Netbook Network

As we transcend into a world filled with mobile touchscreen devices everywhere we go, placing them next to hard sharp objects such as keys or dropping them is inevitable and will scratch up even a Gorilla Glass screen. Fortunately, screen protectors are pretty cheap and are available for just about any device with a screen, costing at most a few dollars when ordered online. While they’re not completely scratch proof either, screen protectors provide a temporary layer between the screen itself and the outside world. Applying them is the hardest part – nobody wants bubbles and dust under a screen protector, and today we’ll be showing you our method of getting the best results.

Image courtesy of Flickr.

Note that this guide is meant for dry-apply screen protectors (most screen protectors). Some will require a wet-apply, and that will be indicated on the package or in the product details. If you are planning on using a wet-apply screen protector, visit the manufacturer’s website for detailed instructions on application.

1. Begin with wiping the screen down using a microfiber cloth (usually provided with screen protectors). If there are fingerprints on the screen, use something like lens cleaner to wipe those off. You want to make sure the screen is free of dust and particles and completely dry.
2. All screen protectors will have a plastic protective layer over the adhesive part of the screen protector. Careful not to attract more dust, align the screen protector next to the screen the way it would be placed and begin to peel back the plastic layer while at the same time applying the adhesive part to the screen. Do not completely peel off the plastic layer, or dust in the air will stick onto the adhesive side.
3. Grab a soft card (usually provided with screen protectors as well) or a credit card and press down on part that has been applied. Push out bubbles while doing so, and when you’ve completely flattened any applied area, continue to remove the plastic layer and press down as you go.
4. When you’ve reached the end, you can fully remove the plastic layer and then press the screen protector onto your device. You’re done!

If you’re confused on what’s going on between steps 2-4, a video example of this process can be found here. This method is better than fully removing the plastic layer and putting the protector on in one go, since it exposes the adhesive side of the screen protector to outside air (and dust) the least.

Chances are, you didn’t do the steps above perfectly, and now that the plastic cover is removed, you can’t try again without using another screen protector. If there are a few bubbles to deal with, lift up the protector to where the bubbles are and press them out while reapplying the screen protector. Unfortunately, if you failed to wipe down the screen well enough and dust is now stuck onto the screen protector, you may be out of luck – you can try washing it off with water, though that may ruin the protector.

Hopefully by this point your screen will be properly covered. Remember, screen protectors are cheap, so if you feel like you didn’t do a very good job, trying to apply a new one won’t cost you too much.