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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
Here is my mini weekend review of the Ringbo SP.
Please hit the Thanks button if this has been helpful...
Link to S.P. http://www.ebay.com/itm/270829898556?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649#ht_4602wt_1008
I have not done many if any reviews so please bare with me.
Review.
FYI: I did not buy a matte or anti fingerprint protector...
1) Packaging is great completely sealed no opened area's or tears in the packaging, insides is folded 4 sides holding everything in place.
Screen protectors wrapped in an outer package that is attached to the main package so the Protectors do not move around inside the package.
Instructions printed on inside and outside back cover of package.
2) There was no provided squeegee, cloth or solution.
I used Solution as stated above, Gnc gold card wrapped with a microfiber cloth.
I have never used provided pieces anyhow and there basically useless
3) Protector itself, Front and pack protection covers with pull tabs, External protector is blue with ear piece cutout open, made it very easy to line up on the phones screen.
I did notice there is NO front camera cutout,
4) Install I used a wet install method for Screen Protector.
Install 1) Decent drop of Dish soap in small spray bottle filled with water, Shaken to mix solution, sprayed a few times for solution to make it through the sprayer.
Install 2) I did the install in a steam room, Bathroom closed with hot shower water running to create moisture, All dust, dirt and debris falls to floor making install seamless and easy after wiping the screen with microfiber cloth.
5) Swiped Wife's Hairdryer (about 5 min) to kickstart the drying process, once done i sat on top of my cable box so the heat could help dry the phone itself. (about 4-5 hours then powered on) sparatically squeezed out air bubbles as time went on.
6) 2nd day mostly Dry, squeezed out more bubbles throughout day.
7) 3rd day Dry.
8) I noticed Screen protector is extremely Clear, NO orange peal at all,
looked and felt no different than the screen itself.
Protector does show fingerprints and has a reflection (See above FYI)
fingerprints do not seem as bad as the Phone screen itself
Reflections no difference than without.
Summary, all in all i feel this is one of the best screen protectors i have used,
I have used Zagg, Ghost armor, and cheap ebay stealth series among a few others.
This protector has no orange peal, looks and feels smooth like there is no protector on the phone... Seals edge to edge on the phone, would be a nice protector if you use no case at all as it covers tight to the edge's
Had no hindrance on performance of the front camera.
Link to pics.
http://s1223.photobucket.com/albums/dd508/twizted_illusions1/Rearth%20Ringbo/?start=all
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.
Hi,
I just bought a hama screen protector for my Nexus 5. You can get it at MediaMarkt. The package contains 2 protectors including 4 stickers for the assembly ("Easy-On Application") and a duster [picture]. If you buy it at MediaMarkt you have to pay 9,99€ which is around 13,8$
The assembly is quite easy but takes it's time. Just make sure there is absolutely no dust on the screen before you bring on the protector. In my case the screen was dust free except one little thing near the volume rocker which is dust or a scratch in the protector. The screen alignment was also not 100% perfect but that doesn't matter [picture].
The screen is still very responsive and the screen protector is very clear. It almost looks like there's no screen protector on it.
Best regards
You should be able to remove that side dust fairly easily by lifting 1 corner, and using the tape. However more dust might fly underneath if you're in the average room which has dust flying around.
bblzd said:
You should be able to remove that side dust fairly easily by lifting 1 corner, and using the tape. However more dust might fly underneath if you're in the average room which has dust flying around.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks. at the beginning of the assembly i've removed the dust at the corners of the display with such a tape. i just thought this little thing near the volume rocker is a scratch or dust which i can not remove with the tape because it didn't work for the first time.
you're right, it was dust. now i tried it again with the tape and succeeded.
it looks perfect now. absolutely not dust. this is pure perfection
For those who want stylish drop-protection and scratch resistant screen protection, here's a review and installation guide/tips for the Ultimate Shield® Front Shield Invisible Screen Protector and the Spigen Tough Armor Black (Built-in Kickstand).
The products...
Ultimate Shield® Google Pixel 2 XL FRONT SHIELD Invisible Screen Protector
Google Pixel 2 XL Case Spigen [Tough Armor] [Black] Built-in Kickstand
A bit of background first, if I may...
My previous OnePlus 5T was the first phone I felt the need to have screen protection (let's just say kitten claws and phone screens don't blend so well....) in addition to good quality drop protection. So when switching to the Google Pixel 2 XL I figured let's play it safe. For a few reasons though when trying out tempered glass protectors on the 5T, I just couldn't settle. I couldn't get over the mirror-like reflection which for me, spoilt the beauty of the display. Several brands later and I found the same disappointing experience (sensitivity issues, fingerprint magnets, poor fit, high reflection etc.). So I decided to try the Ultimate Shield non-glass screen protector. Which I LOVED.
Speaking in the present and with the glorious Pixel 2 XL I wasted no time in purchasing the same Ultimate Shield Screen Protector and high quality Spigen cases combination. Pictured in this review will just be the Tough Armor, though I could upload some pics of the Liquid Crystal clear case if requested.
Installation...
I'm not going to lie, it's not 'easy' as such, but once you nail the technique and with a little hard work you can achieve the results you want. As you may know, the Ultimate Shield (and similar brands like IQ Shield) require a wet installation - that is to say, with the use of slightly soapy water.
You may attempt to follow my instructions to the letter or be inspired to attempt it in a different way, so either way here are my steps that I achieved a near-perfect installation:
DISCLAIMER - these are my steps which I found to be successful - your actions are your responsibility and if you don't trust these steps, simply follow the instructions provided by Ultimate Shield.
1. Humid environment - I ran the shower hot for a short while with the window shut. You want it to be nice and steamy in there which helps all those pesky little dust particles fall to the ground and not float around making their way under your screen. The perfectionists amongst us will not be able to unsee that 1 hair or a collection of dust located anywhere on the screen! In the interest of full disclosure, this was actually my third installation. I don't mind admitting this, but I wish to keep this iIxel perhaps until Pixel 4 XL (IF I can wait that long...) and so I wanted as perfect installation as possible, given it's potential lifespan with me. Plus it always helps resale value too to have a well kept phone. I kept my window shut to avoid any airflow/potential risk of 'contaminants' floating their way in and to maintain humidity.
2. Further dust reduction - Perhaps over-the-top, but I removed my bathroom matt and towels just in case any fibres were floating around from them and I even did the installation topless. Like I say, perhaps over the top but who knows where the little fibres would originate from...
3. Workstation setup - I used the toilet seat (closed and clean of course ) and a wooden chopping block to work on.
4. Tools/stuff you'll need - As the included Ultimate Shied instructions state you'll need a bowl of clean water with a tiny drop of washing up liquid in there. I cleaned the bowl thoroughly (no point in having bits of dust in there to begin with, that would ruin your hard work!) and I even use filtered water. Hell, why not. The tip I'd like to say is don't stir like crazy - don't make bubbles - but instead swirl your finger(s) round slowly and you'll see the the water and washing up liquid mix. If you do make some bubbles let them settle. Or use a spoon and get them out. As these bubbles will just be extra bubbles to squeegee out later. More bubbles, more work. You'll also receive the microfiber cloth and a small squeegee. I like the size of the included squeegee card, but it in my opinion could be a little sturdier, so I used both that and a normal credit card. More on this later.
5. Let's begin - Your bathroom should be nice and steamy by now and you're ready to begin. Feel free to turn the shower off if it's too steamy or just steamy enough. Time is of the essence from the second you peel the screen protector from away from it's film, just in case any rogue particles are floating around on standby ready to attack - so you should be prompt, but similarly, don't rush.
You'll need to wash your hands to ensure you clean any oil/dirt from them. Likewise with the phone. I didn't go as far far as rinsing the phone under the tap, I mean I guess the phone is water resistant but I found the steamy bathroom and wiping the phone with the cloth sufficed. This is your call - but either way this is a critical step. Power down the device and clean that screen and clean it good! Keep checking for any dust/fibers/hairs or whatever may have made its way to your screen. Look at your phone from every angle possible in the light. Really make sure your screen is clear of anything that shouldn't be there.
You're done checking?
No. No you're not.
Seriously - make sure no bits are there!
6. Applying the screen protector - Once your happy with the screen, wet your fingers with the water from the bowl. Wet all of your fingers, from tips to sides. Then carefully begin peeling the screen protector from it's film. Do this carefully. Very carefully. With your wet fingers, peel it slowly and be careful not to stretch it and to emphasise, keep those fingers wet! You don't want any fingerprints on the sticky side of the protector. Once peeled, you can dip it directly in the bowl of water however I found it best to repeatedly wet my fingers and 'stroke' the sticky side (don't get mixed up and forget which is the sticky side...!). If you see any big soapy bubbles on it, try wipe them off with your wet finger but don't worry too much as you should be able to squeegee them out soon. But again, more bubbles, more work... Now check your screen and ensure you're happy there is no bits on there. If you're happy, then proceed to applying the protector.
7. Alignment - Ensure you've definitely put the screen protector on not only the right way round but also that it's not upside down! You'll need to look at the application in multiple angles with good lighting to really check that it's lined up nicely. I found that the beauty of this screen protector is that it is a really good fit. Like right to the edge of the screen and the camera/speaker cut outs are nice. So use these cutouts as reference and take the time to line it properly. Again, keep those fingers wet. They'll soon dry up and you want to avoid touching the exposed sides that haven't stuck down yet (more on that later).
8. Squeegee - Now it's time to get those trapped bubbles/water out. Use the included squeegee card or a credit card, whichever you prefer, with the microfiber cloth wrapped around it. This makes your squeegeeing less harsh on the surface of the screen protector and helps it glide. Hold your phone still and press firmly from the centre to the edges. Now then, do this assertively but with caution. A few key tips:
- You want to press hard enough to get the water out, but as you release the trapped water the screen protector will be binding itself to the screen and begin to settle in it's position. So 2 things here to be mindful of: while there's water still under there and as you are squeegeeing, the protector may move around - ensure you maintain good alignment. Secondly, as water is released it will keep it's place so again, ensure you have good alignment. If not, now is the time to carefully peel it back off (with wet fingers), wet it and try again.
- When squeegeeing, do so with good pressure but not too much. You may get some stubborn bubbles which may require extra force. I found myself alternating between the flat long side of the card and sometimes using the corner for a stubborn bubble - though tread carefully here, as whilst the protector is durable you can 'dent' it a little if too much pressure is applied. As will be seen on my pictures, I've got the slightest dent marks from applying a little too much pressure with the corner of the card. These protectors are supposed to be "self-healing" though, so perhaps overtime the dent may come out, as with the bubbles which are also said to take some time to go away. We'll see...
- Take extra care around the speaker/camera lens cutouts. I found these areas, especially the around the speaker, not to stick down straight away and on my first install attempt I kinked it a little stretching it, causing it not to sit flush. So go slowly and keep the applied pressure from the centre to the sides.
If you notice any trapped dust at this point under the protector then carefully remove, remove if possible wet fingers (may even have to use your nail carefully) and try again. Once the protector dries it may be hard to get it off again without stretching it, so bear this in mind.
Give the screen a thorough inspection in good light at all angles. You'll maybe see big bubbles of water and so if so, do your best to squeegee them out. You may see little collections of tiny soapy bubbles. Again, do what you can to remove. Once your happy enough you can let it rest. The screen might not look perfect right now and it will look hazy (keep it powered off still for the time being, for what it's worth) but this haziness should clear up in time and it is said that slight imperfections can take some further time to clear up.
9. The waiting game - the sides may not be sticking down yet but this is normal. It may take an hour or longer for them to begin to stick and so patience is required. A little tip here is be careful where you let it rest whilst the protector dries. I'm talking from experience here, as with my first install I took the phone into my front room just on the table and little bits of dust found themselves under the protector at the sides where it hadn't yet stuck. So my advice and technique to prevent this, is to very loosely wrap the phone up with tinfoil. This prevented any dust getting to it and of course no bits/particles would come from the tinfoil either. I found this to be successful in allowing it to dry in peace.
I left it an hour and checked on it. Carefully use your fingers/thumbs to press down those sides if they are yet to stick down. If an area is still not sticking, press and hold for 10 seconds or so and it should stay. If not, more time may be required.
After patiently waiting overnight, as recommended, I turned my phone back on - it may be safe to turn it on soon after the install, given the device is water resistant, but still I wanted to ensure it was fully dry, the speaker grill for example, just in case.
10. The end result - It is with all of the above steps that I woke up to see most of the haze had gone and I'd managed a near-perfect installation. VERY happy! The sides have stuck down and it really does suit the phone very well. As mentioned, the protector hugs the entire screen - more than the actual display but indeed over the curved edge and it's this which, for me, makes it compatible with Spigen case at least. I still took care in placing the phone in the case, to prevent lifting the protector up but I'm confident that the lip of the case goes well over the protector. You can't see any edges of the protector as it is fully covered by this case, which for me is yet another selling point. Other than the cut out for the camera/speaker etc. you can barely notice it!
So in summary...
Pros
- Precisely cut out
- Fits the phone extremely well
- No loss of sensitivity
- No mirror-like glare (the colourful display remains that way)
- Barely noticeable
- Case compatible (I have only test with the 2 Spigen cases, but I found on my previous OnePLus 5T that these tight fitting cases were the most problematic - this is not the case with this Pixel 2 XL setup)
- Offers great scratch resistance - I keep my phone in my pocket by itself and never with anything else, but I've the extra peace of mind and will avoid any hair-line scratches or scuffs
Cons
- Some may find this a little more time-consuming and complex process than standard protectors or tempered-glass installations, but that's for you decide...
- There is the slightest 'orange peel' effect, but again this really is very slight - at least to me - never noticeable when the screen is on and only really seen if looking hard for it up close
- Whilst this protector offers great scratch resistance I would only use this type of protection with a good case as of course, this protector offers very little in terms of drop protection.
I hope the above guide/review is of use to some people who are looking to protect their device and perhaps wasn't too pleased with tempered glass.
See attached pictures from the morning after the night before. You will see a couple of spots of dust on the screen but these are luckily on the phone and not trapped underneath. Lastly, it is said that any haze/little bubbles can take 24-72 hours to fully disappear, but even after just overnight I am very happy with this setup!
I'm happy to answer any questions or upload any more pictures if requested.
How do you find the Tough Armor case? Are the buttons still easy to press? Does it add much bulk?
RaiderX303 said:
How do you find the Tough Armor case? Are the buttons still easy to press? Does it add much bulk?
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Click to collapse
Here's my thoughts...
- it does have a slightly bulky feel, feels bigger and heavier than the Liquid Crystal case, but I like it..
- it has sufficient grip but perhaps slightly slippy, not too much though
- the buttons are good but on my opinion could be a little better. The liquid crystal case buttons are clicky and pop out, on the Tough Armor the volume buttons are flush with the side of the case and the power button is rippled, so that's easier to find when feeling for it
- the kickstand is flimsy as they say, but fully functional and serves its purpose well
Overall I absolutely love it. If I could change a few things I would but this has superior drop protection over the Liquid Crystal and in combination with this screen protector I'm confident my phone is well protected
cd993 said:
Here's my thoughts...
- it does have a slightly bulky feel, feels bigger and heavier than the Liquid Crystal case, but I like it..
- it has sufficient grip but perhaps slightly slippy, not too much though
- the buttons are good but on my opinion could be a little better. The liquid crystal case buttons are clicky and pop out, on the Tough Armor the volume buttons are flush with the side of the case and the power button is rippled, so that's easier to find when feeling for it
- the kickstand is flimsy as they say, but fully functional and serves its purpose well
Overall I absolutely love it. If I could change a few things I would but this has superior drop protection over the Liquid Crystal and in combination with this screen protector I'm confident my phone is well protected
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Click to collapse
How does it feel? Fingers slide around like the regular screen? How's the fingerprint coating?
G
---------- Post added at 12:16 AM ---------- Previous post was at 12:14 AM ----------
Price?
G
def-g said:
How does it feel? Fingers slide around like the regular screen? How's the fingerprint coating?
G
---------- Post added at 12:16 AM ---------- Previous post was at 12:14 AM ----------
Price?
G
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For me, it genuinely feels very natural. Definitely feels different than a tempered glass or having none at all, but it's very smooth and barely noticeable. It's been on device for about 40 hours now and feels well bonded. For me it's good for fingerprints and also not 'mirror-reflective' like some tempered glass. Price is £7.99 on ebay