{"id":4864,"date":"2021-08-04T13:53:24","date_gmt":"2021-08-04T17:53:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.photodon.com\/blog\/?p=4864"},"modified":"2024-09-27T12:41:10","modified_gmt":"2024-09-27T16:41:10","slug":"the-two-most-important-things-to-consider-when-buying-a-screen-protector","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.photodon.com\/blog\/the-two-most-important-things-to-consider-when-buying-a-screen-protector\/","title":{"rendered":"Important Things to Consider When Buying a Screen Protector"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Screen protectors first and foremost protect screens from irreversible damage such as scratches, dings, and harsh cleaning chemicals. &nbsp;You can also use them to help protect your health, increase privacy, and reduce glare. &nbsp;Most importantly, preserving your screen clarity makes your device useable for more years, saving you money and helping the environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The very first screen protectors in the early 2000s were transparent and glossy. &nbsp;Manufactures have, over the years, added features to increase the usefulness of these screen savers. &nbsp;The first was to create an anti-glare material, and they did this by etching the outer surface. &nbsp;While this made an anti-glare, it also resulted in pixeling (distortion of the screen image). &nbsp;These early versions of anti-glare were not suitable for close-up viewing of text or for color-critical applications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"468\" height=\"287\" src=\"https:\/\/www.photodon.com\/blog\/home\/photodon\/public_html\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/Picture2.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4875\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.photodon.com\/blog\/home\/photodon\/public_html\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/Picture2.jpg 468w, https:\/\/www.photodon.com\/blog\/home\/photodon\/public_html\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/Picture2-300x184.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 468px) 100vw, 468px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">This image shows the basic structure of a screen protector. &nbsp;Anti-shock material would have an additional layer on top of the base layer.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Technology has since improved and advanced to correct pixeling and has gone on to solve many other problems.&nbsp; Manufacturers now offer clear, anti-glare, anti-microbial, blue-light cut, privacy, shock-absorbing, hard-coated scratch-resistant, ultra-thin flexible materials, and many other specialty materials. &nbsp;Most screen protectors are used on flat screens and adhere to the screen with silicone resin. &nbsp;The new ultra-thin products usually have a higher adhesion and can bend and adhere to curved surfaces such as phones that wrap around OLED screens and large curved monitors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When purchasing a screen protector, it would seem like a simple, straightforward decision, and it can be if you want general screen protection. &nbsp;But for those who have a unique application or need to purchase for a product that you or your company are manufacturing, you need to get the best screen protector that meets specific standards or requirements. &nbsp;For instance, will the device be used indoors or outdoors, be used on an office monitor, a drawing tablet, a vehicle in-dash vehicle in-dash, or a public kiosk?&nbsp; Each of these devices have special considerations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1.  What is the main reason(s) you are looking to cover your device screen?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">a.  Extending the life of your device<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Most screen protectors cover the screen to keep it looking new. &nbsp;However, cheap screen protectors may not have the clarity you need. &nbsp;A higher-quality screen protector with other features may better fit your needs.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">b.  Reducing screen surface glare<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"650\" height=\"238\" src=\"https:\/\/www.photodon.com\/blog\/home\/photodon\/public_html\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/Picture3.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4881\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.photodon.com\/blog\/home\/photodon\/public_html\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/Picture3.jpg 650w, https:\/\/www.photodon.com\/blog\/home\/photodon\/public_html\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/Picture3-300x110.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 650px) 100vw, 650px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Glare reduction is accomplished on a screen protector by two methods:&nbsp; etching or, most recently, by applying nanoparticles evenly over the outer surface. &nbsp;This newer method creates a much better image than the anti-glare materials of years ago, significantly reducing past pixeling issues.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>If it is most important to maintain image quality, reading text, or working with color-critical applications such as Photoshop or prepress work, you are best served by considering a light anti-glare or no anti-glare (glossy) screen protector. &nbsp;Medium to heavy anti-glare screen protectors will gray out in sunlight when viewing from the side. &nbsp;In addition, for some color-critical applications, consider purchasing a monitor hood to reduce ambient light on the screen. &nbsp;A monitor hood puts nothing between you and the screen image and takes some of the overhead and side light off the screen. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.photodon.com\/c\/Computer-Monitor-Hoods.html\">Photodon makes monitor hoods for almost any monitor<\/a> for both office and industrial applications.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">c.  Protecting from excessive cleaning or harsh cleaning chemicals<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>These can degrade the screen when cleaning repeatedly, especially with chemicals such as bleach or alcohol.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Using the wrong cleaner on a screen can permanently damage the anti-glare and other coatings of your device.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">d.  Reducing fingerprinting<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Fingerprints on a touchscreen such as in a vehicle can be incredibly annoying; using a light anti-glare screen protector will help with this issue. &nbsp;Avoid higher anti-glare in vehicles as they tend to gray out when viewing from an angle. &nbsp;Oleophobic coatings allow the removal of fingerprints more easily by utilizing a microfiber cloth.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">e. Protecting eyes and help with sleep patterns<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Blue Light Cut<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Help regulate your sleep patterns. &nbsp;Blue light from the screen can disrupt your body's natural production of melatonin.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Reduce eye stress; reducing blue light reduces eye stress related to long hours of screen viewing.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Screen protectors that block the Ultraviolet spectrum act more like filters because they filter out most UV and the highest end of the blue light spectrum. &nbsp;Filters work in both directions so that a blue light cut material will protect both the display from direct sun and the user from any UV and higher end blue light.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">f. Protecting information on the screen<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Privacy Filters<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"371\" src=\"https:\/\/www.photodon.com\/blog\/home\/photodon\/public_html\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/Picture4.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4886\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.photodon.com\/blog\/home\/photodon\/public_html\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/Picture4.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.photodon.com\/blog\/home\/photodon\/public_html\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/Picture4-300x223.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Privacy filters reduce visibility of information on your screen from side viewing, while keeping the information on the screen visible to the user. &nbsp;They also protect digital gear from damage and glare, as well as reduce UV and blue light.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>There are two versions of privacy filters:<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>&#8211;Two-way, which provides privacy from the left and right (or top and bottom depending on the orientation of your screen), with fully backed adhesion.&nbsp; This type is recommended for one installation only.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&#8211;Two-way, which provides privacy from the left and right (or top and bottom depending on the orientation of your screen), adhered with adhesive tabs.&nbsp; This type is easier to apply and can be installed and removed many times.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For more information on how privacy filters work, visit our blog: &nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.photodon.com\/blog\/how-are-privacy-filters-made-and-how-do-they-function\/\">How are Privacy Filters Made, and How do they function? (photodon.com)<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2.  Where is the screen device being used?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Does the environment require a special purpose screen protector material?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">a.  Harsh environment<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>If using your device in environments such as an auto shop with diagnostic equipment or for fieldwork, you may want a higher scratch or shock resistance screen protector for your touchscreen. Anti-shock protectors give you an added level of protection by adding an extra layer of shock-absorbing material laminated to the primary layer. &nbsp;In addition, these anti-scratch screen protectors have a special hard coating applied to the top surface. &nbsp;Shops and manufacturing facilities using a human-machine interface (HMI) are examples of environments where these film types are helpful.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">b.  Public transportation<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>If you do a lot of traveling on public transportation, a privacy filter may be an excellent choice to keep information on your screen private to only you.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">c.  Busy open office environments and any business that needs to adhere to HIPAA<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>If you work in a medical, financial, or government setting, privacy filters will also be the best choice to keep information private.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">d.  Church<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Churches often have big screen TVs and have found that glare is an issue.&nbsp; Anti-glare protectors prove to be the best for better visibility.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>If you want a quick answer as to what type of material to purchase from the Photodon website, click this link to our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.photodon.com\/choose.html\">material type questionnaire<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We are happy to help you with any question you may have.&nbsp; If needed, please contact us at 847-377-1185, M-F 9:00am \u2013 5:00pm EST, or email us at <a href=\"mailto:sales@photodon.com\">sales@photodon.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Screen protectors first and foremost protect screens from irreversible damage such as scratches, dings, and harsh cleaning chemicals. &nbsp;You can also use them to help protect your health, increase privacy, and reduce glare. &nbsp;Most importantly, preserving your screen clarity makes your device useable for more years, saving you money and helping the environment. The very [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":4873,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[244,347,305,304,202],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-4864","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-anti-glare","category-anti-microbial","category-blue-light-cut","category-clear","category-screen-protectors"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.photodon.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4864","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.photodon.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.photodon.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.photodon.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.photodon.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4864"}],"version-history":[{"count":17,"href":"https:\/\/www.photodon.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4864\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":6637,"href":"https:\/\/www.photodon.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4864\/revisions\/6637"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.photodon.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4873"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.photodon.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4864"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.photodon.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4864"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.photodon.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4864"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}