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Screen Protector Bubbles & Dust: normal?!

Although I paid the outmost attention while I was installing it, my Boxwave Crystal got some dust and bubbles (especially in the edges). I noticed that these imperfections cannot be seen when the screen is on, but for the heck of it, I want to ask: is it normal or am I simply incompetent?! :?

After getting a fine scratch on my (then) new 3970 I put on a PPC Techs protector and had the same trouble as you.
When I replaced the 3970 with a 4700 earlier this year, I had the screen protector waiting before I unpacked the iPAQ... Same tiny fluff and bubbles.
Now, after putting them on the two 9100's we have, I still can't get them perfect
Guess that just means we're both hopeless
Dox

I don't think anyone can get them perfect.
put mine on today. thought it was perfect but still bloody dust under it. sigh.
Lewis

It's a pain to do I must admit but I've managed to get mine almost "perfect" over about 99% of the screen. It's just around the extreme edges that I've got some bubbles and issues where I'd forced it to go down onto the screen but the rim of the case was just in the way.
If you find that you can't do it first time, then get some sticky tape and put that on the side that sticks to the screen. make sure the tape on one of the edges is right up to the end of the screen protector and the other end of the tape folded over so you've got something to pull the tape off of the screen with when applying.
The tape magically takes off the dust so that when you're applying it to the screenal you need to do is try to make sure no dust particles exist.
You could always try hiring out a chip fabrication unit where they're hermatically sealed too...

I've done a few Ultraclear versions and got it down to a fine art.
1. Be calm. Allow youself plenty of time. If you make a mistake, take a deep breath and start again. Don't rush or you'll end up ruining the film. Even though I've done this several times, I still allow myself half an hour.
2. Trim the narrow edge off an old credit card so it has a straight edge with sharp corners, and get some screenwipes or lint free cloth.
3. Do the fitting in a steamy room. I use the bathroom with the hot shower going. This drops all the dust particles in the air and elimates static which attracts dust/fluff to the protector.
4. Wash and rinse your hands thoroughly to remove all grease and soap.
5. Clean the PPC screen with a screenwipe then barely damp cloth. The humidity from the steam will help you to get a mirror finish.
6. Wash the protector under a warm running tap until thoroughly clean. Hold by the edges to avoid fingerprints and flick several times to remove excess water. You will end up with a few tiny droplets of water left that you can't shift. Don't worry as these help the sealing process. Don't wipe them off as this will just load it up with fibres!
7. Apply to PPC screen middle first. Immediatley wipe out bubbles by sweeping you finger from the middle to the edges. Smooth out firmly but lightly with the credit card using the sharp corners to expel air and water from the extreme edges.
8. If the protector is not straight, so the screen surround is fouling the edges, DON'T force them down - you'll just permanently distort the film so the edges will never lie flat on the screen. The tiny water droplets trapped under the protector may allow you to slide the film slightly so it pops in place - if not, peel off gently taking care not to bend the film, and start from scratch again - that means right back to the cleaning stage.
9. Once you've got it lying flat, smooth any small bubbles out with the credit card. Don't apply too much pressure as this could scratch or cause the film to move. Instead, use light, repeated strokes.
10. Wipe gently round the edges with the cloth to remove any excess expelled water so it doesn't find it's way into the device.
10. The little bit of moisture under the card will dry out within 24 hours. Resmooth the film regularly in that period with the credit card, to eliminate any small bubbles, or lifting of the edges, that appear as it dries. If you have to use the device, carry the credit card with you for the first couple of days so you can smooth it immediatley before any dust gets under the edges.
11. Keep the backing films in a safe place. You'll need these to gently slide under the protector shoud you ever need to remove it and re-apply.
Result - perfectly clear protector that is virtually invisible.

Ineedtoys said:
3. Do the fitting in a steamy room. I use the bathroom with the hot shower going. This drops all the dust particles in the air and elimates static which attracts dust/fluff to the protector.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I also use the bathroom but hadn't thought of the steam - nice idea.
I find it easier to handle the protector by creating a 'T' of adhesive tape which I place on the centre of the protector before removing the backing, that way I can hold it without touching the edges - the opaque scotch tape is the best and can be used to remove the protector too.

Great ideas everyone. Thank you for your feedback!
After trying some more times I got it right with slight dust, hair, bubbles. I'm pleased.

thanx
thank you guys for cool advice, i'll try it soon ..

NinjaDonkey said:
The tape magically takes off the dust so that when you're applying it to the screenal you need to do is try to make sure no dust particles exist.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can confirm after numerous efforts to get rid of the dust, this is by far the best and most crucial solution-step! I managed a 90-95% success with the protector leaving some openings only at the edges, but in the middle nothing. Thanks for the info!!!

Screen Protector Reusable???

I had a Tilt and a screen protector that was just a plastic. It's reusable because I would just tuck the plastics into the edge of the screen.
Now, I got a Brando Screen Protector at home, which states reusable.
How are these washable/reusable screen protectors work with our phones? Is it pretty secure to wash and put it back on? I did it a lot with my tilt but I have no idea about the screen protectors regarding the Fuze.
currently I have a crappy one I bought from BestBuy and it is all scratched up, so thinking about switching to my Brando one.
Thanks in advance!
Rytt

With most screen protectors you can wash them in light soapy water (maybe dip it in a cup with light soapy water). Shake the screen protector to shake off excess water, then use a blow drywer to dry off the rest of the water. You might have to do this a few times. You might catch some more dirt. (!)
Sometimes this works...sometimes it doesn't and you're just screwed and ending up having to buy another.
I've been using Martin Fields and haven't have a problem with washing them. You just need to be in an area that is dust free and clean.

bfspider said:
With most screen protectors you can wash them in light soapy water (maybe dip it in a cup with light soapy water). Shake the screen protector to shake off excess water, then use a blow drywer to dry off the rest of the water. You might have to do this a few times. You might catch some more dirt. (!)
Sometimes this works...sometimes it doesn't and you're just screwed and ending up having to buy another.
I've been using Martin Fields and haven't have a problem with washing them. You just need to be in an area that is dust free and clean.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How does it stay on your screen then if you wash it in water?
Doesn't the sticky part of the SP stop sticking?

No, actually it works really well just rinsing it under warm water (I didn't use any soap). I'd say 100% that it's definitely re-usable.
I was wiping fingerprints off mine on a wool blanket and a corner came up, half the screen protector came off, and the underside rubbed against the blanket, picking up a ton of dirt and fibers.
I took it off and rinsed it off pretty forcefully, and even used my fingernail to scrape the dirt and fibers off. When I was done it felt like the adhesive was mostly gone while damp but as it dried it was sticky again. I flicked off most of the water and put it on the freshly windexed phone (spray the towel once, not the phone!). There were still some tiny water droplets on the protector when I put it on but I gently squeezed them to the edge as I put it back on and they all squeezed out.
The protector still has a slightly mottled appearance which I figured was from scraping all the adhesive off in some areas but it turns out it's tiny amounts of moisture under the protector. Over the next 24 hours the mottled appearance dried and faded and the protector was like new again, 100% crystal clear. It even still great adhesive abilities even though I was literally scrapping at it under the warm water.
At the mall I notice the people that do the invisi-shield covers do it the basically the same way but use a hair drier to get rid of the mottled appearance quicker.
Bottom line. I scrubbed the protector pretty good because I thought it was a lost cause and afterward is was as good as new (better since it's on straight now with no edges to catch), so don't be too afraid to wash an re-use it if the underside gets dirty. Plus I make it sound like there is a risk of getting your phone wet but only if you drop it in the sink. The amount of water on the protector after flicking it few times is no more than if you get a few snowflakes on it and wipe them off with your hand.

Kerensky97 said:
No, actually it works really well just rinsing it under warm water (I didn't use any soap). I'd say 100% that it's definitely re-usable.
I was wiping fingerprints off mine on a wool blanket and a corner came up, half the screen protector came off, and the underside rubbed against the blanket, picking up a ton of dirt and fibers.
I took it off and rinsed it off pretty forcefully, and even used my fingernail to scrape the dirt and fibers off. When I was done it felt like the adhesive was mostly gone while damp but as it dried it was sticky again. I flicked off most of the water and put it on the freshly windexed phone (spray the towel once, not the phone!). There were still some tiny water droplets on the protector when I put it on but I gently squeezed them to the edge as I put it back on and they all squeezed out.
The protector still has a slightly mottled appearance which I figured was from scraping all the adhesive off in some areas but it turns out it's tiny amounts of moisture under the protector. Over the next 24 hours the mottled appearance dried and faded and the protector was like new again, 100% crystal clear. It even still great adhesive abilities even though I was literally scrapping at it under the warm water.
At the mall I notice the people that do the invisi-shield covers do it the basically the same way but use a hair drier to get rid of the mottled appearance quicker.
Bottom line. I scrubbed the protector pretty good because I thought it was a lost cause and afterward is was as good as new (better since it's on straight now with no edges to catch), so don't be too afraid to wash an re-use it if the underside gets dirty. Plus I make it sound like there is a risk of getting your phone wet but only if you drop it in the sink. The amount of water on the protector after flicking it few times is no more than if you get a few snowflakes on it and wipe them off with your hand.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks! I will put on my Brando shortly! Hope it works as wells as you said!

Small spots under screen protector

I seem to have small hairs under the screen protector, there's no bubble around it but it does go multicoloured , I also have small dots of dust too, any way to get rid of them, last screen protector , help!!!

Shower
TechMitchell said:
I seem to have small hairs under the screen protector, there's no bubble around it but it does go multicoloured , I also have small dots of dust too, any way to get rid of them, last screen protector , help!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Go into the bathroom,close the door and turn on a hot shower. once the room gets nice and steamy (give it some time) clean your screen with your micro fiber cloth. When you take the protective coating off of the back keep it as face down as possible so any remaining particles in the air do not stick to it ( the steam from the shower clears the dust from the air). Apply to your tab, work out the bubbles, ENJOY!

TechMitchell said:
I seem to have small hairs under the screen protector, there's no bubble around it but it does go multicoloured , I also have small dots of dust too, any way to get rid of them, last screen protector , help!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Put some tape around your finger (sticky side facing outwards). Lift up the screen protector carefully (perhaps in the washroom with hot water running, or another dustfree environment) and use your taped finger to tap the sticky side of the protector where the hairs/dust particles are (sort of like removing lint from clothing). I don't have long nor thin nails, so I used a razor blade to lift up my screen protector. Very carefully, though.
I would advise rolling up your sleeves, washing your hands, etc. so that the chance of dust re-entering the bottom side is minimized. I've done this many times and I just do it normally in my room without any special preparation, but it takes a very long time because every time I use the tape to remove a few dust particles, new ones get trapped under. Eventually, it's just a game of chance to see if I can remove all the dust particles without having any new ones >_>

Thanks
abmicyau said:
Put some tape around your finger (sticky side facing outwards). Lift up the screen protector carefully (perhaps in the washroom with hot water running, or another dustfree environment) and use your taped finger to tap the sticky side of the protector where the hairs/dust particles are (sort of like removing lint from clothing). I don't have long nor thin nails, so I used a razor blade to lift up my screen protector. Very carefully, though.
I would advise rolling up your sleeves, washing your hands, etc. so that the chance of dust re-entering the bottom side is minimized. I've done this many times and I just do it normally in my room without any special preparation, but it takes a very long time because every time I use the tape to remove a few dust particles, new ones get trapped under. Eventually, it's just a game of chance to see if I can remove all the dust particles without having any new ones >_>
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, hope it works , tried the tape but there are some that just won't budge, oh well $20 down the drain. hope it works, it not , read above.
edit : removed the already applied protector with steamy shower running and used sticky tape to remove dust, went well, no dust particles under screen it now several areas sseem folded, as in that there's no way to use tape or pressure to get rid of it, too saccades to try to bend back, any ideas?

apply a screen protector WITHOUT trapping dust underneath?

so I just got my new s4 otterbox defender, it comes with a built in screen protector. I want to make the screen 100% clear of any dust, and get the screen protector on perfectly, so I don't see trapped dust under the screen protector..
how the heck do you do that? ! I tried microfiber and a 100% silk tie to wipe the screen and screen protector, but both left slight residue. I'm at a total loss.. anyone know of a way to wipe down a screen without adding to the problem ?
fun fact, I didn't open my s4 till I got my otterbox defender, used rubber gloves on a freshly certain wrapped desk, and put the phone right into the case. I can absolutely confirm the phone screen comes with imperfections and small micro scratches on the glass. mostly invisible to the naked eye, but it makes me wonder how they get their in the first place? noticed this on all 3 s4's my family got.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda app-developers app

soraxd said:
so I just got my new s4 otterbox defender, it comes with a built in screen protector. I want to make the screen 100% clear of any dust, and get the screen protector on perfectly, so I don't see trapped dust under the screen protector..
how the heck do you do that? ! I tried microfiber and a 100% silk tie to wipe the screen and screen protector, but both left slight residue. I'm at a total loss.. anyone know of a way to wipe down a screen without adding to the problem ?
fun fact, I didn't open my s4 till I got my otterbox defender, used rubber gloves on a freshly certain wrapped desk, and put the phone right into the case. I can absolutely confirm the phone screen comes with imperfections and small micro scratches on the glass. mostly invisible to the naked eye, but it makes me wonder how they get their in the first place? noticed this on all 3 s4's my family got.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had my phone for a few days with no screen protector, and when it was time to apply, the screen looked 99% pristine, just a single scratch made by me. Not sure what you are seeing as "imperfections".
Anyway, to your question. I never used Otterbox Defender. Do you still stick the protector to the screen? Or it is attached to outside frame? If the latter, then I bet dust will accumulate under it with time any way. If the former, you can follow multiple youtube instructions on how to get rid of dust/bubbles.
I did wipe my phone with rubbing alcohol (90%, not the green but clear) to get rid of dust and smudges before sticking on the protector, it worked perfectly. I then used scotch tape to remove dust particles that floated in from the air.
How do you like this particular otterbox?

Otterboxes trap dirt underneath the built in screen bad. If you want it to be clear of dust take off the Otterbox and remove the screen it came with. Then put on something like the zagg protector and put it back on. Otherwise wipe down the screen with a cloth and then run scotch tape across the top to grab the dust specks left behind, works great before applying a screen protector.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda premium

If your really neurotic... go into the bathroom, turn the shower on nice and hot, close the door, wait a couple of minutes and then go through the steps of applying the screen protector. The steam will settle and airborne particulates. (Also a handy trick for those home HD repairs :wink: )
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk 2

yea the shower trick works or u can get a better screen protector: sgp olephobic...i had to swap my s4 and i peeled it off and put it on the new one in the store and no bubbles/dust...and its veryy thin

modmyphone said:
If your really neurotic... go into the bathroom, turn the shower on nice and hot, close the door, wait a couple of minutes and then go through the steps of applying the screen protector. The steam will settle and airborne particulates. (Also a handy trick for those home HD repairs :wink: )
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This x1000
Put an xtremeguard on mine front and back, and it is BEAUTIFUL. Nothing trapped underneath. Plus a hair dryer on the corners of the back.

dang these are some solid tips!
I think I'll try the steamy bathroom with scotch tape
as for alcohol, I don't know what kind of material or fabric to use, as cotton balls left cotton residue, like everything else =/
as for the case, having used the s3 defender, I'm very pleased! it's much slimmer and easier to hold. the gap between the screen and screen protector is like glue, I actually see oil-looking colorful patterns between the screen and protector as I move my thumb around the screen. not sure what to make of it, but it's as tight as stretching a piece of cellophane wrap tightly around the screen.
the case is much slimmer, and less bulky than the s3's. less barrel all around and a notable redesign of the case and hard cradle case. the hard cradle case adds little to no additional bulk unlike the s3, and it doesn't block volume toggling anymore.
also as asked before, all sensors still work perfectly, including IR blaster and gestures.

DRY APPLICATION ONLY.
All you have to do. Apply screen protector to fit cut outs correctly. Doesnt matter if bubbles dust or lint is there. Get scotch tape. One to lift up screen protector. Another piece to pick up the dirt either facing up or down depending where the dirt is stuck to (glass or screen protector). It will Not affect quality as long as you use Scotch tape. Surprised many aren't aware of this. BTW this is for dry applications, I stay away from wet applications. End result, if you get a nice ultra clear screen protector, you won't even notice theres a screen protector.

Guide to screen protector application

This was for my Touchpad cover review and how-to, but this may be useful for cleanly placing screen protector on your device too. If you're trying to place screen on phone and not large tablet, just use 2 tapes for hinge not 4, and make it shorter strips of tape. This is with screen protector type that is sheet with cover on each side to protect it till it's ready to be used.
Here is what I did to place it on very cleanly.
Prep before steps 1-4: Get one screen protector, lint-free pad, paper card from package, and clear tape roll and brown tape. Also grab scissor. I used electric tape in place of brown paper and it worked too. If you have to use restroom as dust-free area by showering, also grab plastic bag to protect your tablet from steam.
(This steps is before you bathe if you decide to do it this way)
1) Pick a nearly dust-free area.
2) Remove case if any, then clean tablet screen - at this stage it do not have to be perfect but there should be zero oily sheen but little dust is fine. Leave case out till completed all steps.
3) Grab screen protector and align it on tablet, but DO NOT REMOVE any covers on it. Tape it on one long side with in least 4 brown tapes so it will be able to act as "door". It should be able to flip up and down without getting misaligned. Yes, it means you will have tape on touchpad itself. Be generous and use 3 inches each point on one side. Two inches on screen and in least one inch overshoot and tape on touchpad. So it will not loosen and cause misalignment. You can clean tablet after you're finished anyway.
4) Put 2 "handles" on other side corners by partially folded over tapes. It should not stick to tablet at all. This is so you can easily lift it again without actually touching cover at all.
(If you went for steaming room to get rid of dust, first put tablet in plastic bag, seal it so steam cannot get in, then bathe. Have fun bathing. Do not open restroom door and turn on vent till completed.)
Prep before next steps: Make 3 or 4 segments of clear tape for use as dust remover. Tape it to something so most is hanging off edge.
(if bath method, take tablet out of plastic bag)
5) Now this is when you want perfection. Lift screen like door upwards, use close light and lint-free cloth to really clean the screen on touchpad itself. Wipe the bottom sheet of screen protector, wait while tiny amount from that settles on touchpad, then wipe touchpad again, seeking perfection.
6) Now, with very clean touchpad, hold on one of handles as you peel off the bottom sheet off the screen protector.
Never, at any point, touch the screen protector bottom or edges! This is likely cause your screen protector to get dust/oil from fingers!
7) Carefully lower cover on touchpad, use both handles. You should try to avoid creating any bubbles. There is 2 kinds, ones caused by uneven landing and other by dust. Dust ones is usually smaller. You can lift it up again using tape handles and use one of clear tapes to pick up dust off screen or cover sheet. Clear tape is much stronger stick so it will grab dust even off cover sticky side.
You should have cover on completely, and it should be mostly air-free. Don't remove top cover yet, you will need it to protect cover from paper card and your fingers as you rub near center air bubbles out. Rub cover under tapes that's acting as hinges outward so there is less air bubbles hiding under it.
9) Carefully peel the "hinges" tapes from tablet but not the cover side, leave tapes there.
10) Finally remove the front protective sheet from cover, taking tapes off with it.
(if you are in restroom after bathing, you can now leave, taking stuff with you to more comfortable area)
11) Carefully push any remaining air bubbles out to edge using fingers (not nails) only. If it is dust type it is basically too late since you have no safe dust/dirt free way to lift screen again. But luckily you can get rid of nearly all air out of it by rubbing air bubbles to edge from few different directions, leaving pretty much nothing but dust speck there. My tablet had 2 of those and it is pretty much invisible.
12) Finally clean the touchpad tape dirt off it, then when touchpad is clean again, place it back in case again, if any.
Enjoy the nearly perfectly placed screen protector on touchpad!

A couple tips, I do these often and it helps a lot if you invest in a can of compressed air and use that to ensure there is no dust or lint laying on the top of the screen. Another biggie is using some type of solution to assist with applying the screen neatly and preventing air bubbles. Zagg shields usually come with the solution or get some of those screen cleaner solutions and use it generously. These aqueous solutions are not conductive and it wont harm the inner electronics of your device. When you're pushing out the liquid use something thin like a credit card and use long streaks. My screen installations come out perfect and using techniques make the installation easier and less stressful.
All in all good guide.

Nice help...will try it.....

Thanks, 0xc0000142. I started with premise of not buying anything special because I didn't. Thanks for tips though. Didn't know there was some solution too.

Use of screen protector
many more benefits use screen protector in your device
Screen Protector is like a mirror that prevents your device from getting scratched.
Once the screen is activated, screen contents appear like normal.
Soft cleaning cloth - to remove dust or debris from your screen before applying the Screen Protector.
Thanks