Hello xda! This is my first post here, but I've been reading and working off of the hacking forums for a while. I own a Captivate, and I've been having some issues with my screen protector.
Every time I try to get a clean environment, I always end up with dust under my screen protector. I've read on other forums that the best method to ensure a dust-free adhesion is to do the application in a humid bathroom, and to use a drop of soapy water on the sticky side of the protector. Is the Captivate sufficiently water-resistant so that squeegeeing the water into the border of the screen wouldn't cause problems?
I wouldn't be asking if the phone had a borderless screen, but the way it's designed makes me nervous. I just want to be sure those cracks don't lead anywhere.
Thanks, I really appreciate what this forum does for Android users!
Yes. That's how most soft protectors are applied. I've applied two different kinds with a soapy water solution. Note; you only need a light mist. Some packages even come with a spray bottle just for this. I've read that liquid dish soap works best as other things like hand soap leaves residue (hand moisturizers and such).
However, another method I like to use is to simply install the screen protector outdoors (obviously away from heavily pollenated areas). You'd be surprised at how much less dust there is in that big scary place with the blue ceiling.
Humid bathroom means you're running a warm shower. If the mirrors and the screen protector are fogging up it's too humid.
I take a bowl and put 2 squeezes of soap into it and then stir it with my finger. Then I dip the screen protector into the bowl (don't forget which side is the sticky one), making sure its thoroughly covered as well as my fingers.
Shake off as much of the soapy water as possible then quickly stick the screen protector on and use your thumbs to slide it in the correct position. Squeege as much water out as possible but otherwise give it a full day or two to dry.
Oh, and take the battery/SIM out of course
Your phone will be fine. Like JPS81 said, use liquid dish soap and just a little bit. Also, when you do the mix, let it sit for 10-15 minutes or until the bubles go away, it will be a whole lot easier when applying the protector. If you are still scare, when you are using the squeege or credit card to take the water out, use a cotton cloth so it can absorb the excess water.
I installed a Bodyguardz screen and full body protector on my Captivate. That requires wetting the protectors and it worked out just fine. I've also done it with Blackberries which have much more spaces liquid can get into and had no problems.
As long as you dry up the drops that squeeze out of the sides, the phone will not really get wet inside. Makes sense to allow it to dry out a bit before putting the battery back in just in case.
I accidentally dropped my Captivate in a bowl of water and it was completely submerged for a few seconds. I took it out, and after wiping it dry it was as good as new.
Applied using this method for the first time with two Captivates - it works great, and even if a little water enters the speaker or the sides, it doesn't hurt it. Anything less than submerging the protectors in water yields really ugly results.
Related
I was wiping the screen this morning and when I looked at the screen I noticed there were several tiny scratches. I think a tiny bit of grit was on the microfibre cloth I used. I decided to get the crystal clear protector bundle from boxware which incudes a two piece silicone cover for the uni as well. does anyone have any experience with this brand of screen protector? would this also stop the existing scratches from showing up? one is a rather nasty one which is about 1cm long and can be seen where the light refracts oddly. thanks in advance.
Bump:
i decided to take matters into my own hands. i use brasso to polish my ipod every few months when the scratches become too annoying. Now if brasso works with soft perspex, it should work with the polycarbonate layer that protects the touch sensitive screen. Before I begin with the details, the usual disclaimers apply; This is for your information only, if you attempt to carry out what is described, you do so at your own risk. I am in no way encouraging nor persuading anyone to do this. Now on to the good stuff.
IUnfortunately I have no pictures as I didn't really think much about it.
First make sure you have the following:
1) Brasso
2) microfiber cloth (buffing)
3) a wad of soft cotton cloth with small weave
4) Quite a bit of free time (90 minutes?)
Switching the unit off is no necessary, you just have to make sure that the touch screen is not active that's all. If possible, fold the wad of cotton once or twice, this helps you keep rubbing for longer periods without drying up. Hold it over the mouth of the bottle and tip the bottle once or twice, depending on how absorbant the cotton is. Do NOT saturate it. Start rubbing over the scratch with MILD pressure, back and forth along one axis; perpendicular to the scratch usually works best; do NOT use a circular motion. The reason for using a cloth with small weave is because I found the hardware that the bigger the weave is, the more prone one might be to create more scratches than he removes. The mild pressure used also helps with this, along with the fact that too much pressure may result in a cracked touch screen. You will inevitably get some brasso around the edges and on the plastic as well. Atleast on my O2 XDA Exec, this was not an issue, although I did take care to wipe up the excess on the plastic fairly quickly, every minute or so. Take care not to let the brasso cake up; this shouldn't happen with you're rubbing constantly and the gunk has no time to settle. If this happens DO NOT start rubbing over it again, even with a freshly soaked rag as the caked up brasso is just too abrasive and WILL cause scratches. In case this happens (and it will, if you go to the loo or to get a cup of tea), simply wipe it off gently using the microfiber cloth and pick up where you left off. I stopped maybe three times and wiped the screen completely clean to see how much progress I've made. A few points to remember are :
1) Use mild pressure
2) NEVER use a circular motion when rubbing
3) Clean off any excess gunk on the plastic as soon as you see it
The final result should be pretty good elimination of the scratches. I dunno how this would rate against other scratch removers, but with my ipod nothing worked better for the price, not even displex or applesauce.
If like me you find screen protectors a total pain in the ass to fit without getting bubbles below them.
Then you will also know the joy of peeling them off and refitting them so many times that you have to get a new one because there is just no easy way to get the sticky side clean.
Yesterday i went to put my exim spuc protector on my xperia, with a bit of reading i found that these seam to work with surface tension.
I remembered i when fitting my invisible shield to my ipod it came with a spray which allowed the shield to be moved around once placed.
I attempted to use the steamy room trick where if you apply the protector in a bathroom after leaving the shower running the steam drops the dust particles out of the air.
I first cleaned both screen front and back on the xperia using a glasses cloth untill perfectly clean
To test i applied my camera protector with the spray from the invisible shield which i am nearly sure is just soapy water as it has no solvent smell and i am sure pain water would work fine.
I first tried to keep the exposed protector in the air for a little time as possible.
I proceed by spraying a little water onto the shield just before applying it to the device this made it very easy to position and using a squeegee and a lint free cloth i removed the water from below the shield and was left with a perfectly applied protector.
I repeated the procedure for the front screen and once again was very pleased with the results!
Ill post some pics up soon.
*Disclamer*
I take no responsibility for any damage caused by people spraying water or applying a screen protector to their device.
looking forward to the pics. i have a pain in my butt with my screen protector!! It always seems to lift slightly around the edges. I think everything needs to be cleaner than the inside of an intel chip!
I'm not sure if I will ever get it perfect.
Who can share with us the knowledge, wisdom and techique of applying the screen protector correctly, evenly and eventually bubble free.
If we all admit it, we need help, or is it just me with the shaky hands and crooked eye?
Tomo said:
Who can share with us the knowledge, wisdom and techique of applying the screen protector correctly, evenly and eventually bubble free.
If we all admit it, we need help, or is it just me with the shaky hands and crooked eye?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've applied a lot of screen protectors, but I'm no expert. YMMV. Even so, you want to start with a dust-free environment. Tiny specks of dust, if like me, you live out in the country, are as problematic as air bubbles, and a serious pain to remove. If you get one on a sticky surface, while you're removing it with scotch tape, you're also risking more little particles landing on it. It can be a never-ending nightmare and eventually leave the protector so marred with residue that it's no longer worth using on such a gorgeous device--so prevention is the best cure.
Step 1: Dust free room.
I recommend a bathroom for a dust-free setting. Well before taking anything inside, hit the shower on as hot as it goes and let it steam up the room, keep the door as closed as possible. Once it's off, the steam will cool and weigh down particles in the air. Once the room is no longer moist, carefully bring in your phone and protectors, maybe a credit card too without letting in too much outside air or new unweighted dust. Open and close the door slowly--quick movements will draw in lots of dusty air, but don't dilly-dally while getting inside either. It's time-consuming to set up, but worth it if you live in a dusty area.
Step 2: Orientation
Now you want to find a location on the phone that will allow you to orient placement of the protector. If the protector has a hole for the speaker, or light sensor or whatever--that's the end you want to start with because the more border you have to work with, the easier it will be to align it straight from the start. You're going to want to start on a narrow end so you are laying it down longwise as this will be easier to manage bubbles as you go mm by mm. Make sure your screen is completely clean (hopefully you haven't removed the original plastic covering until just now), and then peel off a little of the screen protectors' backing and orient it along a border of the phone. If you can get that part straight, the rest of the protector will go down straight as well.
Step 3: Slow Application
Now you're going to slowly peel back more and more of the backing as you slowly apply more and more of the protector. If you get a bubble as you go, back it up a millimeter and lay it down again more slowly. This is the time to use the credit card if you get a bubble that just keeps coming up in the same spot--don't wait until it's applied and try to push it out. That's a nightmare.
A good protector can last years if applied properly the first time and not abused. I use clairvue and they're very durable. I don't know about the included TP2 protector.
Step 4:Breathe
You weren't breathing while doing this were you? No wonder it sucks.
I alwaus use a bank Card.
being down en slowly slide the bank pass upward. This covers all the screen and leaves no bubbles. then do it a second time, mosliding the card upwards. Works for me most of the time. (at least, don't know if the screen is straight, or has a little angle in it?)
Mine went on without a problem...
first clean the screen of all gunk dust finger prints (yes we know you played befor putting on the screen protector) etc etc
Do this as said above in a dust free room or just have hoovered is normaly just as easy
peel the lower part of the protector off the plastic backing ... the backing they provide is quite stiff so you can use this to apply the protector
you only want to peel back around 1-2cm or about half an inch i chose the bit which goes over the buttons you may want to do the camera end first
I then used a glasses cloth but any decently fine weave cloth which is dust free will do and slowly very slowly stuck the protector to the screen and massaged the edge down peeling it off the backing as i went.
OPk re reading that it doesn't ake much sense but if you fold it over on itself using the backing to hold it off the screen and run the edges down you won't get air bubbles i found
Mild soapwater misted to the sticker and to the surface to be attached.
Then apply the sticker and align to the surface where to attach
Push the soapwater out from between the film and the surface.
NOTE: this is a general rule to apply stickers! I have no knowledge on phone shields.
nevermind i must have had a small bit sticking off the side the corner of mines just lifted and must have got a few small bits of dust in the gap ... i wonder if the adhesive is water soluble
Well I thought I'd screwed up my screen protector, but I salvaged it. It took about eight goes but it's on and working brilliantly.
Here are some salvaging tips:
1. When you're lifting the protector off, try and avoid bending any part too much. This is particularly relevant for the corners.
There are two ways of lifting the protector from the screen. The best is with sticky tape (Sellotape?) which can be applied near the corner and will be the easiest method. But if your stickky tape's rubbish, it might not lift the protector. In that case, you can carefully use the tip of a sharp knife to lift the very smallest amount you can. As you lift, you're looking to minimise the contact area by turning the knife sideways and definitely not allowing the knife's point or sharp edge touch the protector.
2. As it lifts, try and help the protector up by just holding the edges.
3. Take your time. The thing WILL drop back down a few times as you lose your grip, but just relax, take a deep breath and start again.
Once it's off:
1. Clean the phone screen.
2. fortunz and magius00 have given some great application tips elsewhere. Here what you're looking for is a perfectly clean screen with no dust.
Now. Before reapplying the protector:
1. Wash it with soap. I've used both shower gel and washing-up liquid. Wash both sides. Use your fingers to wash it.
2. Minimise contact with the "sticky side" once it's washed.
3. Rinse it well. Both sides. Clean water.
4. Don't bother to dry it. Definitely don't. You'll make it worse than ever. You can gently shake it to lose the largest drops. Both sides can have water droplets. Fear not.
As the protector goes on, try and minimise the contact around the edges whilst maximising pressure from the middle. Basically, the more secure the edges at this stage, the more difficult it's going to be to squeeze out any trapped air bubbles. Squeeze the bubbles from the centre outwards.
Once I'd done this about four (!) times, patiently putting the protector on and then gently easing it off again as some stray pube or grain of sand had found its way in between (how?), I eventually achieved an air-bubble, pube and sand-free application. The only trouble was the screen underneath appeared misty - but at least it was being protected; I planned on ordering a new one after the weekend. I did however notice one or two very clear patches. Now, some 48 hours after putting the protector on, the mistiness is totally gone and I have a perfectly clear, bubble-free screen protector on my lovely new toy. I don't need to order another screen protector after all.
Yayyy.
I had no problem getting mine on, but since it's been on it's already somehow managed to get scratched and it's peeling by the end call key as well.
Can't wait until there are some decent ones on the market.
Any known good makes to look out for?
dazultra2000 said:
I had no problem getting mine on, but since it's been on it's already somehow managed to get scratched and it's peeling by the end call key as well.
Can't wait until there are some decent ones on the market.
Any known good makes to look out for?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Brando do good ones, I have ordered mine.
Thanks to all for advice. I went with EXCIM (http://cgi.ebay.ie/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...K:MEWNX:IT&item=270398112761#ebayphotohosting )and it fitted easily and well, no bubbles or stange curly hairs. It's a bit thicker than the one that comes with the TP, but also a teenshy bit smaller which makes it a more forgiving fit on the device.
Another tip - use clear tape to lift the screen protector and / or dust from screen protector. Works like a charm!
Further to the sticky tape suggestion - 3M Scotch tape works the best for this
yippy following the in the bathroom (ensuite) method and a credit card applied my first ever blemish free screen protector (the standard one that came with unit) ...first go ....so thanks all concerned
For all the people that have bubbles/ lint /dirt / fingerprints behind their screen protector from a fumble or rushed / botched install. here is your salvation!
It is a little known fact that *most* of the screen protectors are completely washable. The "sticky" side wont wash off or smear or in any way ruin.
1. Peel it off
2. Run under water and use your hand to remove lint, dirt specs, smudges ect.
3. Hold by the corner tightly (little as possible) with an absorbant towel and shake vigorously in front of a fan or air purifier (better) until completly dry.
NOTE. Slowly air drying will leave water spots from impurities in the water. Purified water may solve this problem.
4. clean screen
5. reapply protector CAREFULLY THIS TIME!!!
6. and, repeat if necessary for perfect clean lay.
there is nothing i find more annoying than a bubbled screen. i got a perfect lay on my third attempt. first got botched by an incomming call, then got lint in there.. you know, life..
hope this helps some people. spread the word.
I know the feeling, I live in a dusty old house, and it is almost impossible to get a protector on there without some mote of dust landing.
But thanks for the tip
Sent from my SilverBullet "RootedHTCDesireZ"
Another tip use scotch tape to peel off the screen protector and remove dust particles from the sticky side of the screen protector.
thats a good idea too.
Heh, nice tips, had this issue when i owned an iPhone 3Gs.
Some other tips that work for me.
Instead of water, get an alcohol screen cleaner wipe as it will clean and dry quickly.
If you are in a dusty environment, go into the bathroom and run the shower on hot to create alot of steam, this will remove most of the dust from the air.
Will definitely have to try this when I get home. Thanks!
OOPS! did i bump that?
I've known this for a bit now, I thought most people would since some screen protectors are applied using a mix of soap and water.
iDroidFan said:
I've known this for a bit now, I thought most people would since some screen protectors are applied using a mix of soap and water.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ive had a few screen protectors, never had one that, suggested that...
and no not everyone knows about it.
the shower works great for my apt, theirs not much airflow going on so theirs a bunch of dust but the shower does the trick.
Ive also found that the secret to applying screen protectors
TAKE YOUR TIME, NO RUSH
and be careful
iDroidFan said:
I've known this for a bit now, I thought most people would since some screen protectors are applied using a mix of soap and water.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I also apply mine wet, then squeegee the hell out of it.
Gadget Guru said:
I also apply mine wet, then squeegee the hell out of it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried the squeegee method, had no bubbles but I had dried water spots underneath when it dried. the water here has a lot of minerals in it.
water spots on your dishes? you need get dry!! Lol
Sent from my GT-I9000 using XDA App
Nice, thank.
this works pretty good
Or just do what I do, apply it in a clean room under a hepa filter using powder free gloves......
unfortunatly we all dont live in a bubble... lol
Nice tip. Thanks
Cool tip.
What are your favorite ways of actually applying the screen protector?
thanks, very useful
So, screen sizes getting bigger seems to be making it more and more difficult to apply a screen protector without getting any stray cat hairs or dust in between it and the screen. How do you guys do it, or do you just put up with a bit of dust?
I just got a wet application screen protector today since that was the last kind of protector I successfully applied to a phone (long ago), but that was a no go. It seemed fine until I was done and realized that somehow, from some where, a bunch of hairs got under the protector. I tried to use some tape to get them off but it didn't work, and then I dropped the protector and things just got worse from there.
This was in the bathroom after taking a steamy shower as I have read over and over that it's supposed to get most of the crap out of the air.
How do you guys do it? I have looked it up several times, but I just don't get how these people have such an easy time of it.
I use painters tape after I clean the screen (before applying of course) to make sure no other dust or hairs are on the screen. Use a can of air to blow away crap in your work area also.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
I'm really really good at applying screen protectors (wet application) because I started using Invisible Shield when they first came out about 10 years ago.
The trick is to not use their solution, as they only give you like a tiny vial of solution.
1. Get a plastic cup (I use one of those red beer-pong cups), fill it with warm water to the top, put 2 drops of dish detergent in, swirl your finger in it. That is your solution.
2. Remove the protector from the backing, dip the entire thing into the cup, place it on your screen. You should be able to easily move the protector around the screen to adjust positioning. If you cant, take it off, dip the whole thing in the solution again, and put it on the screen again. Yes, your device will get very wet, but do not worry... it's not a problem at all (I've done this to tons, and I mean tons, of phones/cameras/gps, etc...) Don't worry.
3. Once you're happy with the positioning, use a credit card to squeegee out the water in between. Adjust positioning again to make sure it's perfect, squeegee again. Squeegee a few more times, make sure you've gotten as much water out as possible. If your device has rounded corners (such as the back of the note 2 cover), after you squeegee out all the water the corner will still stick up. Put your finger on each corner for a few seconds, maybe 20-30 seconds if necessary. It will stick.
4. Done. It will be invisible, you will not notice a thing on your phone.
Kobe_No_Means_No said:
I'm really really good at applying screen protectors (wet application) because I started using Invisible Shield when they first came out about 10 years ago.
The trick is to not use their solution, as they only give you like a tiny vial of solution.
1. Get a plastic cup (I use one of those red beer-pong cups), fill it with warm water to the top, put 2 drops of dish detergent in, swirl your finger in it. That is your solution.
2. Remove the protector from the backing, dip the entire thing into the cup, place it on your screen. You should be able to easily move the protector around the screen to adjust positioning. If you cant, take it off, dip the whole thing in the solution again, and put it on the screen again. Yes, your device will get very wet, but do not worry... it's not a problem at all (I've done this to tons, and I mean tons, of phones/cameras/gps, etc...) Don't worry.
3. Once you're happy with the positioning, use a credit card to squeegee out the water in between. Adjust positioning again to make sure it's perfect, squeegee again. Squeegee a few more times, make sure you've gotten as much water out as possible. If your device has rounded corners (such as the back of the note 2 cover), after you squeegee out all the water the corner will still stick up. Put your finger on each corner for a few seconds, maybe 20-30 seconds if necessary. It will stick.
4. Done. It will be invisible, you will not notice a thing on your phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Will this work with SGP Ultra Crystal screen protector? or are they only the non-water applyable?
Can't speak specifically for the sgp but I've been using the wet application method on all my dry application protectors for some time across at least 5 different phone models with no issues. Much easier to apply accurately than dry
Sent from my SGH-T889 using Tapatalk 2
degeneration said:
So, screen sizes getting bigger seems to be making it more and more difficult to apply a screen protector without getting any stray cat hairs or dust in between it and the screen. How do you guys do it, or do you just put up with a bit of dust?
I just got a wet application screen protector today since that was the last kind of protector I successfully applied to a phone (long ago), but that was a no go. It seemed fine until I was done and realized that somehow, from some where, a bunch of hairs got under the protector. I tried to use some tape to get them off but it didn't work, and then I dropped the protector and things just got worse from there.
This was in the bathroom after taking a steamy shower as I have read over and over that it's supposed to get most of the crap out of the air.
How do you guys do it? I have looked it up several times, but I just don't get how these people have such an easy time of it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I read some where that you should apply it in a bathroom and before you start get a spray bottle and put water in it. A couple sprays in the air before... No dust works for me
Sent from my SGH-T889 using XDA Premium
Well I just got 2 more cheap protectors in the mail, the first one I tried to get perfect, and each time I tried to get rid of a piece of dust it would get worse. The second one I have one bubble and I gave up. Fine. I have a bubble... oh, and they are cheapo reflectors, and supposed to be matte... so now my screen looks pretty horrible. Sigh. Whatever, my screen is protected. I will get an SGP later and figure something out in the mean time... maybe take them to a tmo store since they did it for me last time and it came out perfect somehow. I think my house is just too dusty, and there's no way to change that. I live in the desert, I have cats, the place is old. Sigh.
omg just did both of the note 2's and it took about 30-40 minutes, ridiculous, but afterwards looks nice till today i had the damn T-Mobile protector on it lol i got tired of seeing T-Mobile =P
Here's the trick for me. I got in the bathroom turn on the shower for a good few minutes. (Hot water) because the humidity in the air will get rid of most of the dust. Then you apply your screen protector by 1st.
Positioning it first without taking off the adhesive side (to know where the edges should be)
2nd.
You must not use a credit card to squegee out bubbles that'll scratch the screen, if you are put a microfiber cloth over the credit card so you'll be pushing down with the cloth not the card
Sent From the Van Down by the River
phreshjoker said:
Here's the trick for me. I got in the bathroom turn on the shower for a good few minutes. (Hot water) because the humidity in the air will get rid of most of the dust. Then you apply your screen protector by 1st.
Positioning it first without taking off the adhesive side (to know where the edges should be)
2nd.
You must not use a credit card to squegee out bubbles that'll scratch the screen, if you are put a microfiber cloth over the credit card so you'll be pushing down with the cloth not the card
Sent From the Van Down by the River
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well i did it at my dining table and i regretted doing so because I ended up getting a few particles underneath, but all you need to do at that point is take any type of sticker (mine came with 2 stickers which were called Dust Removal stickers, but its truly a regular sticker lol) so I had to use that several times, but the final result is great
I ended up ordering the SGP Ultra Crystal and also ordered MobC from amazon (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009M7TZYO/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i00) which ended up coming in first, so I am still waiting for the SGP but honestly i do regret ordering them because the MobC are freakin great, crystal clear, and i have no regrets of putting it on!
Kobe_No_Means_No said:
I'm really really good at applying screen protectors (wet application) because I started using Invisible Shield when they first came out about 10 years ago.
The trick is to not use their solution, as they only give you like a tiny vial of solution.
1. Get a plastic cup (I use one of those red beer-pong cups), fill it with warm water to the top, put 2 drops of dish detergent in, swirl your finger in it. That is your solution.
2. Remove the protector from the backing, dip the entire thing into the cup, place it on your screen. You should be able to easily move the protector around the screen to adjust positioning. If you cant, take it off, dip the whole thing in the solution again, and put it on the screen again. Yes, your device will get very wet, but do not worry... it's not a problem at all (I've done this to tons, and I mean tons, of phones/cameras/gps, etc...) Don't worry.
3. Once you're happy with the positioning, use a credit card to squeegee out the water in between. Adjust positioning again to make sure it's perfect, squeegee again. Squeegee a few more times, make sure you've gotten as much water out as possible. If your device has rounded corners (such as the back of the note 2 cover), after you squeegee out all the water the corner will still stick up. Put your finger on each corner for a few seconds, maybe 20-30 seconds if necessary. It will stick.
4. Done. It will be invisible, you will not notice a thing on your phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
degeneration said:
So, screen sizes getting bigger seems to be making it more and more difficult to apply a screen protector without getting any stray cat hairs or dust in between it and the screen. How do you guys do it, or do you just put up with a bit of dust?
I just got a wet application screen protector today since that was the last kind of protector I successfully applied to a phone (long ago), but that was a no go. It seemed fine until I was done and realized that somehow, from some where, a bunch of hairs got under the protector. I tried to use some tape to get them off but it didn't work, and then I dropped the protector and things just got worse from there.
This was in the bathroom after taking a steamy shower as I have read over and over that it's supposed to get most of the crap out of the air.
How do you guys do it? I have looked it up several times, but I just don't get how these people have such an easy time of it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For with app screen protectors...exactly as Kobe mentioned. Couple of drops / 1 part dish washing liquid to 5 parts water (distilled water if your tap water has too much minerals)...just so the solution is slippery enough for the application process. Run your finger nail down the edge of the credit card / tool your going to use to ensure there are no nicks / sharp edges that will damage / crease your wet app screen protector.
Steamed bathroom also helps.
I recommend dry applications for flat surface...wet applications for curved surfaces.
With dry app screen protectors, those clear / ultra clear packs off of eBay usually work well. The only issues I have seen is that the adhesive may get weak over time (if you need to lift protector to remove dust then press down again) and initial cutouts maybe hard to see from pics. Eventually these dry app screen protectors fall to 3/5/? packs per <$1 ???
Position the dry app screen protector then apply / remove film. There will probably be dust, pet hair, etc. Lift up one corner / side / section at a time and slide the shipping tape between the screen protector and screen (sticky side of shipping tape against sticky side of screen protector)...then press dry screen protector down on the shipping tape which will also press against the screen. Carefully lift the corner / section of the screen protector...then flip the shipping tape over and slide back under between the screen protector and screen (sticky side of shipping tape now facing screen) if needed. Usually the particle is on the sticky screen protector side, but sometimes it maybe stuck to the screen side. The idea is to use a shipping tape with strong enough adhesive to remove the particle without ripping off / damaging the screen protector adhesive. Painting tape adhesive maybe too weak in removing any dust / pet hairs...UPS grade shipping tape maybe too strong...I like Staples equivalent shipping / packing tape...it has just enough adhesive strength to remove any dust / pet hairs.
Hope some of this helps.
What works for me:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1988725
Got my spigen... I am probably never buying from anyone else. Well, I dunno, but from the packaging to the application I felt like I was using quality. I thought I had ordered the ultra crystal but I actually went for ultra oleophobic for some reason... and I am crossing my fingers that the surface tension changes after some use (doubt it) but it does do what it says, finger prints do not stick. However the down side is the s pen doesn't feel nice against it (it did feel really nice against the crappy matte protector, felt like a pencil on paper, but I couldn't stand the rainbow effect, maybe I will try a spigen matte in the future). Any way, I used the "hinge" technique I saw somewhere online and it worked pretty well. Got 3 pieces of dust under the screen (1 on the screen, 2 on the bezel) and I used some scotch tape to life the protector and one of the included dust removal stickers to quickly take care of the problems.
the protector is FREAKING INVISIBLE! right now the screen is off and I can see reflections, and I can barely make out where the protector ends.
Thanks for everyone who gave me their tips and tricks, I finally have a screen protector on my note that I am happy with.
Also, for those people going naked, it doesn't affect my screen but I saw I already have 2 minute scratches on my screen. I keep my phone in my pocket on its own, and somehow I managed to scratch the screen already (got on release day). I have wasted a bunch of cash getting a screen protector on that I was happy with, and I might spend more in the future, but at least I know that if anything terrible happens I can replace the little piece of plastic instead of forever having to deal with a scratch.
EDIT: playing around with it some and then wiping it off, I already am fine with how the S pen feels. I think it was actually sticking to whatever they used to apply the outer layer of protection that you remove after applying the protector. A little bit more drag then on the naked glass, but I like that I can now get more of a tactile response of my writing. I am hooked on Spigen.
I do all my screen protectors at the dinning room table in about 2 mins with perfect results every time. I attached a few screenies but they really don't do it justice. It is insanely hard to get a good picture of something clear when using a flash. the specks of dust that are noticable are on top of the protector not underneath. I'm using the spigen oleophobic and love them.