What exactly are "Skins"?
Skins feature stunning, high-resolution graphics that are printed on premium grade adhesive-backed cast vinyl. Skins are good for low profile protection without adding any bulk, provide basic scratch protection, and can style devices in ways that no cases can achieve, setting you apart in a crowd. The unique weaved adhesive allows for fast, easy and accurate application, and goo-free removal.
What are Skins made of?
Our Skins are printed in high-resolution and full colour on premium grade adhesive-backed cast vinyl, then sealed with either a high-gloss or matte protective laminate for long-lasting protection.
Cast vinyl is of notably higher quality and cost roughly 2.5 times as much as the usual calendared vinyl used. Unlike calendared vinyl, cast vinyl does not discolour, is much less prone to shrinkage over time, much thinner, can conform easily to just about any curve and will last 7-9 years.
The laminate increases the overall strength of the Skin and makes it impossible to smudge or smear the design. It also ensures that the colour will remain bright and vibrant for over 5 years.
The unique weaved adhesive allows for fast, easy and accurate application. Mistakes and misalignments in the application process can be corrected by simply peeling off the Skin gently and reapplying. Minor creases and air bubbles can be easily flattened out with a finger. Skin application tips are available at http://istyl.es/SkinApplication
The adhesive was also designed for easy goo-free removal. Just peel the Skin off when you're done and your device will be just like it was when the Skin was first applied.
What's the difference between Gloss and Matte coatings?
The standard Gloss coating gives Skins a shiny finish that looks expensive, classy and sophisticated. A Matte coating give Skins an arty look and feel (art pieces, professional photos, canvases are usually matte).
The choice between gloss and matte basically boils down to personal preference as some may prefer a classy gloss finish while others may prefer an arty matte finish. Matte will probably be more suited for e-book reader Skins as they cut down on glare around the screen borders but gloss works fine for others. There is no hard and fast rule - for example, the iPhone 4 is shiny and a 'gloss' Skin looks good on it. Likewise, an iPhone 4 can rock a 'matte' Skin equally well: http://istyl.es/gXkwvm
What if I want better protection?
Devices these days are sturdy and Skins were designed for low profile protection without adding any bulk. The high quality cast vinyl result in a thickness of a mere 6-7 mils (1 mil = 0.0254 millimeters) which not only allows it to shape more effectively around curved surfaces, but also allows you to use the Skin underneath another case (for example, a clear crystal case or a translucent silicone case) if you require more comprehensive protection.
Is that a Skin on the screen?
No, Skins are opaque even when nothing is printed on them and the area around the screen is cut out. What you see on the product image is the free digital wallpaper that we provide to 'complete the look'. The wallpaper download code and instructions are printed on the unused area of the Skin. You will be able to download the wallpaper using these instructions after you receive the product.
How do they compare to others Skins on the market?
The reaction we've seen and heard is overwhelmingly positive; the consensus seems to be that we produce an extremely high quality product. The same attention to quality and detail is evident in every Skin we sell.