Introduction: Customize a Tablet Case

About: I am an Industrial Designer, who obviously loves to create. Now that I am a mom, most of my creations are inspired by my daughers. I believe that if more parents were making stuff with their kids, the world wo…

If you need a tablet case but don't want to spend a lot of money in a cute one, just buy a simple one, read this instructable and customize yours. With the money you saved you could buy that awesome app you want so bad.

I'll show you how to use a stencil to paint a neoprene case, it'll be a good gift too.

If you´ve ever wondered how you could paint neoprene, this is your answer, keep reading and you´ll see how I achieved this amazing results.

Step 1: Gather Your Materials

A neoprene case

Fabric paint

A sponge brush

A stencil or vinyl and an electronic cutter to make one.

Step 2: Make Your Design

If you don’t have an electronic cutter, you can cut out vinyl or contact paper with scissors or x-acto knife. This design will be a bit too complicated to cut by hand, but you can absolutely cut out other designs.

I made my own stencil, if you have a cameo or portrait, these are my tips when making stencils.

If you are using text, convert them to paths. You'll see the lines intersect (see the first picture), that will make weeding (removing the excess of vinyl) difficult.

Now select everything, and in the modify window click weld. You'll see the difference.

Step 3: Make Your Stencil

Now let the machine do its magic. You can cut it without the mat. I like to set the speed to low when cutting letters and other intricate designs.
Remove the letters, but keep the centres of the letters.

Step 4: Place the Stencil

Now carefully lift and place the stencil on the the tablet case. You can use a ruler or measuring tape to center the stencil.
Then stick the centres one by one. Make sure every tiny part of he vinyl is well stuck.

Step 5: Paint

Grab a little bit of fabric paint with the paint brush. Don't put a lot of paint because it will be more difficult to control and it could bleed through the stencil.

So, it's better to paint with a little bit of paint, and if you feel you can still see the colour of your case through the paint, apply another coat. Mine required two coats.

Once the paint is dry, carefully pull back the vinyl.

Good job! Now you have cute tablet case

Makerspace Contest 2017

Participated in the
Makerspace Contest 2017