How To: Brushing the Metallic Backing of your iPod/iPhone

Posted by Jody Mitoma on April 27, 2008 at 10:43 pm

I’m sure most of you already heard of others brushing the metallic side of their iPods and iPhones, but I figured I’d take a few minutes out of my day to explain exactly how it is done, just in case some of you have never heard of this, or have heard of it, but were never willing to do it because you weren’t able to find a decent tutorial on the Internet.

Tonight, folks, I will show you how it is done, using images from other sources, as I do not have my iPod Touch with me right now. Do note, that if I did have my iPod Touch, I’d of taken the photos, and probably even a video, of how to do this. My apologies for not being able to provide this top quality assurance to you this evening. Apple currently has my iPod Touch, and has had it since April 22nd. The Apple website states that my iPod is currently being “Diagnosed”, and has been for the past 5 days. I’d like my iPod back, Apple. Thanks.

Anyway, moving right along, here are the steps on turning your shiny mirror-like iPhone/iPod backing into a brushed metallic-look.

How to give your iPhone/iPod Touch that brushed metallic look

What You Need:

- Electrical Tape (to cover the front of the device)
- Paper or Material (to help cover the front of the device)
- Kitchen Sponge (to make the actual scratches)

1. Preperation:

Before getting started, you’ll want to clean off your working area, so that nothing gets in the way. Now, take your electrical tape, and place a few strips along the sides of the iPod/iPhone itself, leaving a lip of tap sticking out. Now, cut out a piece of paper, or some kind of material, the same size as the front of your iPod/iPhone, and place it on the front surface of the iPod/iPhone itself. Once it is sitting there, take the tape surrounding the sides of the device, and fold them inwards, holding onto the paper, or material you placed within the center. Be careful not to miss anywhere along the edges, as you will be scrubbing the metallic kitchen sponge as close you can to the edges to get the best effect, being cautious not to miss any spots.

2. The Main Mission:

Now, moving right along, it is time to start scrubbing. Grab your kitchen scrubber, and using the rough side of the sponge, start rubbing upward, and downward. Be sure to push hard a little bit, as it won’t take as long if you do so. You’ll want to be sure to keep the sponge going the same direction the whole time, otherwise you won’t get as good a quality job as you may have hoped for. Do keep in mind that this job is very time consuming, and will most likely take you up to an hour (or more) to complete. So, be ready for that.

Be extra careful when doing the sides, bottom, and top, as there are buttons and connectors on these edges. Be sure to put a bit of tape over the buttons and connectors you don’t want scratched, depending on what device you plan on doing this to.

That’s basically all there is to it. You’re done! How does it look?

Wanna get technical? Have a look at the design below:

This, I’m guessing, is done by basically using tape of some sort, or sticky paper, and cutting out a design from within, placing it onto the ipod backing, and then brushing around the tape/sticky paper. Fairly simple, I would imagine, really.

When I get my iPod back from Apple, I will think out a design to do on the back of my iPod Touch, and post the end results on Touch Podium. If you’ve got any neat designs you’d like to share with us, feel free to leave a comment below, or send us a tip at tips@touchpodium.com! We’d love to see what you’ve come up with.

If you’re still hesitant, go on and have a look at this gallery for more brushed iPod photos.

Personally, I think it looks 10x better brushed. Also, not only does it look better, but you don’t have to be as careful with the device itself when placing it down on pavement or any other rough surfaces of your choice, because the devices backing is now entirely engulfed in ’scratches’ anyway. Hey, two in one packaging. I love it when that happens.

If you have any questions, head on over here and ask away.

Also, if you’re worried that this may void your devices warranty, well, don’t be. It won’t.

(Source: Optusnet.BrushediPod)

Posted in Miscellaneous, Tutorials & Help