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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?
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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?
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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
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.
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.
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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.
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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.
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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
The A100 seems to pick up smudges more than anything else I own.
My phone, which is smaller but otherwise looks nearly identical and shares a Gorilla Glass screen, doesn't pick up fingerprints nearly as easily nor obviously.
I've tried cleaning with an eyeglass cleaner (which works great on the phone), a drop of liquid hand soap and others and nothing seems to be a particularly good solution.
I've generally use a soft microfiber cloth, although I've experimented carefully with cotton terry and soft paper.
Has anyone found anything that cleans well and perhaps resists smudges?
Ever tried a 50/50 mix of white vinegar and distilled water? That and a paper towel picks up oils very well, and if you don't douse the paper towel with the solution leaves it nice and shiny. Nothing I can think of which resists smudges, at least not until the Max Planck institute manages to make that soot-derived coating work.
I use a foaming automotive glass cleaner and a paper towel.
The smudges were bothering me terribly, too, until I added a GreatShield matte screen protector a couple of months ago. Since then, reflections are greatly diminished, and smudges a thing of the past.
jschall said:
The smudges were bothering me terribly, too, until I added a GreatShield matte screen protector a couple of months ago. Since then, reflections are greatly diminished, and smudges a thing of the past.
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Got the same thing, works great. Definitely reduced glare, and much less fingerprints showing after use. I normally just use a slightly damp microfiber cloth to wipe when I need to.
Thanks for the replies.
Even though the screen is Gorilla Glass, I didn't think of using an actually glass cleaner. Too much Plexiglas in my life, I guess.
I found one automotive cleaner/shiner in my garage that works okay, but ordered the matte GreatShield today. I'm just hoping I can get it on cleanly without dust underneath.
I've been disappointed with skins on my phone. (Clarivue and Zagg were two brands that were both a waste of money with inferior products and poor customer service.)
Screen cleaner
I use Monster cleaner the I got from Best Buy.
Cleans really nice, cuts down the glare and finger smudges are kept at bay for days.
i use Endust LCD and Plasma wipes
i wipe off the excess moisture with whatever those little screen cleaning rags are called
it gets my screen squeaky clean
fred99u said:
i use Endust LCD and Plasma wipes
i wipe off the excess moisture with whatever those little screen cleaning rags are called
it gets my screen squeaky clean
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Yep LCD pannel cleaner spray and a micro-fiber towel works well to clean it(untill you touch it again). Though I would say in the long run a shield that keeps it from getting smudged in the first place seems like the best solution.
NoSudo said:
Yep LCD pannel cleaner spray and a micro-fiber towel works well to clean it(untill you touch it again). Though I would say in the long run a shield that keeps it from getting smudged in the first place seems like the best solution.
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i agree a screen protector is a must
Will be buying a screen protector this weekend, feel like it's time, haven't used a screen protector since like 09 on my dark iPhone days.
I clean mine with household polish, the stuff that says is fine for electronics and glass, it leaves a pretty good friction free finish - I've tried alsorts on my tablet to keep it clean, Brasso gadget clean, LCD panel stuff, generic gadget cleaning stuff. Turns out bog standard polish is the best for me
RangerJay said:
The A100 seems to pick up smudges more than anything else I own.
I've generally use a soft microfiber cloth, although I've experimented carefully with cotton terry and soft paper.
Has anyone found anything that cleans well and perhaps resists smudges?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have found this microfiber cloth to work very well:
http://www.simplygoodstuff.com/microfiber_lens-cloths.htm
I wet the corner of the cloth with water and wipe once with the wet end. Then I do a few quick wipes with the dry end the screen is like new.