View Full Version : Brushed Steel iPod Tutorial
The tutorial has been moved to a site I just made, now with more pics.
http://members.optusnet.com.au/brushedipod/
I am a newbie when it comes to websites, so I am impressed by what I did, so don't complain.
erdmanda
11-09-2003, 07:56 PM
nice
Nicholas
11-09-2003, 08:01 PM
Nice tutorial. I cant seem to figure out the point of step 2 though. Why would you put the tape around the side of the ipod only on the metal? Could you clarify for me?
fasterthanlight
11-09-2003, 08:54 PM
i'd have to see the brushed metal in real life before i did that to my baby
Hehe, step two is me being tired and not thinking. Its supposed to be the other way around. Put the tape on the plastic, leave the metal clear :P
fasterthanlight, come to Australia and I'll show it to you, I'll even do it for you :)
fasterthanlight
11-09-2003, 09:03 PM
oh ok, ill just trek all the way from canada
in fact, ill just use my super powers to fly over there
in fact, ill use my super powers to do it to my ipod, then, if i dont like it, i can just reverse it with my super powers
Nicholas
11-09-2003, 09:37 PM
OK thanks for clarification. And im with fasterthanlight, i wont do it until i see it in person.
deftdrummer1
11-10-2003, 12:13 AM
i dont care how my ipod looks. just performs :-)
snowpig
11-10-2003, 12:44 AM
hehe i live in Sydney, Australia too. Maybe you can do it to mine :)
sparks9
11-10-2003, 10:10 AM
Adam, do you think it is possible to remove the brushed effect with some kind of polish, if people regret doing it?
It looks quite good, and prof. as you say, but I would never do that to my iPod, tho.
revmike
11-10-2003, 10:18 AM
The spounge you are talking about is called scotch brite here in the U.S.
altcountryman
11-10-2003, 11:02 AM
Wow - looks cool! I don't think I've got the guts to do it myself (especially since the iPod is sort of technically my wife's) but maybe someday...
theipodking
11-10-2003, 11:26 AM
yeah, but doesn't it still leave finger marks? It will still take the oily residue off the fingers won't it?
moppe
11-10-2003, 11:29 AM
Adam: check your PM.
Evil Inside
11-10-2003, 01:33 PM
Excellent post Adam. This should be made into an article on this site. Mods?
I'm very tempted to do this to my iPod since I bought it refurbed and managed to get the front cleaned up with Brasso.
I think apple should make the iPod case like this instead of polished. Maybe you should send them the tutorial. They do listen to people.
Have you noticed, does this brushed effect help keep the back of the iPod from getting scratched?
moppe
11-10-2003, 02:15 PM
It would be great if you could post some more pictures.
Nicholas
11-10-2003, 06:15 PM
id also like more pics
Infamouschitlin
11-10-2003, 08:07 PM
just finished my job. Took about twenty minutes for the back and about 2 for each side. I used scotch brite for those in the US. I don't regret it for a second. Also it got rid of every scratch on the back of the pod. If your going to do this remenber, if you mess up it will fix itself after fifteen or so strokes.
Nicholas
11-10-2003, 08:26 PM
Could someone who did this post more, better quality pics? Please?
jasonmccabe
11-10-2003, 09:58 PM
That's really nice!!!!!!
blupixelz
11-11-2003, 01:47 AM
this brushed steel mod has been done before...
http://deep.urbanturban.no:16080/ipod/brushed/
but the question is: does it void the warranty for your ipod?
i've also tried this method on some aluminum surface, and one thing i've learned is that you should not press too hard against the surface while brushing. if you do, it will create irregular patterns and therefore it will look like bunch of scratches. also keep the pressure constant and soak the sponge with hot water (just little bit).
grease smudges stopped after the brushing process.
i'm also afraid about the final result near the buttons and headphone jack. i don't think this is a such a gd idea unless you dissamble the ipod.
blupixelz, Not sure about the warranty, I only did it when I was certain the iPod worked 100%. As for pressing hard, it actually enhances the effect, by proving more lines for the back. This means it doesn't all look like 'smudged' steel.
The finish on the top is all proportional to the amount of time you spend on it, a 5 minute quickie will look fairly bad, while a 20 minute precision job will have it looking like it came from the factory.
Evil Inside, Yep, scratches dont come as easily, and when they do you can repeat the process, but not for as long this time.
To all,OK, more pics will be coming, the only thing is they won't be of an extremely high quality, its with a 1.1 megapixel old camera, I'll take about 10-20 I guess, in about 24 hours it'll be up.
I am thinking about putting it on a website, something more permanent I guess......
Edit - Wow, 500 posts, that came quickly!
pank2002
11-11-2003, 10:40 AM
Wow, that really awesome adam. I might do it on mine when i get it back (a frind got for this week.)
I might post e some nice hi-res pictures.
Nicholas
11-11-2003, 12:39 PM
Another question. Once you make the top of the ipod brushed steel can you still the headphone picture and the word hold?
If you'd like to have that hosted with bigger pictures on a website, I'd be happy to do it. I've got my red ipod tutorial on my website (http://www.maxf.org). Let me know if you're interested!
talkingipods
11-11-2003, 01:04 PM
Wow.. So tempting to do that! I won't do it though unless I know my replacement plan for compusa would still be valid, which I very much doubt it will be.
aswimmer94563
11-11-2003, 03:55 PM
seems like it still would be under warranty. after all, you're only scratching the ipod which should be considered normal use.
Thats a good point, and I think with a brasso session, you can get back some of the polish if you really dislike it (I don't know why you would...).
blupixelz
11-11-2003, 05:28 PM
I'm thinking about going to my school engineering lab and using one of the machines we have here. My friend is an mechanical engineering major, and I think he can help me to get that "brushed look." The machine can shave the top of thin metal and has a precision of 1/1000mm. So it all comes down to "Do I really want to do this?"
Still thinking...
The area around the buttons is going to be hard no matter which way I go...
I'm really tired of the grease smudges on the back of my iPod. Why didn't Apple see this as a potential problem?!?! Are we suppose to just stare at it like an art work, and not ever use it? Why didn't Apple do this in the first place? Bah!
MOCKBA
11-11-2003, 05:35 PM
Interesting, it's possible just paint metal part of iPod in some nice color?
MOCKBA, yeah sure, just be very careful about protecting the front. I have learnt the hard way if you do not tape down to the smallest measurement you can see, the paint will leak onto the white, very yuk.
The tutorial is up, and more pictures have been taken.
http://members.optusnet.com.au/brushedipod/
More questions?
Nicholas
11-12-2003, 12:00 AM
Awsome tutorial, awsome pics. One more question. On the top, bottom and sides did you brush the same way as the back. Like up and down? So would the lines on the top and bottom connect to the ones on the back or do they go the opposite direction? Hope you understood that question.
Yes, I do, you talkin' about the 'grain' direction?
Alright, now for the sides, its was simple, just keep the grain the same way. However, for the top, the grain would have to cross at 90 degrees regardless. I decided to run the grain lengthways on the top and bottom. Now, where the grain met, I made it one defined line, instead of blending it, and now you can't tell the difference. It is very difficult to see where it crosses over.
To simplify it, just check out this.
Nicholas
11-12-2003, 12:14 AM
Thanks, thats exactly what i meant. Maybe i will do this to my 15 gigger.
zapod
11-12-2003, 05:02 AM
I can't figure out why you guys are so desperate to 'deface' something as lovely as the iPod!
Finger marks and smudges? Get a cotton duster, breathe on the back of the unit and wipe. Simple.
Scratches? Be more careful about placing the iPod in your pocket together with loose change/keys etc. Or buy a case.
Mine is over 2 years old. Is it scratched? Hell yes! But the occasional going over with iClean fixes that. It's not perfect but I'm not trying to kid myself by trying to make the unit look like 'new'. It gets used. If it was a cheap cassette player or a MD player then I would expect similar levels of wear and tear.
Also, I can't help feeling that unless you're exceedingly good, you're going to end up with an 'amateur' job - much like if you get a can of spray paint at the auto shop to do a panel on your car, it's not going to look professional.
As for warranty... I couldn't be 100% sure that such a mod doesn't invalidate it.
Just chill and be content with the best player on the market.
SpideyPod
11-12-2003, 07:15 AM
Originally posted by Adam
MOCKBA, yeah sure, just be very careful about protecting the front. I have learnt the hard way if you do not tape down to the smallest measurement you can see, the paint will leak onto the white, very yuk.
The tutorial is up, and more pictures have been taken.
http://members.optusnet.com.au/brushedipod/
More questions?
Good job on the page and the pics Adam. Its not for me, as I am content with the iPod back as it is, but I am impressed with the tutorial. I am sure others who want that look will appreciate it also.
Nice job.
LoneStar
11-12-2003, 11:20 AM
I'm just wondering how visible are the writings on the iPod after the brushing. I looked at the pictures, but it's not that clear. I'm especially concerned by the engravings. I feel like I won't see much of it after the brushing.
LoneStar (likes his engraving)
moppe
11-12-2003, 11:26 AM
My english sucks so can you please tell me what you mean with:
"1. The tools. You need something square, like a cardboard box or a screwdriver case (like I used), making the 'brushes' square makes it look extremely professional."
What do you mean with making the bushes square and what does a case have to do with that?
moppe
11-12-2003, 01:39 PM
Adam, I would realy enjoy if you could call Apple and ask if this would void your warranty?
Originally posted by LoneStar
I'm just wondering how visible are the writings on the iPod after the brushing. I looked at the pictures, but it's not that clear. I'm especially concerned by the engravings. I feel like I won't see much of it after the brushing.
LoneStar (likes his engraving)
Very visible, it just doesn't look like it because of the light angles I used in the shots, you can still see it fine, it doesn't wear out.
Originally posted by moppe
My english sucks so can you please tell me what you mean with:
"1. The tools. You need something square, like a cardboard box or a screwdriver case (like I used), making the 'brushes' square makes it look extremely professional."
What do you mean with making the bushes square and what does a case have to do with that?
Alright, I'll try to make it simple. If the case wasn't there, the brushes wouldn't be straight, so the case makes all of the brushes go the same direction and makes it look better. As you see in this (http://members.optusnet.com.au/brushedipod/Pics/tut3.jpg) picture, the case keeps the sponge square.
Originally posted by moppe
Adam, I would realy enjoy if you could call Apple and ask if this would void your warranty?
I'll give them an email right away, because I don't want to call up America. I will post the answer here.
My writings wore off a bit after using fine sandpaper.. I didn't feel like the sponge was making any difference.. now I don't know what to do, kinda leave it at 50% (the finish is not what I imagined it to be yet) to keep the markings on the back there, or just go ahead and wipe them away too, I mean I've got the serial in the pod's memory and it might even look better completely cleanbacked ? I wasn't expecting this outcome though
You shouldn't have used sandpaper, its too rough. You just need a bit more patience with the sponge.
mike02gt
11-13-2003, 04:30 PM
i'm still slightly confused about the point of the carboard box or in your case, the screw driver box. Is this just used as a guide to keep the sponge straight or what? I'm curious about doing this but want to be absolutely sure i know what i'm doing before i start. thanks
Bingo, its a guide, what a good word for it :) I'll add that to the guide.
mike02gt
11-13-2003, 07:22 PM
Originally posted by Adam
Bingo, its a guide, what a good word for it :) I'll add that to the guide.
Cool deal. One more question about that actually... from your picture on your tutorial, did you have the ipod wedged between the guide and only expose a small part of the ipod to the sponge? http://members.optusnet.com.au/brushedipod/mm/stationery/VertPic/tut3s.jpg
I'm still confused on the placement of the "guide." Does the iPod itself fit inside the guide?
Thanks for the great write up and idea!
Its right up flush with the 'guide'. Because there is a little bit that gets missed because of its 'flushness', I turned it around every 5 mins to get an even finish.
The 'guide' is just there to keep it square, nothing else, you don't even need it if you don't want it.
Hello! I just check my email, and the response from Apple:
"Dear Adam,
Thanks for your email.
Yes your warranty will not be voided if you have made any alterations
at all to your iPod.
Regards,
Linda Kewin
Apple Customer Relations"
Now, that wording is wierd, but doesn't matter, the floodgates have been opened......
mike02gt
11-13-2003, 08:27 PM
Originally posted by Adam
Its right up flush with the 'guide'. Because there is a little bit that gets missed because of its 'flushness', I turned it around every 5 mins to get an even finish.
The 'guide' is just there to keep it square, nothing else, you don't even need it if you don't want it.
Thanks for the quick response. Hopefully if i've got time I'll try this on my iPod this weekend. I'll post pics when I get it done.
SpideyPod
11-13-2003, 08:28 PM
Originally posted by Adam
Hello! I just check my email, and the response from Apple:
"Dear Adam,
Thanks for your email.
Yes your warranty will not be voided if you have made any alterations
at all to your iPod.
Regards,
Linda Kewin
Apple Customer Relations"
Now, that wording is wierd, but doesn't matter, the floodgates have been opened......
Is it just me or is that wording tricky enough to be the cause for some debate if you ever used that email in a dispute over the warranty with them?
I think so ;)
But when I dropped it, I made an alteration :P
funkbomb
11-15-2003, 06:00 PM
I followed the directions in the tutorial to my 3rd gen ipod, and all i can say is WOW. Let me tell all of you that this is extremely simple to do and extremely difficult to screw up. I took a scotch brite sponge, and rubbed the back of my ipod back and forth from top to bottom on the back for 10 minutes, and the results were amazing. A beautiful brushed finish is what i got, and fingerprints don't show up. It is now smoother, all my scratches are gone, and it looks great. DOnt worry about screwing up the decals and lettering on the back, they're laser cut into the metal. I urge you to do this, I promise you that you won't regret it! BTW, I'm only 15. Now if a teen can do this and not screw it up, then...well it can't be that hard. Just rub it lightly for 10 to 15 minutes on the back of the sponge and the results are awesome. I encourage you to try it!!
The decals? Uh, they wore off for me, I mean I'm sure they're hard to get at, but they're not gonna stick there forever if you rub too much..
Adam, should I try just just brushing the back more? I think my sponge may be too soft or something..
I'm back, I just had a week holiday, getting smashed every night with a couple of my friends. Anyway.
funkbomb, good for you, good to hear somebody getting something from it.
Nim, you are using the rough side of it aren't you? eg. http://pics.drugstore.com/prodimg/70288/200.jpg This kind of a thing?
If so, just keep at it, it takes a while to get the finish desired, might even take an hour or so.
Silverbullet
12-16-2003, 08:44 PM
brushed steel looks like hell
mike02gt
12-17-2003, 08:13 PM
Originally posted by Silverbullet
brushed steel looks like hell
To each his own opinion.
The reason I decided to go ahead and "defile" my ipod as some of you so eloquently put it was that I had a lot of scratches and gouges and was tired of constantly wiping finger prints off. It is merely a different solution to solving this problem for many iPod users. If your iPod is still shiny and scratch free then I too would be a little hesitant to scratch it up so to speak. But whatever, do and think as you like.
Mountain Man
12-17-2003, 10:00 PM
Originally posted by Infamouschitlin
Also it got rid of every scratch on the back of the pod.
Actually, it didn't really get rid of the scratches, it just added a whole lot more of them!
As for me, I'll be sticking with the shiney back, smudges and all. I think that will look better in the long run than whatever homebrew "brushed metal" look I could manage. Plus, with my new Vaja i-Vod case on the way, I'm not much going to care what the back of my iPod looks like!
*bump*
Oh well, one of the most viewed threads on this forum has now turned into a average one, thanks a lot silly database :)
jerrodh
02-16-2004, 10:49 PM
Oh, seriously... get over it, Adam. It's still here. Sorry your precious "Viewed" count went down to only 8050. ;) :D
Yes, notice the smile that was in the post. That is me getting over it.....
jerrodh
02-16-2004, 10:54 PM
Very sorry for the lack of a smiley in my post... It truly was also meant in jest. Will edit. :D
Komodo
02-18-2004, 01:14 PM
Adam, I still don't get the screwdriver box and cardboard box, before rubbing the sponge on the case, rub it on the screwdriver box or cardboard box? And when you tape the front, do you cover the whole front with tape? I can't tell with the pic in that guide, the pics are dark
funkbomb, when you used Scotch Brite, did you wet it first? Did you use the screwdriver box/cardboard box? And how long it take you? That's the only sponge I have and I'm not going to go on a wild goose chase for the same sponge
I just got the ipod and need some answers, so thanks very much for being patient with me.
iPod Master
02-18-2004, 07:32 PM
i have a q on how you did the top. did you or did you not brush the hold switch. that part int he tutorial was kind of unclear
funkbomb
02-18-2004, 08:46 PM
1 i did not wet the scotch brite I made sure i had a brand new dry one so it was sturdy and straight (they curl when dried from being wet)
2. I brushed the hold switch, it doesnt matter (at least to me) it looks fine, doesnt take on many scratches anyway
3. I used a book as a guide
4. I rubbed it for 10 minutes and it looked fine
5. take a guitar pick and pry the metal off the plastic, then push in on the tabs to unhook the metal casing, so then I just brushed the metal backing without having to worry about the plastic
6. if you dont do that, mask off the plastic with electrical tape, and if you still get plastic scratches, use iCleaner...it works wonders (if you have the effort to apply serious elbow grease)
You don't need to cover the whole front, just a tiny bit so it doesn't scratch, and no I did not wet the scotch brite, it would take longer if I did.
I kind of went around the hold switch the first time, but then just went over it.
stinkiedmb
03-11-2004, 08:27 PM
is there anyone ou there who had brushed their ipod other than Adam who could post some pics of how theirs turned out?
thanks!! :)
Jason
Or better yet, just send them to me, and I will put it up on the site :P
I'll try and get around to taking a few pics... I really like it, I'm probably in the minority in saying that I absolutely hated the chrome... I mean, it looked pretty if you didn't touch it or anything, but the second your finger touched it, it was gone again... not exactly the most user friendly material.
I get a lot more comments on it this way, too (brushed I mean)... A lot of "ooh... I haven't seen them like this before..." and such. I was happy I did it, though I made good and sure I wasn't going to sell the iPod before I did it, as I'm sure it lowered the resale value... All in all I'm VERY happy with how it turned out. I'll try and get some pictures up either tonight or tomorrow...
BJB4735
03-12-2004, 08:37 PM
i brushed my 15GB and i think it looks awesome
thanks adam
ill get picks up as soon as i can
####bomb, could you explain more how to get the back off for the future if i need to?
http://www.ipodbattery.com/slimipodinstall.htm
zippy
03-12-2004, 10:26 PM
We've only had our iPods for a couple of days now, and I already don't like the finger print/smudges that you can't avoid. Maybe I'll do this to my wife's iPod and if I like it, then I can do it to mine.
As a side note, this technique is used commercially for the exact same reason. The Denver International Airport had smooth stainless steel counters and collumns everywhere when it was first built, but the dirty look of finger prints, etc. was too much and within the first few months (I believe) they went over everything with an angle grinder/sander to create reandom swirl/arcs. It looks great, and no more smudges.
Deaddy
03-12-2004, 11:01 PM
I wish the ipod came with a brushed finish instead of the shiny fingerprinty surface, but I'm not confident that a home made job will come out very professional looking. Not worth the risk.
I was thinking of doing my iPod with a random swirl/arc jobby... but decided it wasn't worth the pain in the butt it would be to get them to be even and look good... I like the way mine turned out... Still waiting to take some pics, been working too hard though, the weekend's coming :)
BJB4735
03-13-2004, 01:40 PM
hey adam, could you show me how to send apple an email. ive been all over their site and cant find a link
thanks
3G 15GB brushed
I just went through their feedback, and then they replied to the email, then I used that email to reply to them etc.
Fun and games.
Spartan
03-15-2004, 11:18 PM
hey question: if u brush it does it look like a mirror anymore Like can u use it as a mirror anymore?
Uh... No, if you brush it, it is no longer anything like a mirror... As far as I know it will be impossible, short of buying an entirely new metal back, to bring back the mirror finish...
No, thats kind of the point. Its the 'mirrorness' (:P) that makes the smudges possbie.
And while I'm on the subject, I'd like to thank you Adam for bringing this to our attention... After "brushing" the back I realize that I wouldn't want it any other way. The mirror's fine and all while it's sitting in it's box or under the glass in a showroom display, but in actual use it's TERRIBLE... now it's... well, it's "just right..." It actually looks like a usable piece of electronics :) Now I just want to get the colorware paint job done, and it'll be mine all mine... I wonder if the folks at colorwarepc.com have a showroom at their place... They're about an hour or two from my house, and about a half mile from a couple of college buddies house :)
One of these days I'll get a few pictures of it in different lights, but everytime I make an effort to, life gets in the way... "honey, don't you remember we have to go here?" "Honey... I told you about that last week"... ugh ;)
Pandiebeer
03-17-2004, 04:18 PM
I just want to say that I think it looks great! Unfortunately I don't want to void my warranty but when it has expired I'm totally going to 'brush' it. I think it should have just come that way in the first place. Very nice!
flashpunk
03-17-2004, 09:57 PM
I did this technique with my old G1 5 gig ipod. I was pretty pleased with the outcome, although, now that I have my shiny new 15 gig G3 Ipod, I dont think I'll be doing it again. Sure it gets finger prints and stuff on it once and a while, but I just like how its so damn shiny.. Guess i'm just easily amused :D.
BJB4735
03-27-2004, 10:32 AM
hey adam, i brushed my ipod, but now my battery is dead. My ipod is still under the 1 year warranty , but i was reading the warranty and it said the warranty is void if the serial number is scratched or defaced. My serial number is still readable but hard to make out. Will i still be able to send my ipod back for batterey repair for free?
15GB 3G
flashpunk
03-27-2004, 10:49 AM
I'm pretty sure taking off the metal case on your ipod automatically voids the warranty...I think that will be a bigger problem than the serial number being defaced.
Check your warranty card again!
BJB4735, You can try to send it back. In fact, see if Adam can send you an exact copy of the e-mail he recieved from Apple. He asked them if it would void his warranty (by doing this to the back of the iPod) and they told him it would not in any way void his warranty. So, i suggest holding them to it.
Or, if you wanted to be adventurous... You could change the battery yourself, OR send it to one of the various companies which offer to change the battery for you.
There was a new company that put up a website and advertised a month (or a few weeks) or so ago that would change the battery on any iPod for you. The cost was like $79 or so. :)
BJB4735
03-27-2004, 03:12 PM
Well i didnt remove the back piece so that wouldnt be a problem
BJB4735
03-27-2004, 03:22 PM
i also dont see a reason why it should void the warranty because all we did was scratch the ipod. If your battery runs out say in 11 months since you bought it, its going to have scratches
wats the difference?
LoneStar
03-27-2004, 04:20 PM
Originally posted by BJB4735
My serial number is still readable but hard to make out.
Hmm I was thinking about doing the brush style on my iPod, but I'm not so sure after reading this. I really like my engraving and the idea of having it unreadable doesn't sound good to me.
But that gave me an idea: I could put a thin horizontal band of tape to mask the engraving. The result would be that all the surface is brushed but one small rectangle that stays polished and shows the engraving.
Which then makes me think. Couldn't you do some elegant designs with your iPod using the same technique ? You would just tape some shapes so that they stay polished and you brush the rest. Then you get a contrast between the two.
What do you guys think of that ?
flashpunk
03-27-2004, 04:29 PM
that woudl be really cool looking..
like flames or something..
great idea..
Nice idea, if anyone dontaed an iPod, I'd definitely give it a try...
As for the battery going dead, I have no idea. It has nothing to do with brushing the back. A connection may have come lose inside, but I doubt it.
I don't see a reason why you couldn't send the iPod back. I mean, they are organized sractches, and if Apple doesn't accept the back scratches, then well....
BJB4735
03-27-2004, 07:05 PM
Yah i no wat you mean Adam, there shouldnt be any reason why apple would think the scratches affected my ipods battery :P And anyway, the serial # is programmed in so i shouldnt have a problem
BJB4735
03-27-2004, 07:27 PM
By the way Adam, ive been trying to email apple for about a week and still no answer. I used the feedback on apple.com, but havent recieved any feed back. How long did it take them to email you back?
About a week if my memory serves me correctly. But that was the Australian site, might be quicker here, which is pretty sad in itself.
BJB4735
03-27-2004, 11:14 PM
hey Adam, just in case could u send me the email that apple sent you? bbarrasso4735@hotmail.com
thanks
Sorry, I formatted my computer since and didn't back up that months worth of emails. My bad.
kebkebeh
03-30-2004, 01:29 AM
wow this is great, I only got my ipod like 2 weeks ago, but I already want to do this because im really tired of the back smudges and stuff. I think I will put tape over the serial number, and maybe maybe maybe put some tape in such a way to be able to sort of have my name or something on the ipod, but I doubt it. I really want to do this though, whats the point of having it all mirrorish when its going to get all greasy and dirty so easily from daily use outside. all blotched with fingerprints.
LoneStar
03-30-2004, 09:36 AM
Hey kebkebeh, can you take some pictures so we can have a look ? I'm really curious about how it looks with a mix brushed and polished.
Also, I'm always a bit confused in the explanations of the website when it's talking about using a tissue with the tape. Could we get a picture of the state when the iPod is all taped ?
LoneStar (more pics, more pics)
kebkebeh
03-30-2004, 07:22 PM
regarding the tissue with tape- im just taking the whole back panel off when i do it to reduce any risks whatsoever of brushing the plastic or messing with anything other than the back panel
kebkebeh
03-30-2004, 09:45 PM
I just finished brushing my iPod, and all i have to say is wow. This made such a great improvement over the look of it and the FEEL of it in your hand is so much better. Nice and smooth and the way "it should be." I left the part that had my serial number in it covered with a peice of tape during the entire process, and it came out perfectly! that part is shiny just like it was before I started this whole thing, and the rest is brushed, it looks really great!!! Thanks adam for this idea, it really was worth the effort.
note to ppl who are doing this: it can get kind of messy whith all the metal shavings, and its kind of like pencil lead, you'll need to wipe down the ipod when you are done. I wiped each side as i finished with it.
Total process took me about 2 hours, from preperation, unto this post.
About the pics: I am happy to post pics, but I dont have a digital camera on me right now, although there is one in my dad's room, if you guys really want the pics let me know and ill do it, but its not worth doing it if only 1 or 2 people want it, because i gotta go driver hunting too. (its a webcam thing with 640x480 res, meh)
No problem, its great to see that people benifit from it, it makes me happy.
iPotm
03-31-2004, 05:47 AM
Originally posted by LoneStar
Hmm I was thinking about doing the brush style on my iPod, but I'm not so sure after reading this. I really like my engraving and the idea of having it unreadable doesn't sound good to me.
But that gave me an idea: I could put a thin horizontal band of tape to mask the engraving. The result would be that all the surface is brushed but one small rectangle that stays polished and shows the engraving.
Which then makes me think. Couldn't you do some elegant designs with your iPod using the same technique ? You would just tape some shapes so that they stay polished and you brush the rest. Then you get a contrast between the two.
What do you guys think of that ?
I'll definitely consider that when I receive mine. Like a tribal flame or something.. it's hard to cut that out from tape though so I'd consider using slightly thicker and thus stronger tape. hmmm..
You could just do an outline of it? Buy some paint masking tape and do your design and then double it up. Dunno how well it'd work but it might.
kebkebeh
03-31-2004, 05:02 PM
Well, I didnt use masking tape, I used this sort of tape that i found in the garage taht my dad had. it was yellow and REALLY strong, yet it didnt hurt the plastic and it stayed on tight as I went over it with the sponge thing, it was good tape that I could cut with an exactoknife and shape to what I wanted, first put it on a table or board and cut it out with the knife and then place it on your ipod and begin brushing. If you are worried that it doesnt contrast, it actually does, and really well too, and I think its pretty cool to preserve the original polished look in your design that you do :) anyway, I am content with mine, i think it looks great and gl to those who are doing this :cool:
Think you could ask your dad what type of tape it is, that way I could buy some? I think i'll do some flame masking with mine. Mwaha. :)
Paint masking can be incredibly fun... it'd be the same principle. :)
kebkebeh
03-31-2004, 09:09 PM
Sorry, but my dad is out of the country at the moment. Anyway, I hooked up the camera, and right now I am about to take some pics. I will post a URL to the path on my site where I will have the pics, it will take me a couple mins to take the pics and upload em...
Hah, I just noticed you play CS. Ever venture into Day of Defeat? I play it regularly on some really nice and welcoming clan servers. (Buxom Bombshells and BBReg)
Anyway, just let me know whenever you got pics up.
kebkebeh
03-31-2004, 10:14 PM
I've played DOD, but I suck at it. Anyway, I was eating and I just finished taking the pics, they are pretty bad, they are 640x480 res and a little grainy but hopefully you can get the picture. I put some pics of the tape too, and showed how I used it on my iPod and how people who want to put designs would probably use it. Anyway, I am just making the html file real quick and I am going to have it up in about 10 minutes, so stay tuned..
Just to warn you, its all in one page (16 pics), so get ready for a LARGE page load time, especially if you are on 56k :P
kebkebeh
03-31-2004, 10:29 PM
I finished putting the pics on the site, here it is:
http://www.keyvanfatehi.com/podpics/index.html
http://www.keyvanfatehi.com/podpics/index.html
http://www.keyvanfatehi.com/podpics/index.html
http://www.keyvanfatehi.com/podpics/index.html
http://www.keyvanfatehi.com/podpics/index.html
http://www.keyvanfatehi.com/podpics/index.html
http://www.keyvanfatehi.com/podpics/index.html
http://www.keyvanfatehi.com/podpics/index.html
Got it? If not:
http://www.keyvanfatehi.com/podpics/index.html
http://www.keyvanfatehi.com/podpics/index.html
http://www.keyvanfatehi.com/podpics/index.html
http://www.keyvanfatehi.com/podpics/index.html
http://www.keyvanfatehi.com/podpics/index.html
http://www.keyvanfatehi.com/podpics/index.html
The page load speed is not that bad actually, loaded all up in 3 seconds so you'll be okay. Tell me what you think because I can take more pics of different aspects of it if you want, such as my setup, since Adam's pic of his setup was kinda bad. (no offense)
noelty
03-31-2004, 11:11 PM
I brushed my 30GB'er and I am glad I did....looks a lot better and no messy smudges!!!!
Ewok^
04-01-2004, 10:29 AM
starting mine now... ill let you all know :)
Ewok^
04-01-2004, 12:17 PM
looks cool! would recomend anyone to do it :)
Sorry no camera :(
kebkebeh
04-01-2004, 11:29 PM
hey adam, do you want me to leave that site up with the pics? or should i take it down? because it _is_ using space and my server, if you want to link to it or something from your guide then ill leave it up, otherwise theres no need to keep hosting it. if you want itt o stay up i dont mind though, just let me know.
Wow, that contrast is amazing.
I can only imagine what people can do with that style.
Yeah, I'll link it, but just give me some time, I need to install dreamweaver and I am head deep in uni work.
aeromusek
04-06-2004, 10:37 AM
Mine came kinda scratched up, cause it was used. I think I'll do the brushed look, but I'm going to cover up the text and the Apple on the back. I'll let you know how it goes if I get around to it :-)
Veasey
04-06-2004, 09:11 PM
i kinda want to do it, but it looks hard
fasterthanlight
04-06-2004, 09:56 PM
its not hard at all Veasey, all it requires is about $2 for a sponge (you want a nice dry one) and about 30 minutes
Blue_Dawg
04-07-2004, 12:03 AM
Well, I was a little nervous but am happy with how it turned out. Thanks for the idea Adam. It was VERY easy!!!
http://www.chriskuhner.com/bottom.jpg http://www.chriskuhner.com/Side.jpg http://www.chriskuhner.com/top.jpg http://www.chriskuhner.com/back3.jpg http://www.chriskuhner.com/back2.jpg http://www.chriskuhner.com/back.jpg
Shiby
04-07-2004, 07:55 AM
ok i really want to do this, but i just got a few questions as im really nervous lol, umm firstly, the electrical tape, do i put it all over the front? or how exactly do i put it on and where, and wouldnt it leave adheasive on when i take it off? also how would u do the side and the back so it looks like it was all done togeather, like wouldnt u get some shiney still showing n it would look crap?, and also what about the top, like how do i get around the switches and all. one last thing, i know a million people ahve asked this but i dont get the box thingo.. like the screwdriver box. could u explain it please, thanks a mil. ps adam is there a train station near u? like a city rail 1? coz id rather u do it lol
Blue_Dawg
04-07-2004, 09:59 AM
Thanks Adam
Shiby, just calm down. Check your PM and I'll do it for you.
rlucas
04-09-2004, 07:12 PM
Will it get rid of any scratches on the back also?
Originally posted by rlucas
Will it get rid of any scratches on the back also?
Yes.
rlucas
04-09-2004, 11:09 PM
Originally posted by Adam
Yes.
Sounds (and looks) like something i should look in to! But for some reason i dont trust myself. HAHA. I'd have to find someone else, locally, to do it, then i can blame it on them! jk
HawksNest
04-12-2004, 07:43 PM
reid, try it, youll love it. There really is no way to mess up, unless you have some disease were you arm shakes like crazy :o
RedstarVector
04-20-2004, 10:55 AM
Hmmm considering this or sandblasting. Ahh what the heck i'll do this, I don't wanna pry open the bloody case.
Btw, will this technique ruin the engravements? I wouldn't care a bit if it removed the stuff on the bottom but I'd at least like to keep it's insignia.
somedevil
04-20-2004, 02:41 PM
Man, I'd do this in a heartbeat, but it rests 100% of the time in my exo3 snow...oh well, maybe someday
RedstarVector
04-21-2004, 12:01 PM
Well I did it..... ......and it turned out half good. I tried it for an hour on and off and while it makes a great finish, I've had these problems:
*Maybe I should work on it longer but I can see normal scratches at some angles. And Adam's right, keep it square! I went off accidentally while watching TV and it took me a few minutes to go over it and get it right.
*If you wanna do this, be prepared to scratch off the viewing potential of the iPod and Apple logo engravings or tape it and leave a bit of the back mirrored. With mine, I can only see it in direct light and in a certain view. Meh who cares, it adds more to the iPod's neo-symplistic styling!
*It can also be very hard to get the sides because the tape might be covering half a millimetre of them. Also the top is hard to get at (if you're savvy, it pays to take the plate off and do it). And make sure you know which way to go with the scourer!
*When u take off the electrical tape, be prepared for the transferred glue to be smothered all over the front of the iPod, so use a minimal amount of white spirit on rag to get it all off and use a clean, soft cloth to dry it. No hassles here.
It can take longer than an hour to do it perfectly, and you may have regrets at the first stage (I sure do!!), but I've seen the end stage of my cousins (he did his on and off for ages!) and it looks really good, minus the angular dissapearances of the engravements lol!
jPod (^-^)v
06-23-2004, 07:30 AM
HEY ADAM!!!! MAANN!! i've had my iPod for TWO DAYS and am already considering this!! the smudges and stuff ARENT COOL!! but im in Japan at the mo'...so i might take you up on the offer of you doing it for me when i get back home to Ozz!!!! lol...im from melbourne...otherwise i'll have a stab at it when i get back...sum design would be cool...half shiny, half brushed..but i would need to think of a really cool design/way to do it..oh! and there is also this guy in a department store here that does airbrushing!! really cheap! he does it to mobile phones! and it looks really good!!!! i was considering that?...we'll see...
Chris
I'd love to do it. But my arm is broken, quite badly too, so no brushing for you ;)
But you'd be glad to know the entire process is rather simple. Airbrushing could work too, just remember to post pictures when you've done the job.
Pod Phantom
06-24-2004, 01:42 AM
Is anyone here good at stencil designs? I'm ok at it, but it would be awesome if someone could make a flame type stencil design that you can use on the back. Something that I can print out. Thanks in advance if anyone can help!
jPod (^-^)v
06-25-2004, 05:41 AM
HAHAHA!! thanks Adam!! well, its lucky that i get back in January!! plenty of time to heal!! LOL!! kidding..dont worry...i'll have a stab a it! lol! although i really wanna buy a silicone case...but its hard for me to order it in Japan..*sighs* ..ohh well...yeah, ofcourse i'll take pictures!! just gotta decide what i wanna do to it yet....*thinks hard*...
Rexstjames
06-28-2004, 10:59 PM
Hey, man. I'm seriously considering doing this, for just the reasons described. (Shiny finish looks purty as long as you don't touch it, and scratches are painfully obvious)
I'm just curious about you guys talking about putting tape over the serial num. etc. This sounds like it would look ace, but I can't imagine a regular piece of electrical tape or masking tape standing up to the kind of brushing that would scrape off metal. Anyone got suggestions for me? I suppose I could just try and do it, and if the tape peeled off, just ignore it and brush over the engraving.
I think I get the deal about the "guide", so I won't bug you about that, but what did you mean when you were talking about using a tissue? Is this just to keep the "stickum" from the electrical tape from getting all over the front of the 'pod, or will the electrical tape scratch the front? (nothing a little brasso won't fix, I'm sure)
I really think taking the back off the iPod would make it a lot easier, to brush, but I'm not convinced that doing this won't end me up with a bunch of deep scratches and stuff. Using an exacto knife to pry open my iPod dosn't really sound like my idea of a good thing to do.
PS: great tutorial and pics. Very nice.
Yep, to keep the stickum off :p
I think if you dabbed a bit of glue over the serial number it would save it, then just peel it off later. I wouldn't bother though.
Taking the back off will make it easier, but it'll also void the warranty...
torchedlh
06-29-2004, 09:53 PM
i just did mine. i used masking tape to mask off the white areas. the advantage of masking tape is that the adhesive stays with the tape and not with your ipod! but it doesn't hold as well so you have to be careful around the edges and make sure you dont scrape away the tape.
anyay, one could do some really cool designs on the back by taping part of it off before hand etc. i wish i woulda thought of that before. o well.
Rexstjames
07-01-2004, 05:14 PM
Here's what I did, so far:
I found somthing in my house that looked like the back of an iPod. It turned out to be a large pin (a button) that I took the front off of, so it was shiny metal, just like the back of the 'pod.
Then, I experimented with it.
It was VERY easy to make it look good. When I did it, it looked like that was how it was supposed to be anyway. If I had seen it like that to begin with, I wouldn't have thought that anything had happened to it. That's how professional it ends up.
I found that normal electrical tape stuck to it will not come off when you brush it, so there should be no trouble covering up the serial num, etc. or making a pattern (if you want.)
Anyway, like I said, this ends up looking really professional, at least on my little test subject. A lot of people have been saying they don't want to do it untill they see how it'll look. If you've got anything disposable around your house with that shiny metal finish on it (you do. Trust me) I encourage you to try it out, and see what you think.
Note: I still havn't got the balls to do it to my 'pod.
Nathan Otis
07-02-2004, 09:06 PM
I thought I'd give this thread a bump since I've been planning to do this very thing since I saw the first iPod, lo these many years ago. I just scored one of my own and I'm pondering exactly how to tape up some sort of flame design and brush around it.
I'll post pics when I finish.
n.
Nathan Otis
07-02-2004, 10:48 PM
Originally posted by Nathan Otis
I'll post pics when I finish.
Like the man said:
http://www.users.qwest.net/~b-otis/iRule.jpg
(don't slashdot a brotha)
n.
That turned out very nice, Otis. In fact, I had already thought of doing the exact same thing to my iPod, but again I don't feel like voiding my best buy warranty. :(
Rexstjames
07-03-2004, 02:42 PM
Originally posted by Nathan Otis
Like the man said:
http://www.users.qwest.net/~b-otis/iRule.jpg
(don't slashdot a brotha)
n.
Wow! That flame pattern came out really tight! I didn't think anyone would really be able to make it look good. Guess I was wrong! :p
Nice work.
Originally posted by Nathan Otis
Like the man said:
http://www.users.qwest.net/~b-otis/iRule.jpg
(don't slashdot a brotha)
n.
Wow.
Just wow.
Nathan Otis
07-04-2004, 08:05 AM
Originally posted by Adam
Wow.
Just wow.
That's High Compliment, Adam. Thanks.
n.
shaggyoogle
07-04-2004, 02:58 PM
This is my first post, and I believe its a great place to start.
That is a beautiful ipod, I think i'm going to try something like that.
I'm getting the vaja 3g case though, with my 20gb ipod, so it isn't necessary.
Nicholas
07-04-2004, 04:00 PM
Wow those flames look really nice!
No really, I may have sounded sarcastic, but that is absolutely amazing. I hope someone else tries something similar....
jPod (^-^)v
07-06-2004, 06:59 AM
DAANMMM!!! thats sweet Nathan!!!i was considering something like that. if it turns out that good i think im gunna havta give it a go! :( but something original would be nice..lol
Nathan Otis
07-06-2004, 05:17 PM
Originally posted by Adam
No really, I may have sounded sarcastic, but that is absolutely amazing. I hope someone else tries something similar....
And no really, I meant it was high compliment.
:)
I also meant "Thanks"
n.
(the mean face that follows is my sig)
Nathan Otis
07-06-2004, 05:20 PM
Originally posted by jPod (^-^)v
but something original would be nice..lol
It really does turn out well. Any symbol or word or anything could be done. The only problem is, once you do this, it becomes harder to do again... for example, in a year when the mirrored flames are covered in scratches... what am I going to do?
n.
Rexstjames
07-06-2004, 08:07 PM
It really does turn out well. Any symbol or word or anything could be done. The only problem is, once you do this, it becomes harder to do again... for example, in a year when the mirrored flames are covered in scratches... what am I going to do?
n.
Well, once that happens you could just brush the back again, thus removing your cool pattern, but leaving a brushed finish, with all the advantages of one, on the whole back of the iPod.
I found a "Brushed" iPod being sold on ebay. http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=67837&item=5707594339&rd=1
Seller says:
The Ipod has a "brushed" stainless steel back. It did not come like that. I had a friend do it for me. I have included a picture of it. All the writing like the Apple logo is still visible in the light. I had this done because the little hairline scratches make the back very unattractive looking and the "brushed" look looks great.
Nathan Otis
07-06-2004, 09:41 PM
Now it's value added!
n.
First update of the site for yonks, Nathan is immortalised and Rexstjames mentioned....
http://members.optusnet.com.au/brushedipod/
shaggyoogle
07-06-2004, 10:57 PM
I have a few things in mind...
1. Is there some way I could save the ipod logo and the writing on the bottom and actually make it look good? If so... how?
2. Any ideas for symbols or stencils i should use for the a design very much like nathan?
thanks in advance
kazuki
07-07-2004, 06:51 AM
Adam, Apple definately took your idea when making the ipod mini ;)
Nathan Otis
07-07-2004, 08:52 AM
Originally posted by shaggyoogle
I have a few things in mind...
1. Is there some way I could save the ipod logo and the writing on the bottom and actually make it look good? If so... how?
Someone here used some kind of tape to make a nice looking square over the writing at the bottom. I thought it looked good. That, in fact is why I designed the flames the way I did. The serial and information is unbrushed (not that you couldn't see it if it were brushed).
2. Any ideas for symbols or stencils i should use for the a design very much like nathan?
I'd say fire up google and start searching for symbols. Find something you like and print it, use that as a template and go to town.
n.
redguy
07-08-2004, 07:19 AM
Well, all this seems very appealing and I'm willing to also give it a try on my iPod (10GB 3Gen, 1 month old and already scratched both sides - damnit, it's soft like butter!). But I'm concerned that brushing the metal could produce some corrosion, since it's probably just chrome-plated. Any of you guys experienced something like that? How old is the first known modding? 10x!
No corrosion here after 6 months. Firstly, it doesn't see any humidity, so no electrolyte. Secondly, the brushing doesn't change the physical structure, it is all uniform, i.e. no anode or cathode for corrosion to occur :p
Nathan Otis: Can you please provide the material you used to make your flame design.....How you went about producing the design.....and How you went about brushing around the design.
Thanks
Adam: Just noticed you live in S. Aust!!! I am thinking of moving out there......what's your take on it.....is the city cool? any good clubs? weather?
Nathan Otis
07-10-2004, 11:07 AM
Originally posted by boX
Nathan Otis: Can you please provide the material you used to make your flame design.....How you went about producing the design.....and How you went about brushing around the design.
Thanks
I took a piece of clear packing tape and drew the flames on it, stuck it lightly to the iPod and cut it out. Then I peeled off the part of the design I didn't want and applied pressure to the remaining part to keep it good and stuck through the brushing process.
The brushing went a little slower than most people report because I thought I could only go one direction (pulling in the direction of the bottom of the flames). After a while, I realized the tape was holding even if I went the other direction (ymmv).
Once I had the brush finish I wanted, I pulled the tape and gazed at the wonder of my creation. It was then I decided, "I must photograph this miracle and post it to iPodlounge that the world may rejoice".
And that is how it's done.
n.
Originally posted by boX
Adam: Just noticed you live in S. Aust!!! I am thinking of moving out there......what's your take on it.....is the city cool? any good clubs? weather?
Clubs play dance music, I'm a fan of good music so I don't go to them ;)
But the place is great, in fact its raining here for probably the first time this year, not too hot, not too cold.
blick2000
07-17-2004, 04:13 PM
OH $HIT THE FLAME GUY LIVES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I was hoping you were dead. :) I took you pic and used your flame design ( v. v. v. nice) drew it on paper and cut it out. I covered the back in tape to glued the paper one on and cut around the edges with a razor. It is a mirror image of yours. the stencil started to tear so I went to power brushing it with a dremel tool and a drill steel brush. I didn't get stright lines unfortunately but I am going recover it and, start on a swirl pattern. Right now i am happyy about it with about a 7 star rating but I think a swirl job can up it to a 8. Ill try to get a pic so you can see the rip off of your design.
blick2000
07-17-2004, 06:41 PM
Friggin Aussie dance is amazing.
UPDATE: after thinking about it I went ahead and did the tradititonal brushing technique. I had to work a little but the random brusing is mostly gone. How bout a nuclear symbol for the back. When you do a stencil things you should know.
1) do not use masking tape. a thin plactic tape is more durable and is thinner.
2) make sure your design can be brushed with out lifting the edges of the tape.
3) there is not 3
An idea for you who want to do a little symbol but want most of the mirror. cover the back in tape and cut your symbol out of the tape. That way you can do for example a little star in the back but not go over the top.
sqsxero
07-21-2004, 05:23 PM
just tried this tutorial, did it for about 2 hours and it just looks ... dull rather than brushed steel ;(
take a look: here (http://www.jumpwise.com/hosting/xero/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=86)
griever2004
07-22-2004, 02:35 AM
just did it today.
made the stencil myself too.
the star didnt turn out very crisp, since the packing tape I was using as the stencil wasn't holding on hard enough. But I still like it and I think it looks just fine.
First I used a sponge, but it was just too slow for me, or I was just not pressing hard enough. Glad I found a sanding block cause it did a great job and a faster one too =D
jPod (^-^)v
08-04-2004, 08:33 AM
WOW!! thats cool griever! i found a really cool fire design on a CD cover...now i just havta rent the CD and stencil the design...its a little thin..and will be pretty tricky but i think i could pull it off...when you guys said you put the tape on the iPod, then cut out your design..what did you use? a stanley knife or something? wouldnt it scratch the iPod?!?!? i might be able to pull off my design if i have a wide bit of tape because its a pretty thin design, but otherwise i might try your tape on the back idea..thanks!
griever2004
08-04-2004, 12:47 PM
Yea, wide tape will be useful, but the packing tape I used wasn't wide enough so I just double-layered it.
Anyway I still had the glossy non-stick paper thing (haha I dont know what its called) that came with my iCondom so I used that and put the packing tape over it.
I drew the stencil and cut it out, and the tape will just peel off nicely.
slapped it on the back and worked my magic. No knife needed
iamthenoise
08-04-2004, 03:07 PM
i just "brushed" mine and its awesome! i used the 3G styrofoam part that actually held the ipod to keep my ipod steady (works when you put the ipod on its side as well) and then put the styrofoam part that held the accessories on top to guide my hand for straight lines. I used the rough sponge and i like it more than using a sanding block. the sponge doesnt dig deep enough to make the ipod feel rough (and thats a good thing), its just rough enough to visually put lines one, but it feels totally smooth. sooo rad. i wish i had a camera. also masking tape is a must!
yep.
david
I can't get the sponge to scratch it enough.
Now my ipod is half brushed and half mirror :/
Do you have to keep the sponge in the exact same position all the time? Or can I rotate it so it doesnt always scratch the same lines?
I've tried 3 different sponges. Any tips?
Jansen2548
08-05-2004, 03:35 PM
I just did this to my brand spanking new 4th Gen, out of the box. And I'm so glad I did it. It was something I was too afraid to do to my (now sold) 3rd Gen.
I put a small piece of pda over the serial number (incase this counts as it being too scratched or defaced for warranty claims), and went away with a Scotch Brite kitchen sponge, just as suggested, though I bought the "Heavy Duty scourer" version. This enabled me to get a finish I desired quicker and the whole process took about an hour or so. 30 mins on the back, 10 each on the sides and 5 on the top and bottom. On the top and bottom I only brushed enough to dull the mirror finish and leave a few lines, I didn't want to get too many metal shavings caught in the ports.
Looks brilliant!
I love claiming to all my friends that this is a new feature to the 4th gen iPod. Brushed metal finish on the back. It looks very professional indeed so not many would doubt me.
Joshdude
08-05-2004, 03:37 PM
Agh I want to do it but I'm afraid of ruining my iPod. I wish I could hire someone to do it or something.
Dclax07
08-05-2004, 06:51 PM
looks awesome
I made up my mind to brush mine tomorrow, thats when i get my 4G 20gig.
help me decide with some symbols
I was thinking of the possibities and sports team logos,
your college logos, silhouttes of sports players sounded sweet but I think after im done itll "clutter" the ipod, so i picked some
simple designs that i can print out as a sticker :D
One
Dclax07
08-05-2004, 06:53 PM
sorry about the big pics, i dont know how to resize
two
Just the crown
Joshdude
08-05-2004, 07:57 PM
Ok so here's the situation: my iPod spends all of its time in my Arctic iSkin eVo case, so the back isn't scratched at all and I don't think it ever will be. However, the case makes it thicker, enough so that I miss the sleekness that the iPod has. I would only ditch the eVo if I brushed the back and had a way to protect the screen. I figure I can just use the iCondom screen protector. But I'm afraid of brushing the back. I've read the horror stories of how the back of their iPod now just looks dull, or how the scratches are all uneven. I either want the pristine mirror finish of the professional looking brushed job. I don't know how it would turn out if I tried it. But I still want to. Should I risk my iPod and go for it?
albitalia04
08-05-2004, 08:27 PM
your site doesnt show the steps anymore :'( ??? why take them out
Joshdude
08-06-2004, 12:53 AM
Ok I went ahead and did it, possibly against my better judgement. It actually looks pretty good, though. Nowhere near the original (I should have hired Adam to do it), but acceptable. In retrospect, I should have taped off the serial number, and maybe the Apple logo and the word "iPod." By the time I was done, everything on the back was gone. How'd you get all the logos and stuff to stay there? Oh well I don't mind the blank slab look anyway. Let's just hope Apple takes it if I need to send it in. I'll post some pics soon.
Originally posted by Joshdude
Ok I went ahead and did it, possibly against my better judgement. It actually looks pretty good, though. Nowhere near the original (I should have hired Adam to do it), but acceptable. In retrospect, I should have taped off the serial number, and maybe the Apple logo and the word "iPod." By the time I was done, everything on the back was gone. How'd you get all the logos and stuff to stay there? Oh well I don't mind the blank slab look anyway. Let's just hope Apple takes it if I need to send it in. I'll post some pics soon.
You probaly just didn't take your time. Its an easy job to do, but you just need patience. But judging by the amount of positive responses, you may have just had a bit of bad luck ;)
Joshdude
08-06-2004, 03:34 AM
I did it for about an hour total. I'm pretty sure I took my time. Maybe I used the wrong sponge. Oh well as I said I'm happy with the result.
Thats all that matters then :D
jlmodell
08-06-2004, 08:34 AM
I bought a can of brasso and some towels, and i tried to buff out the dozens of scratches that found their way onto my 4g iPod after just a few weeks... but they just wouldnt buff out, so last night i finally decided to brush it --
My question is, i spent maybe 15 minutes on it, and it looks alright, is it beneficial for me to continue for the hour or so, that i read many of you spent?
I taped up the "20GB" box so thats the only shiny part left, and i still havnt removed the tape- so i can continue for another 45 minutes if it will give me a better finish?
Yeah, it should do so. 15 minutes into mine it looked pretty average.
hoopchick18
08-08-2004, 08:27 AM
I am really interested in doing this but I want to put a design on the back. What is the best tape to use (packing, masking) and what would you recommend me to use to cut the stencil out with since it will be on the ipod at the time.
Hi Adam,
I've been browsing these forums since I got my Pod a week ago and I found this thread intresting. I finally 'brushed' my Pod yesterday and it looks excellent! The tutorial was so easy and a great help. I can actually look at the back of my pod now lol!
So to anyone who has worries about this, don't! It's so simple and you can't really go wrong, it's so worth it.
I would post a pic but my camera phone isnt letting me transfer to my email at the moment.
Cheers again.
blick2000
08-08-2004, 10:48 AM
Use the thin plastic tape. Like the tape you use to cover a address label on a package. It needs to be stick and plastic. The way i reccomend doing the design on the back is:
Cover the back in tape
Draw your design on paper.
Cut out the design
Coat the back in glue. (Rubber Cement time!)
Glue the design in posititon on the tape
Take a razor blade and go around the design
Peel of excess tape (you can leave the glued on paper if you want it will just wear away.)
You need to be careful about edges pulling up. Choose something simple! There is no way in hell Dclax07 that you can do either of those exactly.
spaztaz
08-13-2004, 01:05 PM
Adam: The back of my 3rd generation ipod is pretty scratched and was wondering if this technique would take out the scratches... Does it?
Joshdude
08-13-2004, 01:11 PM
Oh yeah it does. But my advise to you: tape over the serial number. Mine disappeared by the time I was done. Same with the Apple logo, etc. but those are less important.
spaztaz
08-13-2004, 01:18 PM
thank you! but what kind of tape should i use? scotch tape, painters tape? sry i am a newb
spaztaz
08-13-2004, 02:48 PM
I just finished! It looks amazing! thank you for showing everyone this amazing process. Dont be afraid, it is easy, and you virtually cannot mess up. Now my ipod has no scratches and doesnt show finger prints. YAY!
Joshdude
08-13-2004, 02:57 PM
Somehow I messed up. I'm buying a 20GB iPod and I want to try again. Exactly what kind of sponge did you use? I used a Scotch Brite. For some reason all the markings on the back were gone when i finished. But in your pictures, they're still there. How did you do that?
spaztaz
08-13-2004, 04:37 PM
I used a Scotch Brite Extra Strength and it worked great. I think it is the angle you hold the ipod that shows the lines and logo. I cant see the apple logo sometimes, but a certain angle i can.
spaztaz is on the mark, its just the angle at which I took the photo's at anyway. It doesn't need an Apple logo anyway, everyone knows it an iPod and Apple makes it.....
Joshdude
08-13-2004, 10:40 PM
Yeah but the serial number is pretty important. Also, I can't see anything at any angle. I must have gone pretty deep.
Is the Scotch Brite Extra Strength that red one? Because I saw that one and decided to go with the regular Scotch Brite instead.
anyone know if laminating plastic (the stuff the use in schools to cover books in plastic) would come off the back of the pod well after doing the brush finish? or if it's strong enuff?
this wud be a great solution for stencillers cos there is normal paper on the back that you cud easily draw yr design on
janni
09-02-2004, 03:59 AM
Adam, I own the same pair of pants as you, how cool am I?
I just read through the guide and it sounds really easy to do...why don't you just pop the front off instead of putting tape on it?
Very uncool ;)
Oh, and warranty.
joedereko
09-02-2004, 06:11 PM
This thread has been on the hot topics list for ever, and im still too ##### to brush mine. I just looked at the back of my pod and i just decided to brush it. If it gets crooked or something i can just keep going and get it right, right? And what kind of tape should i tape the serial with?
Adam is starting the new trend. maybe apple really will start making em like that.
joedereko
09-02-2004, 06:13 PM
oops i didnt know u couldnt say pus*y
enjoilax
09-02-2004, 06:43 PM
and you shouldn't try to get around the filter as well.
Chrysler Guy2
09-02-2004, 09:08 PM
I would buy a replacemnt rear faceplate, then brush the original (because it's already kind of scratched) then if I don't like it or want to change it for a few days etc. i can switch.
moopiesanchez
09-06-2004, 12:34 PM
I just brushed my iPod and it looks pretty good. It didn't take that long, and it wasn't that hard. You can see the pictures on home.comcast.net/~goal24/ipod/ipodstuff.htm
The only bad thing is now something is rattling inside of my ipod. Its kinda weird. Oh well.
Rexstjames
09-06-2004, 01:34 PM
Originally posted by Chrysler Guy2
I would buy a replacemnt rear faceplate, then brush the original (because it's already kind of scratched) then if I don't like it or want to change it for a few days etc. i can switch.
There's just that little thing about warranties the people worry about. We did manage to get some sort of shady confirmation from Apple that brushing it won't void your warranty, but opening the case certainly will.
threeball
09-06-2004, 01:38 PM
Does it work on the Carbon?
Originally posted by threeball
Does it work on the Carbon?
I don't see why not.
Joshdude
09-07-2004, 04:38 AM
Ok I have my unbrushed 20GB now (still 3G, though. 3G loyalists unite!), but I'm seriously considering waiting until the back gets really scratched to brush it. Last time I tried, it didn't go so well. I should cover up the Apple logo and serial number this time. What's a good tape to use?
I've brushed two of mine and never taped anything off except the white faceplate. What's all this fuss about taping off serial numbers?
Nathan Otis
09-07-2004, 09:07 AM
The fuss is about not wanting to chance the loss of the serial number. If the brushing is done correctly, there is little risk of totally obliterating the text or Apple logo.
I figured that, even if I brushed off the serial, I still have the box that has the serial on it. Just write the serial on the CD or something people.
For those who are wondering, this was accomplished using thin, clear, packing tape.
http://www.users.qwest.net/%7Eb-otis/iRule.jpg
n.
joedereko
09-07-2004, 07:11 PM
i just got a used 3g 10gig for 50 bucks!! at school this kid sold it to me. Im gonna brush it. Im gonna do some kinda pattern but i dont have a sponge. Im gonna try used fine sandpaper like wet sandpaper. think it will work???? If i like it ill do my 15gig also.
Rexstjames
09-07-2004, 07:23 PM
Originally posted by joedereko
i just got a used 3g 10gig for 50 bucks!! at school this kid sold it to me. Im gonna brush it. Im gonna do some kinda pattern but i dont have a sponge. Im gonna try used fine sandpaper like wet sandpaper. think it will work???? If i like it ill do my 15gig also.
Um, I don't think sandpaper is a good idea. Go get a sponge, it's like $.59.
Ugh. $50 for a 10gig? That's what I have, and got for $300. Damn Apple, coming out with newer and better things... grumble.
joedereko
09-07-2004, 07:32 PM
im gonna use the sand paper and then i can always go over it if it sucks. i cant wait to get the sponge. im only 15 or else i would go to the store and buy a sponge right now.
Joshdude
09-07-2004, 07:39 PM
How did you get that to look so good? By the time I finished, mine was more dull than "brushed" and every marking on the back was completely gone. What kind of sponge did you use?
joedereko
09-07-2004, 10:22 PM
i tried using wet sand paper, it worked pretty well. I didnt have time to finish, but its gonna turn out good.
Rexstjames
09-07-2004, 10:39 PM
Well congrats. I guess I just lack faith.
Heck, I havn't even done this to my 'pod yet. I never see the back now that it's in its xskin, anyway.
joedereko
09-08-2004, 10:10 PM
i finished brushing it with the sponge and its awesome im gonna do my other one i think. It doesnt totally get rid of the fingerpronts though. you can still see them at the right angle, but its definately an improvment.
Rexstjames
09-08-2004, 10:12 PM
Yeah? And how did the serial number survive?
HISpod
09-08-2004, 10:52 PM
^u can put tape..
jsuplido
09-08-2004, 10:53 PM
I did it to my iPod too. :) (4G 20GB) I must say I'm pleased with the results.
Details and pic at my site: Switchblog (http://www.suplido.com/joel).
Joshdude
09-08-2004, 10:55 PM
Agh that's so not fair. My stuff straight disappeared! And my lines were all curved. I need to hire someone to do it for me...
Bill Gates
09-09-2004, 11:49 AM
I tried brushing the front.... DO NOT EVER TRY IT!!!!!!!!!!
hehehe, seriously, when is enough? I think you can achieve a brushed look for under 20 strokes... when do you stop? should you achieve 0/zero glare? should it be as unreflective as a.... say powerbook? should you erase the logo? (hahaha)
thanks
Originally posted by Bill Gates
I tried brushing the front.... DO NOT EVER TRY IT!!!!!!!!!!
Thats the funniest thing that I've read in this thread :D
As for when is enough, its all personal preference. My tutorial was a guide only, you do whatever you want.
denisbaldwin
09-10-2004, 01:03 PM
How goes one go about doing the flames? cover the ipod with something sticky, like masking tape? and just brush around it? I wanted to do my initials in the mirrored look and the rest brushed.
Nathan Otis
09-10-2004, 02:23 PM
For info on flames (or any design) see my earlier post (quoted here for the lazy (or the busy)).
n.
Originally posted by Nathan Otis
The fuss is about not wanting to chance the loss of the serial number. If the brushing is done correctly, there is little risk of totally obliterating the text or Apple logo.
I figured that, even if I brushed off the serial, I still have the box that has the serial on it. Just write the serial on the CD or something people.
For those who are wondering, this was accomplished using thin, clear, packing tape.
http://www.users.qwest.net/%7Eb-otis/iRule.jpg
n.
mxu57
09-10-2004, 03:27 PM
I picked up my balls and sponge last night and decided to go through with it. The fingerprints and sweat was starting to #### me off. I tried using a multi purpose Scotch Brite (the blue wavy one) but after 30 minutes and still no change, I started to use a piece of sandpaper. It was a lot faster, but I think it cut in too deep in some places so I stopped immediately. DO NOT USE SANDPAPER PEOPLE! Luckily, I didnt use sandpaper for too long so it wasnt really ruined. I used a rougher sponge I found somewhere and it worked perfectly. Looks and feels great now! I actually prefer it over the shiny mirror-ness, seriously.
Thanks Adam!
Veasey
09-10-2004, 09:48 PM
so does brushing your pod void the warranty? whats apples email to ask them this question for myself?
Nathan Otis
09-10-2004, 10:52 PM
Have any of you seen this?
http://www.engadget.com/entry/4351358581402225/
n.
jsuplido
09-10-2004, 10:58 PM
Nathan, that's my brushed iPod... same one I posted a few posts up. :)
Making the news is rather cool :D
jsuplido
09-11-2004, 12:13 AM
I have you to thank for that, Adam. ;)
dundundun
09-11-2004, 03:57 AM
so is there a way to just get rid of the shininess without making it appear brushed? perhaps sandblasting? any tried?
iHEAD
09-11-2004, 04:06 PM
Check it out
HISpod
09-11-2004, 04:14 PM
woah thats cool ^ is that a fish on top?
iHEAD
09-11-2004, 05:02 PM
Yes it is a Fish. I was going to make the Phish logo but it had way to much detail so I threw a VT in there for Virginia Tech. Ah well.
Joshdude
09-11-2004, 06:09 PM
It looks so good...
swy32x
09-12-2004, 06:23 AM
It looks awesom, but you took so much time for the stencil over the fish you could have made one for the apple logo and the iPod ... looks a bit boxy ...
unknownsoldier0
09-12-2004, 01:43 PM
here is mine
i want to thank adam and everyone else on this board. without them i wouldn't have thought of brushing my ipod.
jPod (^-^)v
09-12-2004, 09:49 PM
SWEET MERCIFUL CRAP!!!! THAT-IS-AWESOME!!!!!!! ohhhh!! you should be proud...is that your own design?
amazing...
These designs are really taking off. Nice one. Maybe its time to update my site again :D
unknownsoldier0
09-13-2004, 07:43 AM
Thank you! I am very very proud of my ipod (I heart my ipod). In fact I'm more protective of it now than when it was shiny. I'm into tattoo designs and such so I found a design I liked online. I resized the image and printed it out so I can make a cutout on the ipod. Because of the detail it took me a long time to make it look right (some sharp edges look a little blurry). It took 30 min to make a cutout and 2+ hours to brush it.
I have a 4g I pod and it's still under warranty. I just hope nothing happens to it. I put a small piece of tape over the serial number (as you can tell in the picture).
I have some better pictures up:
http://www.unknown-soldier.com/pictures/ipod04.jpg
http://www.unknown-soldier.com/pictures/ipod05.jpg
Nathan Otis
09-13-2004, 08:53 AM
Nicely done. It's cool to see others masking some stuff off.
n.
iHEAD
09-13-2004, 11:34 AM
Very nice.
Rexstjames
09-13-2004, 04:43 PM
Holy mother of poo. That looks ace.
I think I'll take the plunge and finally brush mine. Gotta get a sponge.
I don't think I'll do a design, just cause I don't think I'd be able to do a good one and if I messed it up it might just end up looking crappy, and I don't think I'll block out anything because it looks like that just ends up looking boxy. I'll try to do it fast so the serial number won't see it coming and get scared away :O)
unknownsoldier0
09-13-2004, 05:37 PM
Originally posted by Rexstjames
I don't think I'll do a design, just cause I don't think I'd be able to do a good one and if I messed it up it might just end up looking crappy, and I don't think I'll block out anything because it looks like that just ends up looking boxy. I'll try to do it fast so the serial number won't see it coming and get scared away :O) [/B]
A simple design is really easy to do and hard to mess up. I do agree that covering up the logos makes everything look boxy. Just cover up the serial number (if your ipod is still under warranty) with some strong clear packing tape. Use the same packing tape for designs as well. I used some sticky clear thick tape. If you do do a design, be precise with the xacto knife and don't cut too deep. Make sure you protect the front really well because it's easy to get the screen scratched from scotch brite/metal shavings. Otherwise, just follow Adam's tutorial and the posts on this board.
Post a pic when you're done!
jpod999
09-13-2004, 08:06 PM
has anyone ever tried to "brush" their remote. i tried it and it looks ok. i tried to take some pics, but you cant really see the brushing in them. Adam i guess that is your next project. :) lol
Bethan
09-21-2004, 04:30 PM
what does it feel like when it's brushed? is it scratchy? they do look really cool but i think i'd put a circle or something over the apple logo etc.
what'd be really cool is having like a three part design. one area shiny, one area brushed AND one area DOUBLE brushed. like mask off the edges round it and brush it the other way.
So one part's sideways, one's vertical. or one part's vertical AND horizontal, like cross hatched. am i making sense?
you could make a totally cool design like that, i think.
Bethan
09-21-2004, 04:32 PM
also, is there anyway to make sure the edges are sharp in your design? and unknownsoldier, your pod looks AWESOME.
unknownsoldier0
09-24-2004, 12:19 PM
Originally posted by Bethan
what does it feel like when it's brushed? is it scratchy? they do look really cool but i think i'd put a circle or something over the apple logo etc.
what'd be really cool is having like a three part design. one area shiny, one area brushed AND one area DOUBLE brushed. like mask off the edges round it and brush it the other way.
So one part's sideways, one's vertical. or one part's vertical AND horizontal, like cross hatched. am i making sense?
you could make a totally cool design like that, i think.
The back is very smooth after brushing it. If you have a part bushed and part unbrushed area, the area that is unbrushed is more "clingy." What I mean is, fingerprints and dirt will be more attracted to the unbrushed area.
Other than the designs, I did think about textured brushing. Based on my artistic ability (which is nil) I didn't think I could manage a "swirly" circular pattern. Maybe it can be something you can try out. As far as "double brushing" I don't think you could tell the difference between the two textures.
As far as your question to "how do I make edges look sharp" I took a sharp tool and carefully carved in scratches to enhance the pointy areas. I used the end of a mechanical pencil (the ones with a metal tip) to carve in these lines. After I finished everything, I used Brasso to smooth everything out. There is really no easy way to do it. If you do decide on a design, you should expect a decent amount of time and effort to make it look good. I will be happy to give suggestions if you need it.
Bethan
09-27-2004, 12:11 PM
thanks. :)
MajinX
09-29-2004, 10:44 PM
I'm just wondering..
When you use tape to cover the parts you dont want brushed, you cover the whole back (if doing a pattern) and actually use an exacto knife or something, to cut the pattern out, sort of?
right? not right?
would the sponge not just pull the tape up?
Don't see why it wouldn't work. Good idea.
Oh, and also, to get rid of triple posts, just edit them and select the 'delete' option ;)
snak3y3z1001
09-30-2004, 05:31 AM
what kind of tape you are using to do the design?
iLounge.com is ©2001 - 2007 The Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.