Funny you should say about the screen. I've never used screen protectors on my iPads and only really wanted the rear skin but I ordered both simply because it was only a little more for the front one too and I thought I might change my mind.
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iPad Looking for a clear rear skin for iPad Air
- Thread starter Vertigo1
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I did the same thing.
In the past I used a screen protector on my iPad 2, but the tpu cover I had for the back peeled the edges away. Also, I didn't like the feel of it, compared to the glass screen the increased friction was noticeable. Additionally, screen clarity didn't seem as good. So I stopped buying them.
These new skins are thinner and I'm pleased to say, even with the retina display, that the screen clarity is excellent. In fact, it's not obvious that there's a screen protector on at all.
There's still an increase in friction, but it's not as great as before and would only really bother you if you were gaming. For the time being I'm going to leave it on.
If I were you, I would put the screen skin on first, you can always peel it off if you don't like it.
When I ordered a skin which used a dry install method for my iPad 2 I used a hair dryer to get the corners right but this was a 3M skin, Would a hair dryer work with the BSE or would it ruin the skin?
I don't know, I've never tried it. Personally, I would use the application process recommended by the manufacturer.
I just installed the a skinomi on the back only yesterday, went pretty well and I like the look/feel. Just take your time and follow the instructions! Can't beat the Amazon price of it, and why get an air to bulk up!?
EricE
EricE
I used the matte BSE on the back of my Air. I didn't want the back looking shiny. Went on great. Only tough part was the curved edges, but doing what the instructions said, which was to let the solution dry before finishing the edges, worked great.
Are there any dry application protectors for the back? I'm not looking for something that covers the sides and whatnot, just the back. 
I'm partial to BSE, took two years and only just starting to peel on the edges. My big thing is that they're a cheap insurance policy for maintaining the resale value of my devices since I generally sell to trade up to new gadgets. Always nice when someone stops haggling once they see that they're basically getting a like new device cosmetically.
Considering one for the rMini. If you don't mind me asking, why did it take 45 minutes to apply? Was there complications to the process, or just obsessive attention to the details?
If they use the vinyl that automotive clear bra manufacturers use (3M, Ventureshield, etc.) then heating the skin with a hair dryer will not harm it. I am pretty sure they are the same material. Some even explicitly say so.
If anything, a blow dryer will not only make the skin pliable, but shrink it back down to its original size after it has been stretched.
Search youtube for some videos. There is one where they demolish a skin by stretching it and crumpling it, and the hair dryer brings it back to like-new shape.
Iq shield looks good:
IQ Shield LIQuidSkin - Apple iPad Air Wi-Fi + LTE (5th Generation) Screen Protector Ultra Smooth Film + Full Body Skin + Lifetime Replacement Warranty
http://amzn.com/B00FHBHOHO
IQ Shield LIQuidSkin - Apple iPad Air Wi-Fi + LTE (5th Generation) Screen Protector Ultra Smooth Film + Full Body Skin + Lifetime Replacement Warranty
http://amzn.com/B00FHBHOHO
Considering one for the rMini. If you don't mind me asking, why did it take 45 minutes to apply? Was there complications to the process, or just obsessive attention to the details?
Well, I sprayed a lot of solution (water+Dawn soap) so it would be easier to align the film. The tricky part was the edges. They didn't stick to the iPad at all and I had to use a hair dryer to dry it and align it at the same time.
Well I finally got round to doing mine this afternoon.
Took me quite a while to get it done but then I'm ham-fisted at the best of times. Took a few goes to get it lined up perfectly and was paranoid about getting liquid into any of the openings so took it very slowly.
Once lined up correctly the main back section is easy to squeegee out then you have to deal with the edges. This took an age to get them to all stick down properly and the little corner pieces were the worst but eventually I got it all stuck down.
I'm happy with it to be honest - there are a few tiny bubbles left but hopefully they should go over the next 24 hours, or at least that's what they claim. I've also trapped a couple of tiny bits of dust under it but I'm not too worried about that.
The real test will be how long it lasts before it starts peeling at the edges. I hope it does last because it feels good and offers the scratch protection I want without adding any bulk to the iPad
Took me quite a while to get it done but then I'm ham-fisted at the best of times. Took a few goes to get it lined up perfectly and was paranoid about getting liquid into any of the openings so took it very slowly.
Once lined up correctly the main back section is easy to squeegee out then you have to deal with the edges. This took an age to get them to all stick down properly and the little corner pieces were the worst but eventually I got it all stuck down.
I'm happy with it to be honest - there are a few tiny bubbles left but hopefully they should go over the next 24 hours, or at least that's what they claim. I've also trapped a couple of tiny bits of dust under it but I'm not too worried about that.
The real test will be how long it lasts before it starts peeling at the edges. I hope it does last because it feels good and offers the scratch protection I want without adding any bulk to the iPad
I find the easiest, low-risk way to install these is to simply use some painter's tape (or even just regular scotch/masking tape) to cover speaker holes, ports, etc.
Takes a few minutes and then I can just concentrate on alignment, not trying to keep liquid out.
Installed BSE matte back skin on my iPad Air today: it was not "super easy" (especially around edges/corners) but once you get it done it is great !
Just my 2cents: be sure you spray over the sticky side a "generous" amount of solution (I have used water+one small spoon of neutral dish soap) and be patient with the allignement. Corners need to "gently pressed" with your fingers/hand palm as it is rather difficult to stick them to the iPad body.
Just my 2cents: be sure you spray over the sticky side a "generous" amount of solution (I have used water+one small spoon of neutral dish soap) and be patient with the allignement. Corners need to "gently pressed" with your fingers/hand palm as it is rather difficult to stick them to the iPad body.
I put mine on last week. Use plenty of solution and be patient with the corners. It's perfect. My corner trick is that once they stick well enough to stay in place, I put the iPad face up onto a soft pillow and weighed it down. As the iPad sinks, the pillow form fits to the back, sides, and corners and holds everything until the adhesive is good and dry.
I got a BSE and usually recommend it sad to see though my month old install is already peeling from the edges. I followed all the instructions in making the solution as well. It looked perfectly fine when installed, yet it's already peeled in three parts. I think a lot though has to do with how the Air has completely rounded flat edges. Blah.
