I wasn't sure where to put this, but since it involves a case, I figured the Accessories forum was a safe bet. Like most folks who pre-ordered from Sprint, I received a free case as a little thank you for being patient....even though I wasn't. After a few weeks, my only complaint is that the case is very slick and I've had a couple of close calls when trying to get it out of my pocket and answer a call while in a hurry. I remember seeing someone mention a product called PlastiDip, which is a spray-on coating designed to add texture and some degree of weather protection. I found a can at the local hardware store, slapped some masking tape on the edges of the free case and this is the result.
Here it is with just the tape.
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This is after 4 medium coats of PlastiDip with 30 minutes between coats.
And here it is after scoring along the tape with a razor blade and then removing the tape.
I'm not sure how long it will hold up, but it really added a nice grippable feel to the case. Don't look too close or you'll see that I didn't apply the tape parallel to the edge of the case. I also didn't do a really good job of scoring along the edge of the tape. However, the case was free and the spray was only around $6 so I don't have a whole lot invested. If anyone else has similar problems holding on to their phone, this might be an option to consider.
For reference, this is the stuff.
Nice work, thanks for sharing it!
Just a fyi the oils from fingers will start to peal the edges off. Good idea though
Dude plasti dip is the ****! I've done various car trim items in that stuff, it's incredible. Excellent idea, I'll try this if I get a case.
wow great idea, i got a few cans sitting at home
How about using grip tape? I always have leftovers from my skateboard decks.
About Plasti-Dip, spray from a further distance for more "grit". The closer you spray the smoother it'll look.
What about maybe painting with RTV? It seems like that might be cheaper as well as more durable.
My issue would be peeling over time, though it's so simple you might as well just keep reapplying it, nothing will beat it in terms of grip.
Pine tar....
Sent from my EVO using xda premium
Out of curiosity... How long did this hold up? I sprayed my nexus s 4g awhile back and it lasted a little more than a month. I am wondering if others had better success. I probably didn't do the best job.
Related
For anyone who owns a Speck Candyshell (like me) I'm sure they know that the case can become slippery when your hands are sweaty or oily so I thought of an old trick that I have used for other things: Plasti Dip!
A couple of coats and 'voila', excellent grip and it's much more scratch resistant. Even the "Speck" logo is still visible (see pics). Just make sure you tape off the openings and anything you don't want sprayed.
Here is a link for Plasti Dip from Home Depot:
http://bit.ly/I2VCHc
You can also find different colors online.
And here are some pics (the photos doesn't do it justice because it actually looks much better then these images):
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Looks good. Did you rough the case up before spraying? got a picture of the front? I wonder how long it will last before it peels...
over2land said:
Looks good. Did you rough the case up before spraying? got a picture of the front? I wonder how long it will last before it peels...
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^ This, I'll be watching here. I have a Speck which, besides being nearly impossible to remove the phone from, I otherwise liked pretty well.
Just cleaned it with warm water and soap then dried. There really wasn't much to show from the front which is why I didn't take any pics. I did spray front and back though. I taped off all the openings from the inside of the case to spray the back and then I cut out a piece of paper the size of the phone and placed it in the case to spray the front.
I was in a hurry yesterday after spraying it so I ripped all the tape and paper off quickly which did leave some rough edges around the openings and only one small spot did it peel back. I would recommend letting sit for the full four hours it's supposed to dry and then use an X-acto knife to cut around the edges for smooth lines. I plan on throwing another coat on when I get my new SD card and I have a reason to remove the case. I will also update the post after some use to let everyone know if it holds up. (Some people use Plasti Dip on external parts of their vehicles and it holds up well against the elements so I think it will do fine)
Also, just an FYI, I cut out the rubber pieces for the power button and volume rocker because I kept accidentally pressing them when holding the phone. I then sanded the areas around the openings to make it easier to reach with my fingers/thumbs. I thought I'd throw that out there in case anyone noticed they looked different.
over2land said:
Looks good. Did you rough the case up before spraying? got a picture of the front? I wonder how long it will last before it peels...
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Click to collapse
After having a see-through PTU case since day one, I rarely take the case off. Recently I have been using the Note with a digital amplifier to listen to music. Since the cutout on the case doesn't fit the 3.5 mm input, I have been taken the case off. I immediately noticed how sexy the Note is in it's complete naked state with the vivid capacitative button lit.
I suggest you do the same to yours if you are not already. Just not in public .
Mine has been in its birthday suit since its initial unboxing. It definitely is a nice looking phone. Although the materials are primarily plastic, it still feels premium. No creaking on this guy.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using xda premium
Sexy profile is why I'm also keeping mine nude but the phone is way too big to avoid some kind of bumping especially when I'm in my car.
I dropped my note couple of times already but I've been very lucky so far...
It really hurts my feeling when what I mentioned above happens... It worries me every time.
I've grown very attached to this phone. I think im at least getting a bumper case. The phone won't look so sexy with a cracked screen or bruised corners.
sunshines4u said:
I dropped my note couple of times already but I've been very lucky so far...
It really hurts my feeling when what I mentioned above happens... It worries me every time.
I've grown very attached to this phone. I think im at least getting a bumper case. The phone won't look so sexy with a cracked screen or bruised corners.
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I know it aint cheap but for about $50, the otterbox defender case is the best *insurance* and piece of mind, money can buy imo.
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Thread Cleaned
I know its just a bit of fun, but it could offend someone. Lets keep it clean now people
this is why i use a slim SLIM case on my note, doesnt really add anything or take anything away from it and all ports are super accessible.
Looking for a great slim case
I know the Otter Box Defender offers ultimate protection on the go but it's also hideously ugly and makes the device untenable for pocket use. I have no intentions of carrying it on my hip so I need something slim that offers some protection without detracting significantly from the beauty of the device. Has anyone tried different cases and found one that they love that sort of fit the aforementioned criteria?
BTW, currently I have a black Trident case on it which adds some bulk and size. It's still pocketable but it covers up the entire phone with a raised border around the screen for some protection. All that black is covering up my beautiful white though (except for the face). I'll be taking it back but I don't want to go unprotected. Ummmm...well, you know what I mean.
As the nook isn't available where I live, so are accesories. Found I needed a sleeve for my NST GlowWorm, and went shopping for material.
Ended up with a sheet of thick felt (like 5 mm) and a wide velcro band.
Measured the nook, and cut the felt.
I took out my wife sewing machine, and sewed the velcro on. The furry side went all around the "body" of the sleeve (even tho it's only needed on front) and the other on the flap.
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Then I folded front and back, and sewed the two open edges together. Broke a needle where passing the velcro part, but after a second pass, it all came together.
Result: A sleeve with perfect fit, and a distinct look with the velcro all around it.
Pictures, please?
IMO, it looks much better IRL than on these pics, but you get an idea of how it may look.
I'm minimalistic, so I went for all black, but I guess you could spice it up with felt and velcro in contrasting colors or something.
Wow, looks neat and protective. Really thick felt too.
Congratulations on your DIY project.
This is the 2nd time this week I've been impressed with DIY cases. I'm pretty handy with technology, but nobody in my house sews. It's good to know how to make things.
I've got a nice zip case for my NST, as well as a slip cover. Both work, but the zip case adds bulk, and the slip cover is a bit large. A case like yours with an internal stiffener board to protect the screen against pokes would be ideal. I'd like some notches on it to protect the 'n' key from being pressed in my bag.
pretty cool, I LOVE DIY stuff
Nice! I would say - mind reader, I was researching exact same thing today!
wouldn't the velcro scratch the back of the nook when you get it out?
bachterman said:
wouldn't the velcro scratch the back of the nook when you get it out?
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Good point. Never seen any scratches tho. Also, the way I pick it up, my hand is between the nook and the flap, so it doesn't touch it. Perhaps putting the "furry" vercro on the flap would have been a better idea.
Anybody use these? They look pretty cool! I'm planning to just put it on the back only (to protect the bottom glass when laying it on a surface). Might order a set of carbon fiber black, or that dark wood!
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I considered one of these but i just cant imagine how painful and frustrating it would be applying it. Screen protectors already can be so frustrating haha. If you do please share pics of the after product!
I ordered the silver/white carbon fiber, it's the only easy way to make my black Xperia Z3 white.... T-mobile USA carry just the black version geez.
Looks like super high quality material.
Sent using my Xperia Z3 while underwater
Is this stuff sticking well to the curved areas?
No it didn't stick well to the curved areas. I applied one and withing 2 days it was coming off.
I ordered the Dark Wood one. I'll let you know how it is when I get it.
Enfurno, did you try to re-attach after briefly using a hair dryer? I've seen that suggestion across the Skinomi site, and I'm curious if that helps at all.
Just updating the purchase. I bought the black carbon fiber one. It was very easy to apply and sticks really well (I only applied the rear, not the sides). The cut is very accurate to the phone, with a 1mm gap too thin on one side. So far so good.
The pic does not do justice.
I hear there is a thanks giving sale/discount.
I got the Dark Wood one recently and applied it. The small pieces were a bit of a pain, but using a hair dryer helps to install them. The backside went on very easily. It looks great, I'll try to upload some pics soon.
Also, I'd like to confirm that the 'self healing' does in fact work. I got a rather large nasty scratch on the backside which initially wouldn't "heal", but when I applied heat (I put my hot coffee mug on it, but again, the hair dryer is your friend here) the scratch got less deep and smaller. It's almost gone now, but I think it needs a little more help.
Im looking into getting the Z3 and I have a Z2 today. I want like a rubbery backside because my hands are very dry and its alittle bit slippery. Which one would be best to get to have that rubber feeling?
Does Skinomi deliver to sweden?
Hi guys.
Anyone Using this Aluminum Metal Bumper for Z5 Premium......
How's it. Is it better ????????/
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Hi, I had this, this after some time, this annoys you. Because it feels and it is bigger with the bumper. My bumper was a little thinner, but the same effect
Look for other
I use a similar version, with a cover on the back and this reduce the RF signals (BT, Wifi, Celullar, etc.). If I can recommend something, use another like the "love mei" to fully protect your phone.
I have one at the moment, bought it for 6 dollars . Actually it makes the phone bigger and less comfortable, also you wont be able to use the fingerprint scanner, because the power button will be about 6mm inside the bumper. It's edges are not soft. Buy a silicone backcover.
You should look into DevilCase. They make great bumpers which I've been using for years. Very high quality and doesn't affect cell service. They also make really cool skins but since they're not sold in the USA, the shipping is awfully expensive.
I used an aluminium bumper with a slide on back as a posed to screw together ones. I dropped my device a couple of times and thought it was fine, although the it turned out the frame bumper had warped causing the back slide in section to not sit correctly. The impact also caused the rear glass to smash in a corner which I didn't see until I removed it.
I wouldn't recommend one TBH.
Despite my previous opinion, I am using DevilCase since few months, and I can say only - The phone looks gorgeous!
Well it is slippery (like it is naked), but there is some protection (i dropped it around 10 times without any damage to the phone or the bumper).
Insignificant signal degradation (in my environment - home, office).
devilcase is the best