Installation Guides

Installation Guides

DS Skins

Supplies Needed:

• Installation Instructions
• Nintendo DS Game Unit (turned off)
• Alcohol and Ammonia-Free Cleaner (or water)
• Lint-free cloth cotton rag

Installation Steps:

1. Clean the DS with a clean lint-free cotton cloth and water or ammonia-free glass cleaner by putting a small amount of cleaner on the cloth then wiping down the DS. Once the unit is dry and free of any contaminants or dust, you're ready to start.
2. The exact order of the installation is personal preference, although starting with the smaller pieces may help you familiarize yourself with the process. Before starting, visually inspect your skin to familiarize yourself with the pieces so you know which goes where. Then, one by one, peel the skin pieces from the backing paper and apply them to the DS.

Tips:

• When applying the larger pieces (the area around the screen or the top of the unit), it's helpful to start in the center then work your way outwards towards the edges. Remember that you can always peel it back and reapply it if needed. Any minor air bubbles, pockets or wrinkles can simply be pushed out with your fingertip.
• The pieces that go by the thumb-pad and buttons should have even spacing around those controls when applied properly. Take your time when installing those as they're the most difficult pieces.
• Your new DS skin can be cleaned with a wet cloth at any time and is unaffected by most cleaners

DS Lite Skins

 

Supplies Needed:

• Installation Instructions
• Nintendo DS Lite Game Unit (turned off)
• Alcohol and Ammonia-Free Cleaner (or water)
• Lint-free cloth cotton rag

Installation Steps:

1. Clean the DS Lite with a clean lint-free cotton cloth and water or ammonia-free glass cleaner by putting a small amount of cleaner on the cloth then wiping down the DS Lite. Once the unit is dry and free of any contaminants or dust, you're ready to start.
2. The exact order of the installation is personal preference, although starting with the smaller pieces may help you familiarize yourself with the process. Before starting, visually inspect your skin to familiarize yourself with the pieces so you know which goes where. Then, one by one, peel the skin pieces from the backing paper and apply them to the DS Lite.

Tips:

• When applying the larger pieces (the area around the screen or the top of the unit), it's helpful to start in the center then work your way outwards towards the edges. Remember that you can always peel it back and reapply it if needed. Any minor air bubbles, pockets or wrinkles can simply be pushed out with your fingertip.
• For the skin around the upper screen area, use the screen and the speaker holes to align the skin. You can carefully peel up and reposition the unbonded skin to fine-tune the placement.
• The lower piece is the most difficult because of the large number of controls and curves on the surface. We find that it's easiest to start by centering the skin with the lower border of the screen. The gap between the skin and the screen should be even on the bottom three sides. Once that's aligned, position and bond each side of the lower skin.
• The pieces that go by the thumb-pad and buttons should have even spacing around those controls when applied properly. Take your time when installing those as they're the most difficult pieces.
• Your new DS Lite skin can be cleaned with a wet cloth at any time and is unaffected by most cleaners.

Playstation 2 Skins

These instructions cover the installation of our precision-cut Playstation" skins and full-colour wraps.

Supplies Needed:

• Installation Instructions
• Plastic Squeegee (for chrome and solid color skins only, can also use a credit card)
• Playstation" Game Console (unplugged)
• Rubbing alcohol
• A small hairdryer (set on low)
• Lint-free cloth cotton rag

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.

 

With such a large surface area, the PS3 skin installation can be a little tricky for just one person. We've found it works best to have 2 people install the top piece.

1. Start with a clean PS3 and a clean, flat working surface. To clean the PS3, we recommend just a damp cloth. Basically, you want to make sure your PS3 is dry and free from any oil, dirt, or residue before beginning the skin installation.
2. Carefully remove the largest skin piece from its backing, with each person holding 2 corners. Hold the skin taut (but don't pull!) and line it up over the top of the PS3, aligning the corners.
3. Set the skin down gently and put light pressure in the center of the skin (A) to bond it to the very top center of the PS3.
4. Working from the center, gently bond the skin across the top curve from side to side (B), pressing out any bubbles.
5. Once the skin is bonded across the top center, work your way out from the center to the front and back edges (C).
6. The 2 remaining skin pieces can be aligned and bonded by one person -- just line them up carefully and smooth the skin gently to bond.

Some additional notes:

1. If the skin folds onto itself as you're lining it up, the best way to unstick it is a quick snap. Don't pull or yank too hard, or the skin will stretch. A quick controlled tug (like removing a bandaid) is all that's needed.
2. We've seen several PS3 consoles (ours included) where the power and eject buttons are not always responsive, regardless of whether a skin has been installed. Our skins don't interfere with these buttons. If you see this issue, try turning the PS3 off and back on using the back power switch - we found that this resolved the issue on our unit.

 

Supplies Needed:

• Installation Instructions
• Nintendo Wii (turned off)
• Alcohol and Ammonia-Free Cleaner (or water)
• Lint-free cloth cotton rag

With such a large surface area, a Wii skin installation can be a little tricky for just one person. We've found it works best to have 2 people install this skin.

Installation Steps:

1. Surface preparation is the key - you want the areas covered by the skin to be as clean as possible before installing it. Clean the Wii with a clean lint-free cotton cloth and water or ammonia-free glass cleaner by putting a small amount of cleaner on the cloth then wiping down the Wii. Once the unit is dry and free of any contaminants or dust, you're ready to start.
2. Visually inspect your skin to familiarize yourself with the pieces so you know which goes where. We suggest starting with the smaller side piece.
3. Lay the Wii on its side with the front of the console facing to your right. Remove the smaller skin from the backing paper, and align it over the Wii without touching the skin to the device.
4. Once the skin is visually aligned, set the skin down gently and put light pressure in the center of the skin to bond it to the surface.
5. Working from the center, gently bond the skin across the side of the Wii from the center to the outside edges, pressing out any bubbles.
6. Turn the Wii over so the opposite side is facing up.
7. Remove the larger skin piece from the backing paper, and align it with the back and bottom of the Wii without touching the skin to the device.
8. Once the skin is visually aligned, set the skin down gently and put light pressure in the center of the skin to bond it to the surface.
9. Working from the center, gently bond the skin across the side of the Wii from the center to the outside edges, pressing out any bubbles.
10. Once the side is bonded, press the skin around the corner at the top of the Wii, and continue pressing toward the opposite edge to bond the skin across the top.
11. Repeat this process to bond the skin across the front of the Wii.

Tips:

• Remember that until you bond the skin to the device, you can always carefully peel the skin back and reapply it if needed. Any minor air bubbles, pockets or wrinkles can simply be pushed out with your fingertip. You can also use a hair dryer on low heat to help bond the skin and make it easier press out any minor wrinkles that appear during installation.
• If the skin folds onto itself as you're lining it up, the best way to unstick it is a quick snap. Don't pull or yank too hard, or the skin will stretch. A quick controlled tug (like removing a bandaid) is all that's needed.
• Your new Wii skin can be cleaned with a damp cloth. Avoid cleaners containing solvents or thinners. We recommend leaving the Wii unplugged for at least several hours after cleaning to ensure that it's completely dry before use.

 

Xbox 360 controller skins

Some of us never read directions - we just plough forward, making it up as we go along. Unfortunately, if you're not familiar with the application of a cast vinyl skin kit on a complex curved surface, the end result may not be what you expect. To make things easier, we've documented how we install our Xbox 360 controller skins. While you're free to put the skins on however you'd like, we find that following this sequence has great results.

As with any skin, start with a clean, well-lit working space (Fig.1).

Also make sure your controller is free of any oil, dirt or residue. Installing a skin on a controller covered with natural body oils (most people don't wash their hands before playing) can result in the skin coming loose.

To start with, remove the skin from its backing and hold it carefully with two hands (Fig.2) on either side.

Allow the center of the skin to sag slightly, and lower the skin to the controller, aligning it with the Xbox Guide, Start and Back buttons (Fig. 3). Press gently on around those three controls to bond that area once aligned.

Starting from below the Xbox Guide button, press down and bond the section of material between the Directional Pad and Right Stick. The skin stops at the edge where the white plastic upper portion meets the charcoal metallic strip; the lower edge of the skin can be bonded (Fig. 4) to the controller.

The next step is to bond the skin material immediately around the directional control (Fig.5). Don't bond the lower left portion of the skin yet - that should stay loose for the time being.

Once the skin around the Directional Control is set, carefully bond the skin at the 11 o'clock position above the Left Stick (Fig.6). You may end up with what looks like excess material on either side of the bond - once that entire area is bonded, the material can be smoothed out, starting towards the center of the controller and working out.

The finished result (Fig.7) fits tightly and contours to the compound curves on the controller.

While gently holding the lower right portion of the skin, bond the material around the Y, X, B and A buttons (Fig.8). Again, start towards the center of the controller and work outwards - this allows you to push any air pockets or minor wrinkles out as they occur.

Once the upper portion around those buttons is bonded, gently pull the skin taught and bond the 5 o'clock position (Fig 9.). Using the same technique as the upper left portion, then bond the material on either side, smoothing it out as you go.

The finished result (Fig.10) is typical DecalGirl - a precision fit that looks like clear-coated airbrushed artwork! The operation of the controller isn't affected at all, nor is any warranty. The skin can be cleaned as needed with a damp cloth, but do not use any solvents as they may damage the protective coating.

Xbox Skins

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:

• Installation Instructions
• White Plastic Squeegee (optional, but for chrome and solid color skins only - a credit card will work as well)
• Xbox" Game Console (unplugged)
• Rubbing alcohol
• A small hairdryer (set on low)
• Lint-free cloth cotton rag

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.

Installation Tips

 

 

Psp skin installation

Your DecalGirl vinyl skin is very flexible and designed to conform to the unique compound curves of the device. This allows it to offer maximum coverage while retaining compatibility with most cases.

It's important to work on a clean, dust-free surface. Trapped dirt beneath the skin looks bad and the whole idea is to improve the appearance of the device. It is critical to thoroughly clean your PSP with a lint-free cloth to remove any oil, dirt or residue and ensure that it's dry before attempting to install any skin. This ensures a proper bond between the skin and the device. Failure to do so can result in the skin loosening over time.

Remove the excess vinyl material from the border of the skin (a process called "weeding") and discard it. This is the plain white area where copyright notices and such are usually printed. You can also remove the vinyl cutouts for the screen area and controls at this time if you'd like.

The back skin is the easiest to install. Carefully align each piece and lay it on the surface. So long as it's not bonded, you can easily pull it back up and reposition it to get it correct (in case you misaligned it initially). Once you're happy with the position of the skin pieces, press firmly starting in the center of the piece and work outwards to bond it. Any minor air bubbles, pockets or wrinkles can simply be pushed out with your fingertip - that's the perk to the special material we use!

Due to the large number of controls on the device's front, it's a bit more difficult to install. While we'd considered covering less area, we feel that the extended coverage the front skin offers is worth the little extra effort to apply.

Using two hands, align the top of the skin with the four corners of the screen area. Note that the skin covers the inactive portion of the lens, only allowing the active LCD to show through. Pay attention to the alignment of the bottom controls (volume, home, start, etc) while setting the initial position. Once the initial portion is aligned, do the left and right sides one at a time - the skin will conform to the sloped face. Once applied, wrap the top and bottom edges then press firmly to bond it, removing any air bubbles, pockets or wrinkles in the process.

Clean the skin with a damp cloth, if desired. Do no use ammonia or solvent based cleaners on it as they may deteriorate the high-gloss protective coating.

 

xbox 360 installation

A fantastic third-party review (with pictures) showing the installation process is also available here: [H]Console Review. Not only is it a great neutral source showing a properly installed skin, but the pictures of the installed product are pretty good.

Most importantly, make sure the console is clean of all dirt, oil and residue before installing the skin. Installing a skin over an oily or dirty surface can cause the skin to lose adhesion and fail. We prefer a damp cloth, though you can use a small amount of rubbing alcohol on a cloth if desired. It's critical that you allow the console to to dry (or the alcohol to evaporate) prior to installing the skin. To prevent any dirt beneath the skin, work in a clean, dust free environment - a clean countertop works great.

With the faceplate skin, we always pop the faceplate off to do it. Holding it slightly loose (so it dips slightly in the center), we start by lining up the connect button and the memory card slots. Then, align it by the bottom door and bottom edge. After that, we align the top and the edges around the CD tray. You have to press the vinyl into place so it stretches and fills the depression where the power button is; same thing by the DVD eject button. It's personal preference, though - it's just what we've found works best for us; you may discover a trick that works great for you.

Remember that we've allowed excess material on the outside edges for it to wrap the edge of the faceplate. This makes the installed product look more like a true faceplate.

As with any large skin piece, we find it's easiest to do the sides with two people; just hold hold each corner and lower the skin down, positioning it so that it lines up properly with the top/bottom/front/back edges. Once it's in position, press firmly starting in the center and working outwards to bond it.