Xbox skins installation
These instructions cover the installation of our precision-cut "Master" series of Xbox" skins. If you purchased a 4-piece starter kit, the installation procedure is the same (just skip the write-up about the pieces you don't have).
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 Xbox 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 skin 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 Xbox pieces. Do a mock lay out and see where each piece fits.
We always suggest starting with the power and eject panel. It's a small piece and it's pretty easy to line up because of the holes. 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. This will push any air bubbles out and ensure that the piece is adhered properly. Repeat this step on the brow piece above the power button - when properly aligned, it will fit evenly and have an equal gap around its edge. For smaller pieces like this, we find that the squeegee is overkill - a thumb or finger works equally well. For the time being, you should leave the clear application tape on. We'll pull this off at the end of the install.
The controller port covers follow the same concept - align them using the holes as a guide then press down the center and work outwards using the squeegee. Pay attention to the lines along the bottom and top of the console - the skin piece follows them evenly. Once the flat portion of the panel is covered, carefully wrap the edges, again working outwards. Leave the application tape on for now.
The controller port brows are a little more difficult. The trick is to line up the inside edge and work outwards before finally wrapping around the corner of the console. Again, work slowly and patiently. We find that when doing this piece, it is easier to only apply light pressure when aligning it. Once everything's spaced properly, smooth it down using your thumb.
The rear corners are easy pieces - peel the backing tape, align the sides and work them around to the back. They should go in ¼ inch or so - just enough to preserve the "look" of being wrapped completely. Again, leave the clear application tape on.
If you choose to install the optional lower lip pieces (the long skinny ones with no application tape), simple peel them from the backing paper, carefully align them and then press firmly to stick them into place.
Take a hairdryer and lightly blow it on the pieces that have been applied. They shouldn't get hot to the touch - just get them warm enough to help the adhesive bond. If you get it too hot, you could melt the skin or the application tape. While blowing them with the dryer, 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. After about 10 minutes, 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. This usually means that there's something on the surface that's preventing the skin from getting a good bond. 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.
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. We find it's easiest to align the center circle and the inside points of the X when doing this piece. Once you've got it aligned, adhere it by applying pressure in the center and again, work your way outwards. We do one piece of the "X" at a time and carefully work outwards to prevent any air bubbles. 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.
The lower lip pieces (the ones without application tape) simply stick to the bottom edges of the xbox. They're very easy to apply - align them carefullty then press down! We find that a squeegee isn't needed for the thin strips.
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 Xbox let it set for a good 12 hours before plugging it in.