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Console as Collectible: How Craft by Merlin Turns a PS5 Pro Into Art
For collectors, a hand-painted PS5 Pro can become more than gaming hardware, bringing artistic design and display appeal into the room.
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The Artisans Behind the Art: Meet the Hands That Paint Your Apple Gear
Meet the artisans behind Craft by Merlin and discover the skill, patience and attention to detail that goes into hand painting Apple devices.
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Aquarius Zodiac Edition: The Apple AirPods Pro 3 for the Sign That Was Never Trying to Fit In
Discover the Aquarius Zodiac Bold Edition of Apple AirPods Pro 3, hand-painted in blue with the Aquarius glyph and available in Glossy or Matte.
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GOAT, Hex & Explorer: The Stories Behind Our PS5 Pro Edition Names
GOAT, Hex or Explorer? Discover the ideas and personalities behind the names of Craft by Merlin’s distinctive PS5 Pro editions.
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Aries Zodiac Edition: The Apple AirPods Pro 3 for the Sign That Moves First
Meet the Aries Zodiac Bold Edition of Apple AirPods Pro 3, hand-painted in red with the Aries glyph and available in Glossy or Matte.
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Matte vs Glossy Finishes: Which Hand-Painted Style Suits Your Device?
Matte or glossy? The finish can change your device’s entire look. Discover which hand-painted style fits your taste, lifestyle and personality.
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Matching Sets: Why Hand-Painted DualSense Controllers Complete the Look
Discover how matching hand-painted DualSense controllers complement themed PS5 Pro consoles, enhance your setup, and offer flexible buying options.
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Libra Zodiac Edition: The Apple AirPods Pro 3 for the Sign That Can't Stand Imbalance
Hand-painted Libra Zodiac Apple AirPods Pro 3 in elegant pink, available in Glossy or Matte, inspired by Venus and crafted for balanced style.
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Gaming Setup Goals: Styling Your Hand Painted PS5 Pro
Style your gaming setup around a hand-painted PS5 Pro with colour palettes, RGB lighting, matching accessories, display ideas and more.
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iPhone 17 as a Canvas: The Art of Hand-Finished Leather and Metallic Editions
The iPhone 17 already has a recognisable design. But once it enters an artisan studio, that familiar form can become something else entirely. Leather, texture, colour and carefully applied finishes give the device a new character, turning everyday technology into something far more personal. At Craft by Merlin, genuine iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max devices are transformed with handcrafted finishes, from alligator and ostrich leather to metallic and 24K gold editions. The result is an iPhone that feels less like a standard factory finish and more like a piece shaped around the art of its exterior. Leather Editions: When an iPhone Becomes a Leather Object Leather gives the iPhone 17 a completely different feel. Instead of the familiar glass and metal exterior, the device gains texture, depth and the tactile quality of a crafted leather accessory. Craft by Merlin offers iPhone 17 editions in genuine alligator and ostrich leather. Alligator has a bold, naturally patterned surface, while ostrich leather brings its own distinctive texture and character. The craftsmanship is equally important. The alligator editions are cut, tailored and wrapped by skilled artisans, while the ostrich editions are finished by hand. This careful treatment allows the leather to follow the form of the device while giving it a more personal finish. The result is still unmistakably an iPhone, but its exterior now has the texture and character of a crafted leather accessory. Metallic and 24K Gold Editions: Finishing the iPhone as a Statement Piece If leather adds texture, metallic finishes give the iPhone 17 a different kind of presence through colour, shine and surface. Craft by Merlin's collection includes 24K Full Gold and 24K Rose Gold editions. The 24K Full Gold edition uses genuine 24K gold plating across the exterior, including the body, bezels and camera details. It is worth clarifying what “24K gold” means here. The phone is not made from solid gold. Instead, the original iPhone receives a genuine 24K gold-plated exterior. This is different from simply applying gold-coloured paint to the surface. The finish changes how the phone catches light, bringing its contours and details into sharper focus. Rather than changing what the iPhone is, the metallic treatment changes how it is experienced visually. The Craftsmanship Behind the Transformation The finished iPhone may look effortless, but the work behind it is anything but simple. Craft by Merlin begins with genuine iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max devices, preparing the exterior before applying its handcrafted finishes. For hand-painted editions, colour and detail are applied across the device, including its curves, edges and camera rings, before a protective clear coat is added. Precision is also important around functional areas such as the cameras, buttons, ports, MagSafe ring and antennas. This attention to detail is what gives the finished device its crafted character. Much like fine leather goods or jewellery, the quality comes through in the precision of the finish and the care given to smaller details. The result is an exterior that feels deliberately crafted rather than simply customised. Who Is an iPhone 17 Edition Like This For? An iPhone 17 edition like this is for someone who wants their technology to feel personal rather than purely functional. The appeal may be the texture of alligator or ostrich leather, the finish of 24K gold, or simply the idea of carrying something that reflects their taste. These editions can also suit collectors and those looking for a memorable gift for a milestone or special occasion. The choice comes down to the finish, material and design that feel right for the person carrying it. It is about selecting a finish, material and design that feels right for the person carrying it. Caring for a Leather or Metallic iPhone 17 Edition Different finishes need slightly different care, but the basic approach is simple: keep harsh products and unnecessary friction away from the surface. For leather editions, avoid excessive moisture, abrasive materials and strong cleaning products. For metallic and gold-plated finishes, use a soft cloth for light marks and avoid abrasive cleaners that could affect the surface. With either finish, gentle handling helps preserve the character of the handcrafted exterior over time. When an iPhone Becomes Something More The iPhone 17 may begin as a piece of technology, but its exterior can become a canvas for material, colour and craftsmanship. Leather introduces texture, while metallic and gold finishes change the way the familiar design is seen and experienced. That is what makes these editions different from a standard factory finish. They bring together an original Apple device and a carefully crafted exterior, creating something you can carry, collect or give. Explore Craft by Merlin's iPhone 17 leather and metallic editions to find the finish that feels right for you.
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The Art Behind PlayStation 5 Pro’s Themed Editions: Ruby Core, Racer, and Beyond
Discover the design stories behind PS5 Pro themed editions, from Ruby Core to The Racer, and the craftsmanship behind each custom finish.
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Scorpio Zodiac Edition: The Apple AirPods Pro 3 for the Sign That Doesn't Do Anything Halfway
Hand-painted Scorpio Zodiac Apple AirPods Pro 3 in bold black, available in Glossy or Matte, crafted for intense style and everyday performance.
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Does Hand Painting Affect Sensors and Buttons? The Truth
A custom-painted device should look different. It should not work differently. But before ordering a hand-painted device, it is natural to wonder whether paint could affect buttons, sensors, charging ports, cameras, microphones, or wireless functions. At Craft by Merlin, customization is designed to change the device’s appearance while keeping its functional areas accessible. The finish is applied to the appropriate exterior surfaces, with key functions checked before the customized device is prepared for shipping. What Gets Masked During Painting? Hand painting is not about covering every part of the device. Before painting begins, functional areas such as sensors, charging ports, microphones, cameras, speakers, buttons, and other openings are protected or masked where needed. During painting, these areas remain protected and accessible while the exterior surfaces are carefully finished. This helps preserve the functions needed for everyday use without interfering with the customization. What Gets Tested After Painting? The job is not finished when the paint dries. Before a customized device is prepared for shipping, its key functions are checked to help confirm that everything works as expected. You can explore our custom PlayStation 5 Pro collection to see how exterior customization is applied while preserving the device's original functionality. Depending on the device, this can include: Buttons and controls: Checked for normal movement and response. Charging and ports: Confirmed to remain accessible and usable. Cameras and sensors: Checked to ensure relevant functions operate normally. Microphones and speakers: Tested for proper audio input and output. Wireless functions: Checked where applicable. The goal is simple: the customization should change the look, not the way you use the device. What Never Changes? The customization is cosmetic. It does not involve changing the device’s software, operating system, or core functionality. The finish is applied to the exterior rather than altering the device’s internal components. This allows the device to have a completely different look while retaining the functionality you expect from it. What About the Manufacturer Warranty? Customization and warranty coverage are two separate considerations. Craft by Merlin provides a 1-year warranty on its customized products, giving you added peace of mind after your purchase. Manufacturer warranty terms can vary by brand and device, particularly when a product has been customized or serviced outside the manufacturer's network. For that reason, Apple, Sony, or another manufacturer's warranty should always be checked for the specific device. Where Does the Paint Actually Sit? The painted finish sits on the device’s designated exterior shell surfaces, creating a cosmetic layer without altering the technology underneath. It is applied to the areas intended for customization rather than functional openings or moving components. You can see this exterior-focused approach in our hand-painted AirPods Pro 3 designs. The goal is to transform the visible exterior while keeping the areas required for everyday operation accessible. This allows the device to have a completely different look without turning its functional elements into part of the painted surface. Does Hand Painting Make a Device Less Functional? No. A professionally applied exterior finish is designed to change the device’s appearance without interfering with normal use. With proper preparation and functional checks, customization can give your device a distinctive look while preserving the everyday experience you expect. The Bottom Line A hand-painted device can look completely different without changing what you love about using it. With professional preparation and functional checks, customization is designed to remain a cosmetic addition rather than interfere with everyday use. If you want to personalize your device while keeping functionality at the centre, explore the Craft by Merlin collection and find a finish that makes it uniquely yours.
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