A standard pair of AirPods 5 is instantly recognisable. But changing the finish should never mean changing what is underneath.
At Craft by Merlin, every Custom Painted AirPods 5 starts with genuine Apple hardware and goes through a careful hand-finishing process. From surface preparation and layered paint to curing, protection and final checks, each stage has a purpose.
So, how are AirPods hand painted without compromising the original hardware? Here is a closer look at what goes into every finished pair.
It Starts With a Genuine Apple AirPods 5
Craft by Merlin uses brand-new, genuine Apple AirPods 5 rather than third-party replicas or generic wireless earbuds. The exterior is then carefully customized while the original hardware remains intact.
That matters because this is not about recreating the look of AirPods. It is about starting with the real thing and transforming its exterior through hand-finishing.
Step 1: Preparing the Shell
Before any colour is applied, the AirPods 5 and charging case are carefully cleaned and prepared. This creates a clean surface for the paint to adhere to and helps achieve an even finish across the curved exterior.
The areas that need to remain clear and functional, including microphone openings, speaker mesh, charging contacts and sensors, are protected during the process. This preparation requires precision because the paint needs to stay exactly where it belongs.
It may be one of the less visible stages, but careful preparation sets the foundation for everything that follows.
Step 2: Automotive-Grade Paint, Applied in Layers
The colour is built gradually rather than applied as one heavy coat. Craft by Merlin uses automotive-grade paint in a three-layer coating process to create a smooth, even and durable finish.
Each layer is applied carefully across the prepared exterior, allowing the colour to build without unnecessary paint buildup. This is particularly important on the compact, curved surfaces of the AirPods 5 and charging case, where controlled application helps the colour follow the shape cleanly.
The aim is more than simply adding colour. The finish needs to look consistent across the earbuds, case, curves and edges, creating the clean appearance expected from a professionally hand-finished pair.
Step 3: Curing and Quality Control
Painting is only part of the process. Once the layers have been applied, the finish is given time to dry and cure before moving to the next stage.
The pair is then carefully inspected for visible imperfections, including uneven coverage, bubbles, marks or inconsistencies in the finish. The goal is a clean, consistent surface before the protective coating is applied.
Step 4: Protective Sealant Coat
The AirPods 5 finish uses a scratch-resistant, triple-layer paint system with a clear protective coating.
The additional layer helps protect the painted surface against everyday scratches and wear while maintaining the appearance of the finish during normal use.
Importantly, this is not a removable skin or an external case. The exterior of the AirPods has been professionally painted and finished as part of the customization process.
Step 5: Function Testing Before It Ships
Before the finished pair is packaged, it goes through a final function check. Charging, pairing, microphones and audio are checked to make sure the AirPods continue to operate as intended after the finishing process.
The goal is for the hand-painted finish to change the appearance of the AirPods without affecting their everyday use.
Every Pair Is Slightly Different, on Purpose
Hand-finishing means no two pairs have to look perfectly identical. Subtle variations in colour, shade, finish or texture can naturally occur from one AirPods 5 to another.
These small differences are part of the character of a hand-finished piece rather than something to be eliminated. Craft by Merlin notes that each AirPods 5 is individually customized and that the finished product may vary slightly in colour, shade, finish and texture.
The result is a pair with its own individual character, while still retaining the carefully considered finish of the collection.
Meet the Four Finishes
The Custom Painted AirPods 5 collection is available in four distinct finishes.
Glacier
A cool blue-grey finish with a subtle, contemporary look.
Burgundy
A deep wine-inspired shade with a richer, more expressive character.
Black
A sleek dark finish that gives the familiar AirPods 5 silhouette a bolder look.
Silver
A bright metallic-inspired finish with a clean, refined appearance.
Explore the four finishes to find the look that suits you.
Backed by a 1-Year Warranty
Every Custom Painted AirPods 5 comes with Craft by Merlin’s 1-year warranty, along with worldwide shipping.
Because the finish goes through multiple preparation, painting, curing and checking stages, production takes a little time. The exact turnaround can vary, but each pair is completed before it is packaged for delivery.
Explore the Collection
Every Custom Painted AirPods 5 combines genuine Apple hardware with a hand-finished exterior created through a carefully controlled process.
Explore the Custom Painted AirPods 5 collection and discover Glacier, Burgundy, Black and Silver.
