If you're wondering how long it takes to hand paint a PS5 Pro, the short answer is 7–14 days for the customisation process. That time covers far more than applying paint. Each console is carefully prepared, masked, painted, detailed and finished by hand before it is ready to leave the studio.
A hand-painted PS5 Pro involves much more than applying colour to the shell. Preparation, masking, multiple layers, detail work and protective finishing all have to happen in the right order, with enough time between stages for the finish to properly set.
So what actually happens during those 7–14 days? Here’s a closer look at the process and why the wait is part of what makes a hand-painted PS5 Pro a made-to-order piece.
Why Does a PS5 Pro Take Longer to Paint?
A PS5 Pro is a much larger and more complex canvas than smaller products such as AirPods or an Apple Pencil. There is more surface to prepare, more areas to protect and more detail to work around before the painting can even begin.
The console also has vents, ports, buttons, lights and other functional areas that need to remain clear throughout the process. Each section has to be carefully masked and worked around without compromising how the console functions.
A hand-painted PS5 Pro isn't simply about covering a larger object with colour. The finish needs to follow the shape of the console while maintaining clean edges, consistent coverage and careful attention to every functional area.
The Hand-Painting Process: Stage by Stage
The 7–14-day customisation window covers several stages, from preparing the console to applying the artwork and protective finish. Each stage has to be completed carefully, and some require time between applications before the next step can begin.
1. Surface Preparation
Before any colour is applied, the exterior surfaces are carefully prepared. This creates a clean, suitable foundation for the paint and helps achieve an even, smooth finish. Any surface issue at this stage can affect the final result.
2. Masking Vents, Ports and Functional Areas
A PS5 Pro has vents, USB ports, HDMI, power connections, buttons and status lights that need to remain clear and functional.
These areas are carefully masked before painting begins. Working around them requires precision, particularly where the console's shape and smaller openings make clean edges more challenging.
3. Base Coat
Once the surface has been prepared and the necessary areas masked, the base colour is applied.
This creates the foundation for the final design, so consistent coverage is important. Depending on the artwork, the base may become the finished colour or provide the starting layer for additional colours and details.
4. Hand-Painted Detail Work
This is where the design takes shape.
Patterns, artwork, colour transitions and finer details are carefully applied by hand across the console's surfaces. The artwork also needs to follow the contours of the PS5 Pro rather than simply sitting on a flat surface.
5. Protective Finish
Once the artwork is complete, a protective coating is applied to help protect the finished design during everyday use.
This final layer also contributes to the appearance and feel of the completed console. But the process still isn't finished at this point. The coating needs adequate time to cure before the console can be inspected, packaged and prepared for delivery.
Why Cure Time Can't Be Rushed
One of the biggest misconceptions about painting is that drying and curing are the same thing. They aren't.
Paint can feel dry on the surface while the layers underneath are still hardening. Curing gives the finish time to properly set and develop the durability it needs before the console is handled, packaged and shipped.
This matters on a hand-painted PS5 Pro because the artwork and protective layers are built up in stages. Each layer needs adequate time to settle before the next step or final handling. Moving ahead too quickly could affect the quality and durability of the finished surface.
That makes curing an essential part of the 7–14-day production process, rather than time that can simply be cut to speed up an order.
So, How Long Does the Full Process Take?
Craft by Merlin's stated customisation timeline for its PS5 consoles is 7–14 days. This covers the studio work required to prepare, paint, detail, finish and cure the console before it is ready for dispatch.
The exact timing can vary within that window depending on the design and level of detail involved. Once the customisation is complete and the finish has been properly cured and checked, the PS5 Pro is ready for shipping.
From the Studio to Your Door
Once the customisation is complete, your PS5 Pro moves from the studio to shipping. The 7–14-day window covers the hand-painting and finishing process, while delivery depends on your destination.
For orders within the UAE, delivery typically takes 1–3 days. For international orders, delivery generally takes 7–14 days after the console is ready to ship.
If you're ordering for a specific date or occasion, allow time for both production and delivery. International shipments may also be affected by customs processing, so it's best to plan ahead.
In simple terms, the 7–14-day production period is followed by the applicable delivery time.
Why the Wait Is Part of the Experience
A standard PS5 Pro is manufactured, boxed and shipped as a finished product. A hand-painted PS5 Pro takes a different route.
The console begins as a genuine new PS5 Pro, then goes through preparation, painting, detailing, protective finishing and curing before it reaches you. Each stage needs to be completed properly rather than rushed to achieve the finished result.
The result is a console that has been individually customised and finished for its owner.
Ready to Make Your PS5 Pro Different?
A hand-painted PS5 Pro takes time because the finish is created specifically for its owner. That extra time allows the preparation, artwork, finishing and curing to be completed properly rather than rushed, giving the console the attention a custom piece requires.
If you're ready to give your gaming setup something more personal, explore the Craft by Merlin PlayStation 5 Pro collection and find a design that feels right for your setup.
