Frequently Asked Questions
- About Smirk About Skins
- Designs and Devices
- Skin Application and Protection
- Vinyls, Laminates and Materials
- Ordering and Shipping
- Guarantee and Returns
- Artwork and Designs
- Corporate Orders and Customised Skins
About Smirk About Skins
What are Smirk About Skins?
Smirk About is all about personalisation. Most people carry at least one device where ever they go, be it a phone, a Blackberry or an iPod, a netbook, laptop or gaming console. But these devices look the same as everyone else’s. We want you to make your devices truly your own.
Smirk About skins allow you to change the look of your phone, music player, laptop, netbook, gaming console and controller. The skins are ultra thin, ultra high quality self-adhesive vinyl, decorated with a huge collection of graphics, which will stick to your device like a second skin.
We have an ever growing catalogue of designs ranging from graphic art, photography, sports, music, films, classic art, television, pop culture, animation and hundreds more so if you can’t find something you like, let us know and we’ll do our best to find something. Otherwise if you find a design or think of a theme that you like, complete the form on the contact us page and we’ll do our best put it on a skin.
Designs and Devices
How often do you release new designs and support new devices?
We add new designs and devices on an almost weekly basis, so keep an eye on our What's New section and sign up to our newsletter to keep up to date with all that’s going on.
What devices do you support?
Smirk About skins are designed for:
- Mobile Phones
- iPods
- Laptops
- Netbooks
- Game Consoles & Controllers
We currently support over 100 devices and are constantly adding new devices to our collection. Check out the device page to see the complete list and keep an eye on What's New and sign up to our newsletter to keep up to date with all that’s new.
How do I know what model I have?
The first place to check is the packaging or manual that came with the device. Failing this, the model number is often printed on the shell of the device. Another place to look is actually under the devices battery. The manufacture’s website should also help, otherwise send an email to us at service@smirkabout.com and we’ll see what we can do.
Will my device still fit in its dock or case?
Despite being ultra strong, the skins are also ultra thin (< 0.2mm). This means that they will not interfere with your device fitting into a docking station, cradle or sleeve. There are some hard cover phone cases that fit so tightly that a skin won’t fit underneath.
How do I get my Smirk About wallpaper?
Our wallpapers are available for most phone skins. The method of applying the wallpaper to your phone will vary depending on the make of phone that you have. The most common methods are listed below, but if you still need a hand, then contact us at service@smirkabout.com and we’ll give you a hand.
- Finding your download code The download code is printed above the skin for the back of your device. It will be in a format similar to 1-X00-000-0000XXXX. It is also printed on your tax invoice as the SKU number.
- Download directly from website: To download your wallpaper, go to wallpaper.smirkabout.com. You will be prompted to type in a download code. Then hit 'Submit code'. If the code is valid you will then see your matching wallpaper. Follow the link to download it to your computer. Connect your phone to your computer (see phone user manual) and transfer the wallpaper file from you desktop to your phone. Using the phone settings set the newly saved file as your wallpaper. Since every device works slightly differently please consult the manual that came with your device.
- iPhone: Using your iPhone, go to wallpaper.smirkabout.com. Enter your download code into the dialogue box. When the wallpaper image opens, tap and hold on the image. Choose ‘Save Image’. Click your iPhone’s home button and go to Photos application. Select the wallpaper, tap ‘Options’ (bottom left of screen). Select ‘Use As Wallpaper’.
- Blackberry: Using your Blackberry, go to wallpaper.smirkabout.com. Enter your skin code into the dialogue box. Select the wallpaper and save it by choosing ‘Set as Home Screen Image’.
- Android: Using your Android device, go to wallpaper.smirkabout.com. Enter your skin code into the dialogue box. Using your device set this image as the wallpaper.
- Windows Mobile: Using your mobile phone, go to wallpaper.smirkabout.com. Enter your skin code into the dialogue box. Using your device set this image as the wallpaper.
How many faces do the skins cover?
Our skins cover as many faces as possible. Most phones and game controllers have two faces (front and back) although flip phones and Nintendo DS gaming consoles generally have 4 faces. iPods also have two faces, while laptops and netbooks have one face.
Skin Application and Protection
How do I apply my Smirk About Skin?
Pictures tell a thousand words and so we thought that we’d make a video to show you how to apply our skins. It’s pretty easy if you follow these 6 simple steps:
- Clean your hands and device
- Align the edges and holes of the skin with the respective parts on the device
- Place the skin on the device and adjust to perfect alignment
- Gently push down on the skin starting from the centre and working out to the edges.
- Once all air bubbles and creases are removed, fold down any side panels or edges
- Finally push the skin down firmly to maximise adhesion
How do I remove my skin?
Smirk About skins are easy to remove. First peel off any sections that are folded down device edges. Starting at a corner, gently peel the skin from the device. Once all the edges are peeled gently continue to peel the skins from the main face. The skin will come away in whole pieces without leaving a residue or mess. If you take care not to stretch the skin and not to finger the adhesive too much, the skin may be reapplied.
Are Smirk About skins reusable?
Although not covered by our guarantee, if the skins are removed carefully, they can be reapplied to a device. This is a special feature of the laminate that we use.
Do they protect my device?
Smirk About skins provide abrasion protection for your device. Where ever the skin covers your device our ultra tough laminate will protect it from scratches and marks that are caused by typical, everyday use.
Vinyls, Laminates and Materials
What are Smirk About skins made from?
Smirk About skins are made from premium quality, technologically advanced cast vinyl with a premium quality cast over laminate. The vinyl and laminate we use have properties that make it ideal for skins: ultra-thin, form fitting, easy to apply, abrasion resistant, long lasting, strong adhesion and clean removal.
Are all vinyls and laminates the same?
Simply put, no. Not all products are the same. We spent many months trialing and testing almost all the material combinations available on the market until we found the one that we thought was the best. The biggest complaint about existing skins is how difficult they are to apply. This is why we chose a material with Glid ApplyTM. This technology allows you to adjust the positioning of the skin on your device, without the skin sticking your device. The second major difference is that we use a matte laminate instead of gloss. This laminate is a lot harder wearing than anything else that we have found on the market and also provides a more profession, low glare finish to the skin.
How long will the skin last?
Like all products this is a difficult question to answer as it depends on a number of factors. That said, we are confident enough to support a lifetime guarantee. If your device outlasts your skin, we will replace it. See our guarantee for full details.
Where are the skins made?
The vinyl and laminate are imported from the United States and our skins are manufactured on site in our offices in Sydney, Australia.
Ordering and Shipping
How do I order a skin?
Ordering couldn’t be simpler. You’re already on the website, simply select your device from the 'Device Select' menu, then browse through our catalogue of designs until you find on you like. Keep adding designs to the shopping cart and then head to the checkout where you can pay with Visa, Mastercard, Amex or PayPal. If you have a custom design that you would like manufactured, please see the section on custom design.
Is your site secure?
All transactions are carried out using secure and encrypted connections. We use industry standard Secure Socket Layer (SSL) pages when taking your order and we do not store you credit card details on our website once a transaction is completed. For more information please see our website Terms of Use
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept payment using Visa, Mastercard and American Express credit and debit cards, as well as PayPal.
What countries do you ship to?
Smirk About ships throughout the world. If you can get mail, then we can get a skin to you.
How much does shipping cost?
Shipping is charged based on the destination and the product being shipped as summarised below
How long will it take to receive my skin?
Within Australia delivery should be within 5 working days. Deliveries to NZ and Asia Pacific will take 5 - 10 week days and 8 - 15 week days to the rest of the world.
Guarantee and Returns
What is your lifetime guarantee?
We are so confident in our products that we provide you with a 100% lifetime guarantee. If your skin fails before the device on which it is initially applied we will replace it for free (excluding postage). For full details of our guarantee and how to apply please see our Terms of Use
What is your returns policy?
Each of our skins is custom made but if you are not satisfied with your skin and wish to exchange or return it please contact us at service@smirkabout.com and we will see what we can arrange.
Artwork and Designs
Where do you get your designs from?
We have designers and artists working in house at Smirk About, and we also commission works from artists from around the world. Check out our Artists Page to meet our amazing artists.
How can I become a Smirk About artist?
If you are an artist and would like to submit a design to be reviewed for possible inclusion in our catalogue head to our Contact form, and select 'I want to be an artist'. If you point us to your work we'll get back in touch with details of our program.
Corporate Orders and Customised Skins
Smirk About skins provide a powerful marketing and branding tool for businesses. By providing your work force with branded skins with each company device, including mobile phones, blackberries and laptops, you are magnifying your brand exposure and corporate identity where ever your employees are visible.
If you would like to discuss how Smirk About can help you please contact us at sales@smirkabout.com.
