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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.
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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!!!

How to remove screen protector?

I have few bubbles between my HD screen and the screen protector and i would like to remove it.
tried with my fingernails but it didn't work. i just can't take out this screen protector and i don't want to damage
my screen by using some sharp tool.
What can i do?

GoldCoin said:
I have few bubbles between my HD screen and the screen protector and i would like to remove it.
tried with my fingernails but it didn't work. i just can't take out this screen protector and i don't want to damage
my screen by using some sharp tool.
What can i do?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Use some kind of sticky tape. Stick it on near a corner and useit to lift the protector.

Great idea. Thanks.

can you aply the screen protector that came with the HD more then once?

I think you probably could, but would need some an alchohol solution of some sort to reapply.
Personally i have a insivible shield by zagg which protects the whole phone for about £15.
I would suggest trying harder with fingernails, the protector is thicker than you think and i got mine off with a bit of a fight

kevinsmbuk said:
I think you probably could, but would need some an alchohol solution of some sort to reapply.
Personally i have a insivible shield by zagg which protects the whole phone for about £15.
I would suggest trying harder with fingernails, the protector is thicker than you think and i got mine off with a bit of a fight
Click to expand...
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Just saw the invisible shield by zagg and it looks great.
I think i will order this one.
Can you please share your experience with this product?
Easy to install?
http://www.zagg.com/invisibleshield/htc-touch-hd-cases-screen-protectors-covers-skins-shields.php

GoldCoin said:
Just saw the invisible shield by zagg and it looks great.
I think i will order this one.
Can you please share your experience with this product?
Easy to install?
http://www.zagg.com/invisibleshield/htc-touch-hd-cases-screen-protectors-covers-skins-shields.php
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Click to collapse
Personally I thought the zagg one was rubbish. It was very difficult to get it to cover the screen properly and the surrounding chrome bits with one single piece of plastic. I just bought the Clarivue anti-glare screen protector. I'll report on it when it arrives

Secondbaseman12 said:
can you aply the screen protector that came with the HD more then once?
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Click to collapse
Yes you can reuse them. Just gently wash the protector with hand soap and water (try not to bend it, keep it flat in your hand) and shake the excess water off and reapply.

A word of caution for those removing the screen protector using sticky tape.. I did that and got the top coating layer peeled off. Cry man...

Word of warning. Do not use WD40!!!

Fallen Spartan said:
Word of warning. Do not use WD40!!!
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LOL why would somebody do that?

GoldCoin said:
LOL why would somebody do that?
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A member had previously posted that he used WD40
His name was arsenalfc who then got banned and returned under a new name deanoyouno. He got banned again after I reported him for posting useless & damaging threads and subsequently all posts/threads by him were removed.....so there was a post orignially before my post which has now been removed.

I have the Invisible Shield fitted to mine , very nice and turns the rear of the phone Glossy Black, installing is fiddly but just be Patient, I had a few Bubbles in mine on the edges of the screen where there is a slight lip but after about a week its dried out and pretty perfect, I would recommend this shield to anyone who wants alot of protection, There are installation video's on the Zagg site which I would recommend watching First as the Palming tecnique on the corners is a must.
Hope this Helps

do they ship to Uk? or can u buy this shield in Uk? not a copy, but the official one, as looks impressive

Yesterday I started thread about if it is possible to scratch the display with the stylus..because i draw on my unit and I love it
And I was little worried that it may happen..people said that it not very likely to scratch but I may happen if some dust comes under the stylus tip or etc...
So I said OK I am cool...didn't apply it because it was too late and went to sleep...but I took my device to play a little more with it and what have I found?? SCRATCH!!! OMG...luckily just a little one but he is there, 455hole..
So today i wanted to apply the screen protector, first time in my life, it was pain the 455, I still couldnt get the bubbles out and blah blah..the nI touched the adhesive side and it got so dirty and ow damn
But as jdlorinser says, I hope it can be cleaned and reapplied...dont want to throw out just like that...
so this is my story

tip..
go to the bathroom,to put on the screen protector..WHY? because it's the most dust free aria in the house.
Don't use the protector that came with the hd,but buy a better one.
I use brando protector...This one is ant scratch,removable and washable...
just a tip.
regards

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.

Stay clear of Ghost Armor

Dear god what a frigging fiasco. Not only does every speck of dust adhere to the back of the screen protector, despite the application solution, but said dust particles seem to ave seriously deformed the plastic, so now the screen protector has zits.
Moving on to the entirely insufficient carbon fiber skin, there's not enough pieces to cover the sides, and the back piece is cut too small, always leaves a couple of millimeters of glass visible around the edge.
Moral:do NOT buy for the Xperia Z3!
I'm overnighting a new Skinomi setup....

npaladin2000 said:
Dear god what a frigging fiasco. Not only does every speck of dust adhere to the back of the screen protector, despite the application solution, but said dust particles seem to ave seriously deformed the plastic, so now the screen protector has zits.
Moving on to the entirely insufficient carbon fiber skin, there's not enough pieces to cover the sides, and the back piece is cut too small, always leaves a couple of millimeters of glass visible around the edge.
Moral:do NOT buy for the Xperia Z3!
I'm overnighting a new Skinomi setup....
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Thats your opinion.
I have it as just a screen protector and it is fine. Much better than other protectors because with a case on it, it doesn't lift the screen protector edges.
The only issue I have with it is the screen oils up bad from fingerprints, easily fixed with one or two wipes over fabric

I guess this is an opinion too?

All that shows is you suck at applying screen protectors... lol.
You're supposed to install screen protectors in a dust free environment. Try turning the hot water on in the shower and waiting ~10 minutes, then try to install it.

Clearly you don't know very much.
Ghost Armor is the absolute worst of the wet-applied screen protectors. The whole idea behind wet-applied ones is so that the fluid captures the dust so it can be squeegied out from underneath the screen protector. Ghost Armor's adhesive, however, seems to grab onto every speck of dust it can find (apparently it's also got a static attraction component) and literally will not let go. Not even tape pulls it off, you have to soak it down and then scrape it off with a fingernail...at which point more dust gets pulled in and adheres. Any dust. Even in a humid bathroom. Horrible design.
Skinomi, Zagg, ArmorSuit, all of them work wonderfully in the same environment and under the same conditions. Ghost Armor? They can't even measure phone dimensions or create properly cut and sized skin pieces, so I guess asking them to create a proper wet-applied TPU screen protector is too much to ask.

npaladin2000 said:
Clearly you don't know very much.
Ghost Armor is the absolute worst of the wet-applied screen protectors. The whole idea behind wet-applied ones is so that the fluid captures the dust so it can be squeegied out from underneath the screen protector. Ghost Armor's adhesive, however, seems to grab onto every speck of dust it can find (apparently it's also got a static attraction component) and literally will not let go. Not even tape pulls it off, you have to soak it down and then scrape it off with a fingernail...at which point more dust gets pulled in and adheres. Any dust. Even in a humid bathroom. Horrible design.
Skinomi, Zagg, ArmorSuit, all of them work wonderfully in the same environment and under the same conditions. Ghost Armor? They can't even measure phone dimensions or create properly cut and sized skin pieces, so I guess asking them to create a proper wet-applied TPU screen protector is too much to ask.
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I have used Ghost Armor many times, but have quit using wet-applied protectors in favor of glass protectors. (If I use one at all)
I guess your dust is more dusty than my dust.

I installed cheap mumbi display protectors on the front and back when i got the phone. Both without a single spot of dust or air under them. I don't even want to install my screen protector made of glass, as i then have to pull of the perfect installed normal protector.
Before installation, i had to wipe the screen several times as there was always new dust on it, i did not apply them wet or in my bathroom. Absolutely no problems, so i don't understand how there can be so much dust under the protector if anyone knows what he's doing.

Again, I can get any brand on completely dust-free, except for these things. Ergo, something is wrong with these things.

npaladin2000 said:
Again, I can get any brand on completely dust-free, except for these things. Ergo, something is wrong with these things.
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It's completely possible you had a bad install...
Perhaps they use a better adhesive. I've never had any problem installing Ghost Armor, or any other "brand" screen protector.

xxquicksh0txx said:
Perhaps they use a better adhesive.
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Maybe so. I think I read at one point that their protectors could optionally be installed dry, so maybe they're designed that way. But better isn't necessarily good. And I notice their instructions specify a wet install now.
Incidentally I just tried scraping off the dust and reapplying the thing. Only this time in my relatively dust free datacenter. And guess what? It managed to find some dust from somewhere. Damn, they should compete with Swiffer.
Anyway my emergency Skinomi will be here on Thursday. In the meantime this screen is driving me nuts though.
Sent from my Sony Xperia Z3 using Tapatalk.

npaladin2000 said:
Again, I can get any brand on completely dust-free, except for these things. Ergo, something is wrong with these things.
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Interesting, I have used it on four phones, and not a single spec of dust on any of them if you prepare your surface correctly, I normally keep the phone screen facing the ground to stop dust settling on it, then apply holding the phone sideways as to keep as smallest surface area exposed to falling dust