean. We're looking to avoid any dust, stray hairs and leftovers on the kitchen table.
  2. Prep your hands: Get up and scrub your hands with soap and warm water to remove any natural oils and grease from your hands. Dry your hands thoroughly.
  3. Prep your device: The surface of your device needs to be clean, so grab your damp towel and wipe your device down to remove any funk. Do not use windex or cleaning materials -  if you think you need more than a damp cloth a small amount of rubbing alcohol may be used.   (cleaning solutions can react with the skin)
  4. Dry your device: Using your dry towel, make sure there's no water left on your device. Let it sit for a few minutes to make sure any leftover water has evaporated.
  5. Get the skin ready: Using your safety pin or paperclip, carefully remove any tiny cutouts of the skin (like the microphone and speaker cutouts on iPhones). We've found it's best to do this while the skin is still on the backing. If after you have installed your skin the device is not working quite right you may have missed a piece to weed out. 
  6. Peel & Apply: Now you can gently peel your skin off its backing and apply it to your device. Start at one edge and use the other edges as a guide to get your skin perfectly lined up. Take your time. If you come across any air bubbles or wrinkles during the process, gently run your finger over them and the channeled adhesive will allow the bubbles to be pressed out.
  7. Heating your skin at the last point of installation may help with any stubborn areas.  Heat will stretch your skin so use it cautionsly.  With more complex skins that have more complex curves heat can be a big help.  Use sparingly.  
  8. You're done! You've just installed your skin. It's a good idea to allow the skin to bond so let it sit for a few minutes or a few hours.  Then go show off your newly skinned device to the world!

Updated on 25 Jan 2024