If you want to add some color to your iPhone 4 or iPhone 4S but don't feel comfortable doing a full-on DIY color modding and voiding your Apple warranty, Slickwraps might be just what you're looking for. You get a similar style to color mods without the risks of actually modding. Apply them just like you would any screen protector or shield, and when you're done, you've got what appears to be a completely color modded iPhone.
Slickwraps come in a wide array of colors and textures. You can choose from solid colors, carbon fiber, glow, brushed metal, fur, and several others. You can even get a blank canvas pack that allows you to draw on them before applying them to the back of your iPhone 4 or iPhone 4S (great choice if you're an artist or know an artist you can sweet talk into making you a custom job!)
Each Slickwrap comes with the following items -
- Front wrap
- Back wrap
- Bezel wrap
- Screen protector
- Cleaning Cloth
Some kits are back only while others cover the entire iPhone. Just make sure you're aware of which kits are which. The full kits will come with everything listed above. Other kits may not have a front piece, such as the canvas version.
How to apply Slickwraps to your iPhone
I tried out two different Slickwraps - solid colored pink and blue carbon fiber. The solid colored versions are a bit harder to apply due to the material. It's a bit stretchy and it's not as easy to line it up perfectly. The whole process took me about 30 minutes on the pink version. The carbon fiber only took me about 10 minutes and lined up perfectly from start to finish.
Before starting, making sure you use a cleaning cloth (there is one provided) to wipe down your screen and back plate to ensure that no dust or debris gets trapped under the Slickwrap. You may see bubbles from dirt or dust if your iPhone isn't cleaned off properly prior to application.
I suggest beginning with the front and back pieces first. When you're done applying those, then move on to the bezel.
The bezel portion is on a sheet that will supply you with all the trim pieces you need. The middle piece is universal and will be used for both iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S users. The volume button portion is different so you'll need to pay attention to what version you need to apply. The upper sticker is for AT&T iPhone 4 users only. The bottom sticker is for Verizon iPhone 4 and all iPhone 4S owners. When you're done, you should have one sticker left over.
Using Slickwraps with other accessories
While Slickwraps may prevent against minor scratches, I wouldn't expect much more than that. They're mainly made to stand out more than they are to protect.
I did try to use bumpers on both versions. The solid colored Slickwraps are thin enough to fit a bumper on normally and comfortably. The bumper fit with the carbon fiber version but it was a bit tight.
Yes, a bumper will cover up the trim pieces so you'll have to decide if you'd rather have the trim or a bit of protection. I don't normally have a case on my iPhone as I prefer the stock look more than anything. And the trim pieces are just too cool to cover up in my opinion.
Case compatibility will widely vary depending on what kind of case you're using and how tight it is around the iPhone to begin with.
The stock Apple dock shouldn't give you any issues. I tested it with both the original solid color variant and the carbon fiber version, which is a bit thicker, and had no issues easily sliding my iPhone in the dock and back out.
How to add a colored back to your iPhone for even more fun
The back of the iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S is super simple to DIY replace. Ordering a colored back adds a third color to the mix and may be something a lot of users may want to play around with.
While trying out the blue carbon fiber Slickwrap I also threw on a solid green back. It added a bit more color and really made the back pop out even more. If you're aiming to make your iPhone stand out, adding a colored back is a great way to compliment the Slickwrap.
The good
- Fairly easy to apply, no need to use water or any kind of liquid.
- Much cheaper than a complete color mod.
- No voided warranty.
- Unique and highly customizable.
The bad
- Solid colored versions are a bit thinner and somewhat stretchy causing application to be a little harder than textured variants.
- The bottom trim piece covers the screw holes. Not a big issue for most but if you want to change out your back, most users may find that a little annoying.
Conclusion
A lot of iPhone owners will appreciate being able to add color and variation without the price tag of a color modification which easily runs well over $100 from most reputable iPhone repair shops and online sources.
Slickwraps are a great way to make your iPhone 4 or iPhone 4S stand out and require no tools or DIY knowledge. These are by far the best no-tools required color kit option I've come across so far.
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