Develop Bugs

Applying the screen protector -who knows how?

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

Clear Protector for Xoom -- 50% off code + Free shipping

Hi all-
Waited until I got a chance to apply this thing before I wrote a review. This is a full-body skin like skinomi or invisible shield. It's a wet application, so if that scares you, don't read further. It was my first wet application, and I'll say I probably won't ever go back...
I used this only on the back; for the front I wanted a matte skin (to reduce glare and fingerprints). It comes in 5 pieces; 1 for the front and 4 for the back. Again, I only used the ones for the back. Here's my review:
1) This was the best screen protector experience I've ever had; also my first on a tablet and my first wet application, so that's saying something.
2) Wet application took about half an hour; most of that was spent holding down the edges as it dried. If you don't hold down the edges, the protector doesn't go around the edges. The wet application required only a bowl of soapy water, no solutions. I turned on a daily show and watched it while I worked.
3) During the application, I got several bubbles. This is one of the reasons why wet application is so much better: every bubble was worked out in just a few seconds. Also, unlike a dry application, the thing isn't covered in static, so you aren't attracting every bit of dust in the area to your skin. I think I ended up with one imperfection: a bit of cat hair. I'm pretty sure my cat planned that. The small bubbles from the soap were gone after an hour or two.
4) The other major advantage of wet application: you can readjust the protector once it's on. My protector is so perfectly aligned that you can't tell there's anything there if you didn't know that the original back cover is brushed aluminum.
5) Once applied and drying, I let the whole thing sit for a few hours before touching it again, to avoid accidentally shifting the skin. Instead of the brushed aluminum, now I have nice, grippy plastic on the back. It gets fingerprints but no more so than the unprotected back, and with this thing on I have no problem using a regular cloth to wipe it.
6) Like I said, I didn't put it on the front because I wanted a matte cover, but I'm considering it now... The matte cover is far better for fingerprints but it does affect the usability of the screen (less responsive, requires a heavier touch). Since it means throwing it away, I'll leave the matte skin on for a bit...
Overall, I'd say this was a great purchase. Oh, and I almost forgot: I got it for half off! Normal price is $36 for the full-body protector or $25 for the screen; this code will get you half off plus free shipping (code works for everything on the site):
http://www.clearprotector.com/catalogsearch/result/?q=xoom&x=0&y=0
and the code is: iwantultra
(just for clarity--I am not affiliated with this company in any way)
Give thanks if this helps you!

Thanks!
Just brought full body protectors for the Xoom and Galaxy Tab for only $33 with free shipping.
The only thing missing seems to be the spay to apply the cover, but this is a minor issue.
EDIT: Also thanks to OP for the excellent guide. I'd just like to add that I normally leave the device powered off for 12 hrs after using any liquid method, to prevent any possibility of water damage.
You can apply the cover in the evening and leave it to dry through the night.

Bigmille said:
Just brought full body protectors for the Xoom and Galaxy Tab for only $33 with free shipping.
The only thing missing seems to be the spay to apply the cover, but this is a minor issue.
EDIT: Also thanks to OP for the excellent guide. I'd just like to add that I normally leave the device powered off for 12 hrs after using any liquid method, to prevent any possibility of water damage.
You can apply the cover in the evening and leave it to dry through the night.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Should have added this to the original post:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n-hN4PHDfsg
Use lots of water, make sure the whole surface is covered, but then let it drip until theres not much left. I didn't use enough water to have any worries of water damage to my xoom (almost nothing comes out from the edges), but you need to get complete coverage or you could get a bubble that wouldn't come out.
Do exactly like the video; make sure your workspace is open and clean! (like, really clean!) Wipe it down first, then lay out a clean dish towel. Use the dish towel to wipe the little bit of water from the edges. You can use the dish towel to hold the plastic to the curved edges too.

ZAGG sells a similar kit that includes a solution in a spray bottle. As well, you can also order the kit with a graphic pattern on it either from the shop or your own custom work, thereby giving you protection with a good grippy surface AND cool graphics to customize your tablet. Ill post a picture of mine later.

Kokanee483 said:
ZAGG sells a similar kit that includes a solution in a spray bottle. As well, you can also order the kit with a graphic pattern on it either from the shop or your own custom work, thereby giving you protection with a good grippy surface AND cool graphics to customize your tablet. Ill post a picture of mine later.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's great. I had no idea there were other options. Maybe you should write a review...

Screen protector compairson: Clearfreak vs eBay iMicro

Video I made doing a basic opinion of Clearfreak screen protector vs iMicro ebay screen protector. (vid will be up soon)
Clearfreak: X
5 for $1.99 (regularly 1 for $10)
Need to apply by spraying phone with water
Extremely difficult/impossible to apply without bubbles
Very tacky surface, resists movement, no good for touchscreen
iMicro: O
3 for $0.99
Smooth, low resistance surface, great for touchscreen
Resists fingerprints
Universal size, has to be cut
EXTREMELY easy to apply without bubbles, went on in seconds
http://www.ebay.com/itm/iMicro-5-4-...398512?pt=PDA_Accessories&hash=item588e2c6e30

Spray can be hard if you dont know how if you do they can be fun simple strong redo if did wrong or dirty dust down side is it will take overnight or longer to dry well so it just moves ive moved
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005W5WP4M/ref=oh_details_o01_s00_i00
9usd
TIP: they used to five you a card now they give you rubber a clean gift card word better for removing spray and flatting

Do they offer the same protection?

Screen Protector`s - Anybody Else Rubbish at fitting them

I have to have it perfect, but i always end up with dust/dirt bubbles, or it`s not aligned correctly.
I would pay to mine fitted perfect, why does somebody not set up a business fitting them.
Phone shop`s should offer the service for a small fee.
I usually buy a cheap pack or 6-10 as i throw a lot away, or still end up not having one fitted.
John.

Tinderbox (UK) said:
I have to have it perfect, but i always end up with dust/dirt bubbles, or it`s not aligned correctly.
I would pay to mine fitted perfect, why does somebody not set up a business fitting them.
Phone shop`s should offer the service for a small fee.
I usually buy a cheap pack or 6-10 as i throw a lot away, or still end up not having one fitted.
John.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For dry applies, look up the hinge method on Youtube, it makes applying screen protectors a breeze, and gets things perfect every time the first time. As far as dust goes, I recommend shining a LED flashlight around the screen, and using a piece of tape to spot remove every last bit of dust just prior to peeling the screen protector's 1st side up.
For wet applies, I find that I get better results by not using any soap, and just using water by itself. Less chance of it appearing cloudy or hazy after it dries. The key is to use liberal amounts of water to keep the protector sliding.

Every time I install one I screw it up so I finally gave up and just started picking them up at the AT&T store and let them do it. Ordered a mime ghost glass a while back and was heading down to the AT&T store to see if they would install it, but stopped at Radio Shack on the way there and those guys were more than willing to install it for me also. The guy said the mime is much easier to install because its more solid and not like those flimsy cheap ones you buy elsewhere. Seems most places that sell them aint got no problem installing them if they aint all tied up with other stuff.

Thats the problem. the cheap ones do not stick as well as the ones from good companies such as Spigen, MediaDevil, martin fields
glass protectors are the thing now, MIME feather glass from the USA is the best

Tinderbox (UK) said:
I have to have it perfect, but i always end up with dust/dirt bubbles, or it`s not aligned correctly.
I would pay to mine fitted perfect, why does somebody not set up a business fitting them.
Phone shop`s should offer the service for a small fee.
I usually buy a cheap pack or 6-10 as i throw a lot away, or still end up not having one fitted.
John.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would use the hinge method for placement, as far as the dust/dirt try the shower method. Run the shower for five minutes with the door closed on hot (allows steam to form). Turn off shower and allow the steam to settle (2-3) minutes, this pulls the dust and dander out of the air. Then apply the screen protector to the handset.DO NOT leave the handset in the bathroom while the rooms fills with steam or when it is settling. I did not believe this method would work but I have used it on my Rezound, Droid X, Nexus 7 tablet and my HTC One with dust/hair free installs.

I used to be clumsy at it, but now I fit mine flawlessly. I have done it with 3 phones and 2 tablets and all of them were bubble free. My rule, keep the device under a light so you can see the dust particles or anything else clearly. Wipe it with micro fiber (or use alcohol wipes if the surface is smudgy). Use a scotch tape to remove the dust particles, small strokes, even in the areas which look clean. It takes 2 minutes to cover the whole device. Align the screen protector across the edges and work your way down, making sure the sides align and are in straight line. You will get bubbles which you can then remove using a credit card by wiping them towards the edges. Works for me everytime.

I work at a cellphone store and whenever someone buys a screen protector we install them for free glass or plastic:laugh:

what I find is the easiest method of applying a film screen protector and worked for me for 2 years whilst working in a vodafone store is the following:
1) ensure the screen is clean of dust, a good cloth in a relatively clean environment does the job, if not do it near a boiling kettle.
2) before peeling off the first layer line the screen protector up along the top of the handset, where you would like it begin. (for the htc one, it would be just below the top speaker grill),
3) peel back the first layer only slightly, line and up press down adhesive side with the top of the handset, easiest done with the top of the handset facing away from you. (benefit of this is, you've pulled the whole thing off and it's less likely to catch dust if only a small part of the protector is visible to wilderness.
4) with the top of the protector adhered to your screen, swivel the phone around so the top is closest to you without letting the protector move from it's position,
5) from here, it is a simple task of taking a piece of cardboard or hard paper and gently push forward from the top, whilst slowing peeling back the bottom plastic until you're at the bottom.
6) you may have some small bubbles right on the bottom edge of your protector, just use your thumb or the paper to gently squeeze them out.
Works for me 90% of the time. Also depends somewhat on the quality of the protector. But I would recommend a Glas.Tr or MIME type protector.

I love that dust remover that came with the mime. I covered the whole screen, ripped it off and put the glass one on in less than a second.

I bought mine from mobilefun.com. Don't remember exactly which, but it was one of the "premium" ones (not cheapest). From a 5-pack I got it perfect on the 4th try! Be patient and read the insructions carefully (which I didn't before the 3rd try) hehe ...

OK, i read no instructions apart from which tab to pull of first on the protector, i cleaned the screen with the included cloth, no steamy room or anything, it took me five attempt's to get the protector in the right place and there were bubbles galore, but i managed to get them all out, no dust underneath that i can see so i wasted no screen protectors i still have two left.
John.

Three things are recommended, dust removing sticker, microfiber cloth and a room with heated vapor such as a bathroom, after you have showered(dont take device in during shower).

I got some cheap matte ones from eBay... They are truly awsome and fit the whole screen(you must be pro master on fittin screen protectors)
http://www.ebay.com/itm/35084675949...eName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649
My secret for fitting perfectly is to hold your screen down after wipin all the dust while getting the protector ready itself... Once I put it on without any dust under ir, I press it very hard and move it in direction where I need if not correctly positioned... When its just sticked on, you can still move it slighty - thats all it takes to get those 0,1mm right

amFilm Glass Protector experience (good!)

I just installed 3 amFilm Glass Protectors with black borders. Yes, I can vouch for this protector.
Pros:
- Truly edge to edge, with a tiny gap at the edges for case-friendliness
- Does not block any part of the OLED
- Clear, practically looks like a naked screen
- Smooth (wifey said: feels so smooth!)
- Fingerprint-resistant
- Black borders means no visible edges
Cons:
- Can't really think of any. I used Vivid NG gesture app and have to turn increase "Touch Sensitivity" on display settings. No biggie.
- Installation takes longer; more elbow grease to get the bubbles out.
Installation tips:
- Allow at least 15-30 minutes for a good result
- Don't follow the myth of hot shower! That's just a waste water. Seriously.
- Have a roll of masking tape. Use it to clean the screen and sides of phone. Do this by sticking the tape vertically top to bottom starting on the left edge, then peel and move slightly to the right. Repeat until all screen and sides have been 'stripped' of dust specks.
- After placing the protector on the phone, start looking for any remaining specks. Do this by gently squeeging around. Bubbles will move and can be taken care of later. Specks will stay, so you want to spot and remove them now.
- To remove a speck (most likely it would stick to the film and not the screen), fold a length of masking tape in two, so both sides are sticky, then gently lift the closest corner and slide the masking tape underneath. Careful, do not let the masking tape rub the sticky side of the glass film such that it would leave a mark. Once on the right spot, press the film down gently and re-lift it. The speck will stick to the masking tape. Slide out the masking tape and let the film drop down.
- Repeat until all specks have been removed.
- Now squeegee the bubbles out. This takes a while on this screen protector, but you'll be happy with the result!
Ps: I don't use the provided dust stickers. Masking tape works better for me.

Attached are some photos after the installation on the second phone.

Got one of these on the way, hope it installs ok and works nicely with otterbox case. Mine is a work phone and they stipulate the otterbox must stay on. I hate the thing but the S10e is a nice phone.

This supposedly case friendly screen protector had so much potential....
Feel and fit is fantastic but it does NOT classify as case friendly. I cannot get air out of it with my case on. Awesome otherwise.
The case presses on the edges and distorts it, causing some lift.

I had my screen protector installed at a phone shop and the case somehow lifted the top part abit. Couldnt get the airbubble out no matter what so i tried using a hairdryer .. 15 seconds later no more airbubble.

Took mine off. Work insists the otterbox is used so if a screen protector doesn't work with it, too bad. There's no way it was going to fit under the edges of the case.
With a normal TPU type case it should be good though.
It's good enough a fit to even have a naked phone.