These instructions cover the installation of our precision-cut Playstation" skins and full-colour wraps.
Supplies Needed:
Before you get started, make sure you've got everything together in a well-lit area with a clean flat surface to work on. Kitchen tables work really well, as they're usually well-lit and have room to spread out. It is important to be comfortable and not cramped. Also make sure your Playstation is unplugged.
The first step is to read all of these instructions. Twice. Seriously- having patience and understanding will ensure that you get your skin or wrap installed perfectly. Although you're probably excited and can't wait to get it installed, if you rush ahead you're likely to mess up the installation and waste the beautiful new wrap you're eyeing right now.
If you purchased one of our full-color printed skins, ignore any instructions about removing application tape. Because of the advanced materials used to make those skins, no application tape is needed. Do not, under any circumstances, remove the clear laminate layer from the printed skins as it pretty much ruins it.
Surface preparation is the key - you want the areas covered by the skin to be as clean as possible before installing it. No grease, grime or anything else. We usually wipe ours down with rubbing alcohol using a lint-free cloth rag. If you're using a ragged towel, realize that the towel will leave particles, which may show up beneath the skin, so carefully check the surfaces after you've cleaned them. Next inspect the Playstation skin pieces. Do a mock lay out and see where each piece fits.
We always suggest starting with the smaller front piece. Peel the white backing paper from the skin piece and position it in place without touching - once it's aligned evenly all around, press down in the center to stick it and apply pressure using the squeegee to stick it down, working from the center outwards in even strokes. Take a hairdryer and lightly blow it on the piece. While continuing to blow on the piece, use your hand to apply pressure to the material. Once you've gone over the pieces you've installed so far, take a break and let them cool down, come back and slowly peel the application tape off. If you notice it start to pull the skin off, apply pressure to the area and slowly peel the tape off. Using your free hand to apply constant pressure to the problem piece and slowly peel the tape off. If it looks like it's going to peel off the skin, stop, apply heat and leave it alone for another 10 minutes. . The tape peels up best if pulled backwards from the surface at about 90 degrees.
Repeat this step on the sidepiece- when properly aligned, it will fit evenly and have an equal gap around its edge.
The next piece is the most difficult of them all!
For the top of the console, remember that the surface MUST be clean. This is the part everyone sees, and dirt under the skin will show up. Wipe it off again just to be safe.
This part is easier with another set of hands! After peeling the backing paper off, carefully position the piece without letting it touch the top of your console. Start this piece by aligning it against one of the corners. Once you've got it aligned, adhere it by applying pressure in the center and again, work your way outwards. Once it's all applied, use the squeegee to apply firm pressure to help bond the skin to the top of the console.
Break out the hairdryer again and do the same as you did before - work the top surface and then leave it for ten minutes to cool down and bond. When that's finished, come back and slowly peel the application tape up. Again, peel it off backwards, so that you're not pulling up into the air.
Any residual air bubbles usually dissipate naturally within the next day or so. You can also use your fingers to work them out and press down and trouble spots where you may have missed cleaning.
You can clean your wrap or skin with water and mild soaps - most colors are the same vinyl that's made to last for years on cars, trucks and exterior signage. Just avoid any solvents or thinners - they can have unpredictable results with vinyl. Remember that this is a piece of electronics; a lot of water is bad! Also if you clean your Playstation let it set for a good 12 hours before plugging it in.