Introduction: Brushed Steel IPod Back!
Looking for a new look for your iPod? Tired of the chrome back that scratches just by looking at it? Well, now you can exponentially improve the overall appearance of your iPod (in my opinion) by brushing it! Well, actually, you are going to put a lot of scratches in the back of your iPod. Sounds cringe-worthy, but it looks awesome in the end, just look at the pics. :)
Note: I will not held responsible for any damage of any kind this project could cause to your iPod. Do this at your own risk. Thank you!
(This is my first Instructable...let me know how I did. Thanks!)
EDIT: This was not my idea originally! Google "Brushed iPod" to find other people who have undertaken similar projects.
Step 1: Gather Your Materials.
What you will need:
-Short section of 2x4, or something similar. (Roll over image on the far left for a better discription.)
-Paper towels
-ScotchBrite pad or a sanding block.
-Some tape (Gaffers tape is best)
-An iPod
Step 2: Preparing Your IPod.
We are now going to put tape around the plastic edges of the iPod, to keep the plastic from getting scratched. Be very precise. If you leave some plastic exposed, you will scratch the plastic. If you cover some of the metal, you will leave a strip of chrome when you are done brushing. Do this on all four sides of the iPod, and fold the excess tape over the front.
Step 3: Preparing the Surface.
Tear off a section of paper towel, fold it, and place so that it is butting up against the guide.
Take your iPod and place it face down on the paper towel. Push the iPod flat against the guide. You are now ready to brush the iPod. Isn't this exciting?! :D
Step 4: Brushing the Back of the IPod.
And now, the moment we've all been waiting for... WE ARE STARTING TO BRUSH THE IPOD!!!!!!
First, if you so desire, copy the iPod serial number down. Depending on the finish, it may or may not be visible after brushing. Switch the iPod's hold button on. Hold the iPod flat against the guide with one hand. Using the other hand, take the ScotchBrite pad, and start "sanding" the back of your iPod in a back and forth motion. Back and forth. Back and forth. Back and forth.... you get the picture. This could probably take close to an hour, if you put some elbow grease into it, you may be able to shorten the process.
If you are impatient like me, and want it to go a little bit faster, you can try using the sanding block (with some sandpaper, of course) to get a rough finish, then using the ScotchBrite pad to give it a "finished" finish. If you have the time though, I would recommend using just the ScotchBrite pad. It will look a lot better in the end.
Step 5: Brushing the Sides.
The two longest sides are the easiest to do. Just wrap the sponge around the sides and go for it!
The top and the bottom are a little bit more tricky. On the top, try going around the hold switch with a small, folded up piece of sandpaper.
On the bottom where the iPod plugs in, either tape it up, or just go over it. Just do try not to get any sanding residue in there.
Step 6: You're Done!!!!!
Congratulations, you are done! You now have an iPod that is truly unique, and it will be the envy of all your friends. If you get any other horizontal scratches in it, help is just a ScotchBrite pad away.
Enjoy!
53 Comments
12 years ago on Introduction
I ahve a stupi question. Does it feel scrached and will it prevent it from getting deep scratces thanx.
Reply 12 years ago on Introduction
Hi there! You shouldn't be able to feel that it's scratched, as long as you use a scotch brite pad. If you use a coarse sandpaper, you might be able to tell. :P
It won't necessarily PREVENT it from getting deep scratches (scratches against the brush may be somewhat noticeable) but you can always take the pad and brush those scratches out, so it's not that big of a deal. Thanks!
12 years ago on Introduction
I did something of this sort to a plastic Xbox360 faceplate. I had an elite with a white front panel ( part of the deal when I got it ) which I painted black to match the rest. My painting failed epicly and left bubbles and bumps. I used steel wool and started making it smooth. There is a nice matte finish, it's smooth, with white outlines on all the edges. Looks fairly nice.
12 years ago on Introduction
I did this to my iPod on accident I thought the scotch brute pad was a sponge so I wet it and started "cleaning" (I thought) and when I finished it was brushed metal kinda funny
13 years ago on Step 6
I was so giddy about doing this myself, I made an instructable. Then, it was like, 'related instructables' and voila, here's yours. i've deleted mine, but know i share your enthusiasm. although, mine took about 10 minutes to do with a legitimate damp scotch brite pad.
Reply 13 years ago on Introduction
Aw, that's too bad about making the same instructable and having to delete it, I feel kinda bad! I'm sure you'll find something else to instructablize, though. :) Thanks for commenting!
13 years ago on Introduction
next time cut a perfectly shaped sticker to cover the logo, or at least air brush iPad nano back on.
14 years ago on Introduction
Nice, will this work on a silver iPod Shuffle? (I think its aluminum) Also, Ive seen ones that dont remove the apple logo, is that possible? Thanks
Reply 13 years ago on Introduction
if you dont shave down to much of the 'metal' you should still be able to see the logo
Reply 14 years ago on Introduction
iPod shuffle? Which generation? I don't think that would work too well. :P Unless you mean the Nano, then yes, it should work. As far as keeping the logo is concerned, I wanted a completely brushed look, so I started off with sandpaper, which made the logo disappear quite quickly. :) Try using JUST the scotch-brite pad, it will take longer, but in the end you should be able to see the logo. Thanks for the comment!
Reply 14 years ago on Introduction
Alright will do, and I meant this one:
http://www.iesb.net/images/stories/contests/iPod_Shuffle_Silver.png
Reply 14 years ago on Introduction
Oh, got it! I think that should work just fine. Be sure to use lighter pressure, because the aluminum is softer than steel.Thanks!
Reply 14 years ago on Introduction
sure, you just sand around the logo lol :) its not impossible, it will just take-- yet again-- longer :)
14 years ago on Introduction
I can't do this to my very expensive iPod, it's permanent :P
Reply 14 years ago on Introduction
not unless you have a time machine!
14 years ago on Introduction
If I wasn't OCD about my ipod, I'd do it!
14 years ago on Introduction
Nice guide! I just did it on my iPod touch, looks good.
14 years ago on Introduction
hey nice instructalbe i had one question though... in the picture in step one... what is the item you said that we would know what it is ;) im so curious :D
Reply 14 years ago on Introduction
im jking btw, amaing instuctable :)
Reply 14 years ago on Introduction
Haha, thanks! :)