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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!!!

Best way to clean the screen

I just bought a brando screen protector which seems pretty good.
However despite thinking I had cleaned the screen I have two light circles where I can now see a tiny bit of something in the center preventing contact.
What is the best way to clean the screen before application of the brando - as i was sure the screen was clean!
I guess I should ask the best way to clean the brando too - as i guess there is little point in doing one without the other.

Well, I cleaned my screen protector in the office bathroom.
There's plenty of running water from the tap and a powerful hand dryer.
I took with me:
1) My PDA (duh )
2) Screen-Clene kit that is used for, um..., cleaning all kind of screens. I work for IT department so we have lots. It has a wet tissue in 1st bag, to remove all substances stuck to the screen, and a dry no-lint tissue in 2nd bag, to wipe it dry.
3) A short piece of Cellotape.
I went to the bathroom. It has a nice ledge to line up the items.
Step 1. Applied 2 pieces of Cellotape to the Protector across, and it went off the screen in a graceful manner without bending its corners.
Step 2. Used Screen-Clene to thoroughly clean & dry the screen.
Step 3. Used hot water to wash the Protector. Yes, mere hot water and just a tad bit of liquid soap. I helped it with gentle finger movements. You still can feel which side is a bit sticky and which is not.
Step 4. Took the Protector by its edges (not to smear it with fingerprints) and held under the Hand dryer until the water was blown off.
Step 5. Gently reapplied the Protector back on screen.
Step 6. Used a flat edge of a plastic ruler to squeeze out the air.
Nearly perfect (one lint still managed to get in... there's no such thing as lint-free air, I guess.)

Thanks
Funnily - a day later the circles round the dust specks have become so small that they dont bother me - unless it is just a problem on brighter days like yesterday.

i am just using, Window Cleaner ... the same as for my car, that works just perfectly

On the screen or protector or both?

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!

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

Best way to clean screen before applying screen protector ?

I picked up my 6P two nights ago from a good deal on Craigslist, but I am a little disappointed on the screen condition 24hrs later, not the display tech, but the physical screen seems a little oily and used. And the speaker grilles have some gunk in them. I knew going into this it was used, got the 64GB for $350, but other than the phone is PERFECT. The sides and back metal look fresh out of the box mint condition, not a single scratch not one dent, nothing. Looking over all the other parts, and they look fantastic, like never touched.
It';s just the screen looks a but funky, and I ordered an Intelliarmor Screen protector, coming this week, but I want to deep clean this screen really good beforehand. What's the best tips to do this ?

It should come with what you need in the package of your screen protector.

I use isopropyl rubbing alcohol on a microfiber cloth to clean the screen before applying as it will ensure it will adhere the best it can.