How to apply an oleophobic coating to your phone. I returned the oleophobic coating to my iPhone using liquid from AliExpress
Over the past decade, smartphone screens have been constantly increasing in size. The display is quite a fragile part and can be easily damaged, so manufacturers began to use tempered glass to protect it. However, in addition to scratches and other damage, dirt accumulates on the screen, which spoils the appearance of the device. To solve this problem, an oleophobic coating was patented in 2005.
Oleophobic coating on a smartphone is a thin layer on top of the display that repels grease and prevents fingerprint marks. The film thickness is several nanometers.
The oleophobic coating contains alkisilane, silicone and solvent. The mass fraction of the first component is in the range from 0.1% to 10%, the second – in the range from 0.01% to 10%, and the remaining mass is the solvent. The oleophobic coating is applied by spraying a solution onto the surface of the screen. On an industrial scale, the protective layer is applied under vacuum.
Obleophobic coating is found in many devices in the mid- and premium segments. With it, the screen is cleaner and fingerprints are easily removed. This means that fingerprints and ear marks after a conversation will be minimal and barely noticeable.
In addition, this layer provides additional protection against minor scratches. Another advantage is that your finger can easily slide across the screen and the surface is pleasant to the touch.
Disadvantages of oleophobic coating
The additional layer significantly improves the quality of interaction with the screen and has one drawback - fragility. Unfortunately, no matter how well the oleophobic coating is made, it wears off after a certain period of time. Its service life depends on the use of the smartphone and varies from a month to a year.
Oleophobic properties are lost faster if you carry the device in a pocket or a full bag. Constant friction of the screen against the fabric of your pants or other objects leads to rapid wear of the protective layer. In principle, the slightest friction harms the oleophobic coating, so try to carry your smartphone in a protective case and wipe the screen only with a microfiber cloth. Do not use alcohol solutions under any circumstances: they will corrode this thin surface layer.
But even if the oleophobic coating on your smartphone has worn off, you can find a worthy replacement in the form of a film or protective glass with a similar layer. But if you cover the screen with film or glass immediately after purchasing the device, they will not preserve the original oleophobic coating, but on the contrary, they will damage it.
How to check for oleophobic coating
Since the oleophobic coating is very thin, it is impossible to determine by eye whether it is on the screen or not. However, there are some very simple ways to find out the answer to this question.
In the first case, you will need a drop of water. The oleophobic coating is a non-wettable surface. This means that a drop of water on such a protective layer tries to maintain its shape and does not spread across the screen. You can roll it around the display like a small ball. At the same time, on a screen without an oleophobic coating, water simply spreads over the surface. See how it happens:
For the second method, you will need water-based markers. If you draw with them on a regular display, you will see the usual even color stripes. If you draw a line on a screen with oleophobic properties, then instead of clear marks from a felt-tip pen you will see small colored droplets. This is clearly shown in the following video:
Is it possible to make an oleophobic coating at home?
Now there are a lot of craftsmen who tell us how to restore the eleophobic properties of the screen at home. However, almost all of these methods have disadvantages. Firstly, the new layer may not form a protective film, but rather eats into the screen, thereby damaging it. Secondly, some of the proposed materials may be toxic. Even if the screen is not damaged, your fingers may be harmed. Thirdly, the new coating may be even less durable, for example, it will last only a couple of days, and then it is necessary to reapply the protective layer.
Taking all these factors into account, the most acceptable alternative to a native oleophobic coating is a protective film or glass with a factory-made oleophobic coating, and how to check its presence before applying the film/glass to a smartphone is written above.
The screen of any phone, if you hold it in your hands for even a few minutes, quickly becomes covered with greasy stains. In such cases, wipe the display or don’t wipe it, the old stains still remain, and new ones appear. To remove marks, microfiber cloths are most often used, which do not quickly get rid of fingerprints; conventional cleaning products often cannot be used either. An oleophobic coating for any smartphone will help reduce the scale of the problem; it helps get rid of stains; all you need to do is swipe a napkin across the screen once.
The oleophobic coating is a nanometer-thick film that helps prevent the formation of greasy stains; it can be detected tactilely by holding 2 different screens in your hands. The word oleophobic is made up of two Greek words, oleum meaning oil and fobos meaning fear.
An oleophobic protective coating is a special transparent film that is applied to the surface of the display to protect it from dirt. It has repellent properties and prevents the entry of fats and other particles.
The film consists of a mixture of alkylsilane, silicone and solvent; the oleophobic coating contains silicon dioxide. The main method of application is spraying.
The coating was patented in 2005 by two German scientists; in fact, it became widely used thanks to Apple, which improved it after acquiring the patent.
For the first time, a protective glass with an oleophobic coating for a phone was installed in the iPhone 3GS model.
Budget smartphone models are most often produced without an oleophobic coating, but there are all the prerequisites that such a coating will soon be mandatory for all models. In some gadgets, the coating is not present on the display, but on the phone’s film, which is glued to it.
How to find out if your phone has coverage
When buying a new gadget, almost no one pays attention to the presence of an oleophobic coating. Many people prefer to stick on cheap Chinese films immediately after purchase, after removing which the entire coating remains on it, as a result, further operation of the device turns into real agony.
Today, many expensive electronic devices are equipped with such a coating, but high cost is not a guarantee of its availability. This fact is not advertised in any way at presentations and is not indicated in the specifications.
To check the presence of such a film, just drop a little oil or water on the display, tilt the smartphone or drag a plastic card across the screen. If the drops roll freely without leaving a trace, then the oleophobic coating is present on the display.
How to save
Many people are interested in whether the oleophobic coating wears out, how quickly it wears off, and what to do if it wears off. The film is subject to abrasion over time, but not on all models and not always; most often this happens due to frequent touching of the display; the problem is common among gamers. Operation without a film or cover on the screen contributes to accelerated abrasion; constant contact of the device with fabric (if you put the phone in your pocket) also leads to a reduction in service life.
In addition to mechanical stress, the screen is exposed to chemical stress, this occurs due to the use of chemical cleaning agents. What should I do to prevent the oleophobic coating from quickly wearing off? In order to extend its service life, the device should not be left in direct sunlight, it is not recommended to wipe it with alcohol-containing products, and protective covers must be put on the gadget.
Experts do not recommend using household products for cleaning (for cleaning window glass, antibacterial solutions), since the oleophobic coating is erased and wears out faster in this case. Products for liquid crystal screens are also contraindicated in this case; they can damage the coating.
A regular microfiber cloth will help you quickly and effectively get rid of marks on the screen.
How to apply a protective layer yourself
The question often arises whether it is possible to apply an oleophobic coating yourself, whether it can be restored with your own hands. The procedure at a service center can be quite expensive, and not everyone can afford it. Those who cannot afford restoration and who do not mind the phone can restore the oleophobic coating with their own hands. The smartphone can be any model, condition, age and presence of previous coatings does not matter.
First of all, you need to purchase the “Fusso SmartPhone” kit in the online store, after which you can start applying.
Procedure steps:
- clean the screen - use the microfiber cloth from the kit to wipe the display, erase all stains, trying not to leave marks;
- apply an oleophobic coating liquid to the phone display;
- rub evenly over the entire surface of the screen (since the liquid dries quickly, it is more convenient to divide the display into 4-8 parts and rub sequentially into each area);
- apply the liquid in 2-3 layers, preferably every other day, this will ensure more reliable penetration of the solution into the structure;
- leave the phone for 6-8 hours without touching the display, during which time the layer will be absorbed into the screen.
How to properly clean your display
It is recommended to remove traces with light movements from top to bottom; to enhance the effect, use special liquids. Circular movements will help get rid of difficult-to-remove marks, but you should avoid strong mechanical impacts that can lead to damage to the display.
When removing sticky stains, sweet water stains, etc. It is recommended to use a damp, thoroughly wrung-out cloth. It should not be too wet, as this may damage the display or damage the entire device. At the final stage, the display must be wiped with a dry cloth.
Great achievements in the field of microelectronics, which have been taking place especially intensively in the last decade, have begun to awaken in people an increasing thirst for a comfortable environment with amazing things. Aesthetics and power are intertwined in an ephemeral manifestation of the human mind - a multifunctional phone with a touch control panel, the screen of which received an oleophobic coating, was revealed to the world. This amazing substance and the ingenious simplicity of the invention will be discussed in this article.
A little biology and a little about physics
It was one of the features of human physiology that served as a kind of impetus to use a substance whose properties would prevent the appearance of fatty traces on the surface of the touchscreen. After all, it’s no secret that a smooth base, and even one that has certain mirror properties, is an incredibly easily soiled material. The oleophobic coating solved all the problems. The touch screen has acquired a fairly serious protector who can easily preserve the aesthetic beauty and effective practicality of the display's color rendition.
The “heroine” of the story is “Mrs. Chemistry”
So, what is an oleophobic coating and what components does the “miracle” substance consist of? In order not to get into the terminology, let's just say that this is a certain substance, the basis of which is: alkylsilane (organic hydrotrioxide), silicone - polyorganosiloxane polymers (organosilicon) and a solvent (as a binding element).
However, a film just a few nanometers thick can effectively repel multiple “tactile attacks” from our fingers. That is, the above coating serves as a natural barrier to fat in any of its manifestations. By the way, the chemical composition of a human fingerprint is nothing more than an aggressive environment, which contains a fairly serious arsenal of various substances: several types of acids, ammonia, salt and phosphates. So sweaty hands are “stress” for the oleophobic coating. However, everything has its limits, and the protective properties of spraying are no exception to the rule. However, more on this in the next paragraph.
What “kills” the oleophobic coating?
The main culprit in the destruction of the protective layer, of course, is considered to be mechanical impact. And the intensity of use of the device, which has an anti-grease coating, is far from a creative force. However, all the above reasons are “nothing” compared to aggressive environments, which often become “saviors” in the hands of a person thoughtlessly trying to wipe off an ink stain from the touch screen of an expensive device. Practice shows that at first glance, “innocent substances” sold under the guise of “super-duper” that effectively clean the oleophobic coating of the screen from any contamination are in fact dangerous liquids that contain alcohol or its derivatives or various solvents. Only after some time will the owner of a phone or tablet notice that fingerprints have become “with progressive strength” fixed on the touch screen of their favorite device. And yet, for those whose experience was “unsweet,” there is a way out.
Non-industrial spraying, or Fool yourself (Chinese reducing agent)
There is more than enough information on the Internet on a given topic. There are an incredible amount of substances simulating a protective layer on the market today. For your information, even an expensive spray can cannot guarantee factory quality (often promised in the product instructions), much less the durability of the layer obtained as a result of spraying, rubbing or dripping. At best, you will get a matte fog on the glass, or you will achieve grease-repellent protection with a daily validity period. Common sense should make you doubt the “miracle recipes”, and life experience should require a detailed study of the essence of the issue: oleophobic coating - what is it? Dear readers, do not be deceived, because the technology of applying a protective layer is a complex chemical production process. By the way, not every patent is made public (this refers to an improved type of deposition from Apple). Agree - this example is worthy of reflection. However, as promised, an effective method still exists.
Simple, fast, reliable and cheap
A protective film, of course, will not save your device from “signs of individuality” (fingerprints), but its use will certainly have a positive effect on the presentable state of the front part of the device. In any case, you can wipe the display without fear of damaging the oleophobic coating. A high-quality film will protect your touchscreen from scratches and abrasions, and the low price of the accessory will not be an obstacle to re-replacing the element protecting it from damage. It should be noted that many manufacturers have long mastered the technology of applying a grease-repellent composition to polymer products. So for owners who have lost the factory protective layer, and those people whose electronic devices were not initially “oleophobic,” this alternative is truly an ideal option to significantly influence the degree of security of the device, as well as increase the level of comfort when using it.
Summing up
As you understand, you can unknowingly destroy the oleophobic coating with your own hands, but now you know that there are some possibilities for restoring the protective layer. So don’t be upset if you made an operational mistake in the past tense... Alas, this is how man was created, although learning from other people’s mistakes is much more painless. Be wise and protect your device from “obesity”.
Oleophobic coating is a thin film that allows your gadget to cope with grease and various contaminants.
Consists of a mixture of silicone, alkylsilane and solvent. It can be applied in two ways: either by vapor deposition or using silicon dioxide.
In both cases, the composition is applied by spraying.
History of creation
Oleophobic coating was invented and patented in 2005 by scientists from Germany.
As an introduction, you will find some tips that apply to all products. Avoid rough materials, towels, paper towels and similar items that may damage the machine. Do not use sprays, solvents or abrasive cleaners. Do not spray detergent directly onto the appliance.
- Always use a soft, lint-free cloth.
- Remove all external power sources, equipment and cables.
- Keep the device away from any liquids.
- Make sure there is no moisture getting into the holes.
A company interested in an improved coating has filed a patent application.
The same company began to use this coating in its phones - for the first time in the 3GS model. Later, other manufacturers of mobile gadgets began to use the oleophobic coating.
In some cases, the oleophobic coating is not used on the screen directly, but on a film that is glued to the screen of the gadget.
Do not spray detergent directly onto the computer. Do not use sprays, solvents, abrasives or cleaners containing hydrogen peroxide as they may attack and damage the surface. Dampen a soft, lint-free cloth with water only, and then clean the computer screen. To clean the bottom of the cabinet, use a 3M microfiber cloth or a soft, dyeable, lint-free cloth. Disconnect the display from the power source, computer, and any other connected devices. Then use the soft, dry cloth that came with your display or another soft, dry cloth to wipe off any dust from the screen.
Today, most tablets and smartphones in the mid-price category and above use an oleophobic coating.
Even when replacing a display and without such a coating, authorized service centers install screens with an oleophobic coating.
To clean the screen and cabinet, use a soft, slightly damp, lint-free cloth. Do not use window cleaners, household cleaners, sprays, solvents, ammonia solutions, detergents, or detergents containing hydrogen peroxide to clean the display. Do not use cleaners containing acetone! Instead, use a special display or spray detergent directly on the screen. Otherwise, it could get inside the screen and damage it.
First turn off the power. If your device works with removable batteries. Then use a clean, slightly damp cloth to clean the equipment's housing. Make sure that no moisture gets into the holes and do not use sprays, solvents or hydrogen peroxide abrasives.
The coating is not able to completely protect the gadget's display from damage and scratches.
However, it can protect against dust, dirt and fingerprints. A display with such a coating gets dirty less often, and the dirt itself is easier to remove.
For some manufacturers, an oleophobic coating can prevent glare from the sun.
Turn the mouse over and test the sensor window under a bright light. If you see dirt, carefully clean the sensor window with compressed air. The surface changes with use. It is possible that the oil in your skin and direct sun exposure will cause patina and darkening, which will enhance the natural appearance. Skin color may change as a result of cleaning. You can also use a mild cleaner along with a dry, clean cloth. Leather cleaners and cleaners can discolor leather.
Contact with water, oil, makeup and dyed materials can cause blemishes on tanned skin. To wipe the exterior surface, use a soft, slightly damp, lint-free cloth. Do not use window cleaners, household cleaners, sprays, solvents, ammonia solutions, detergents, or detergents containing hydrogen peroxide to clean your smart battery. Use a soft, dry, lint-free cloth to clean the internal zip connector. Liquids and cleaning agents must not be used.
Of course, it is impossible to completely protect yourself from the sun's rays, but more comfortable use in daylight with such a screen is ensured.
How to find out if your device has an oleophobic coating
It’s easy to check whether the display has an oleophobic coating.
Use a soft, slightly damp, lint-free cloth. Use a clean cloth with warm water and mild soap to clean the leather. Wipe the outside and inside with a soft, lint-free cloth to remove dirt. Mild cleansers or cleansers can help remove stains, but also change the color of the leather. Use a soft, slightly damp, lint-free cloth to wipe the outside and inside of the lid. If you're worried about scratches or wear, you can use one of the many cases or bags available separately.
Therefore, to remove fingerprints, simply wipe the display with a soft, lint-free cloth. Please note that the oil-repellent effect of this coating will deteriorate over time with normal use, and this protective effect will be further reduced when the display is rubbed against harsh materials, which may result in screen scratches. Then use a soft, slightly damp, lint-free cloth. Simply press the standby button to turn off the device before cleaning. Using the Internet carries risks. for more information.
All you have to do is take water into a pipette and drop it onto the screen. After this, tilt the gadget slightly so that the drop rolls down the screen.
If a drop of water leaves a mark and wets the screen, then there is no oleophobic coating on the smartphone or tablet.
However, be careful: when checking the screen, make sure that water does not penetrate into the holes on the gadget (for example, on the buttons, or on, or in the connectors for or).
How to prevent erasure
Other product and company names may be trademarks of their respective owners. Follow these guidelines.
- Use a soft, lint-free cloth, Lens.
- Do not use cleaning agents or compressed air.
You can see how the presence of an oleophobic coating is checked in this video:
How long will the oleophobic coating last?
The oleophobic layer is applied to the screen using vapor deposition.
After a certain time, this layer wears off because it is very thin. The service life of the oleophobic coating depends on the conditions of use of the device and the intensity of use.
Here are several ways to apply an oleophobic coating to your phone
To clean the Home button, wipe it with a soft, lint-free cloth. Wipe dirt very carefully away from the connection hole, making sure that no liquid gets into the hole. Please note that the oil-repellent effect of this coating will deteriorate over time under normal use, and this protective effect will be further reduced when the display is rubbed against rough materials, which may result in scratches on the glass surface. The front and back are made of glass and have an oil-repellent coating.
On the first models of devices with a similar coating, wiping of the layer in place of the unlock slider could be noticed after just a few months.
Some gadget owners noted wiping areas in areas of frequent clicks and swipes.
Sometimes the coating would disappear where the device came into contact with a case, items in a bag, or rough clothing (such as the seams of jeans).
The trendy finishes are available in red, blue, green, gold and silver. These treatments allow the production of gray or brown sunglasses because dyeing is not possible or economical. Weak colors with up to 20% absorption can be used in conjunction with a normal anti-reflex layer system. Strong colors with 75% to 80% absorption receive an integrated broadband anti-reflection system.
What is an oleophobic coating
When the haptic plays a large role, this process is the ideal choice. By adding suitable organic groups, layer properties such as, for example, ductility or refractive index, as well as the addition of ceramic nanoparticles can improve abrasion resistance and scratch resistance. In this way, a glass ceramic core structure with a perfluorinated surface that has both hydrophobic and oleophobic properties can be created. This creates a so-called gradient structure, since the perfluorinated carbon chains are concentrated on the surface of the layer and thus form a Teflon-like surface, while the inorganic part is concentrated in the lower region of the layer and provides good adhesion to the substrate in addition to hardness.
Today, manufacturers have improved the oleophobic coating, so it is almost impossible to detect the wiping of the layer or its wear.
In practice, the oleophobic layer wears out within 6-12 months.
Oleophobic coating - protective films: which is better
The transparent sol–gel layers are designated as nanogranular layers by ceramic nanoparticles. Nanofluoric layers are Teflon-like fluoropolymer layers on a sol-gel without nanoparticles. The combination of fluoropolymer and ceramic nanoparticles is called nanogradient layers.
The “heroine” of the story is “Mrs. Chemistry”
Properties of nanolayers. Scratch and abrasion resistant biocompatible hydrophobic and oleophobic chemical resistance in the pH range 2-10 transparent or painted very good adhesion to stainless steel and aluminum smooth, inert surface electrically insulating or conductive. Coating with nanofluorine layers.
Good protective films and glasses also have an oleophobic layer.
To check whether your device has such a layer, it is not necessary to glue such protection to the display. To check, use plain water or a marker (water-based).
If an oleophobic coating is present, it will repel the layer applied by the marker and turn it into small drops.
Adhesion to the substrate is based solely on physical interaction and is therefore less strong than in the case of nanograin layers. Properties of nanofluorescent layers. Hydrophobic and oleophobic chemical resistance in pH range 2-24 painted good adhesion to rough stainless steel and aluminum inert surface, electrically insulating low frictional resistance, good lubricity, suitable for food contact.
- Stainless steel, aluminum, magnesium alloys, brass ceramics, glass.
- Other materials on request.
Comparison of two protective coatings with and without an oleophobic layer in this video:
Is it worth gluing the protective film onto the “native” oleophobic coating?
Nanocoatings can be applied to the internal surfaces, as well as to the external surfaces of hollow needles and pipes with an internal diameter of more than 0.1 mm and a length of up to 500 mm. Combination of internal coating with Nanocera system and external coating with fluoropolymer.
- Transparent layers of nanolayers on the inner and outer surfaces of the needles.
- Teflon-like fluorine layers on external surfaces.
There are both “pros” and “cons”.
On the one hand, gluing films will allow you to “renew” the oleophobic coating, on the other hand, due to contact with the adhesive base of the protection, the “native” coating will begin to wear off.
Depending on the quality of the film or protective glass, 3-4 applications of such additional protection can completely destroy the factory oleophobic layer of your device.
The internal coating of hollow needles results in a reduction in the depth of roughness of the metal used and, consequently, in significantly smoother internal surfaces. In practice, high quality stainless steel grades with mechanically or electrically polished surfaces and hydrophobic sol-gel nanodeposition have been found to provide the best results in terms of transfer reduction.
How to find out if there is an oleophobic coating on the screen?
This innovation offers our customers significant diagnostic and analytical benefits.
- Strong reduction in carryover.
- Cleaning with low consumption of washing liquids.
- The layer acts as a diffusion barrier against ions escaping from the metal.
- Significantly longer needle life.
- Higher test throughput.
What the oleophobic coating doesn’t like
The main enemy of oleophobic coating is friction.
Even with normal taps on the screen, the layer is gradually destroyed.
But the greatest wear occurs when carried in a clothing pocket, or when in contact with rough materials. Any fabrics, surfaces or hard objects slowly but surely destroy the oleophobic layer.
The oleophobic layer is quickly erased from contact with solvents, as well as products based on them.
Liquids with a high percentage of alcohol can destroy the layer. Rough napkins, paper and abrasive fabrics also have a bad effect on the oleophobic coating.
To wipe the screen, use only a soft microfiber cloth.
Do not use solvent-based cleaners or those containing more than 60% alcohol. Do not wipe the display with wet wipes, especially for car wipes.
How can you replace the “native” oleophobic coating?
The most budget option is protective glass or film with an oleophobic layer.
First (before gluing), check for the presence of a repellent coating (read how to do this above), then carefully glue it onto the screen. As a result, you'll get a few extra months of good display protection from dirt and fingerprints.
In specialized stores there are many products that imitate oleophobic coating on the screen. P
They come in the form of sprays and are fairly easy to apply to the display. However, service center specialists do not recommend using such sprays, since their composition and, therefore, the likely consequences of use are unpredictable.
However, if you don’t mind experimenting with your gadget, you can, at your own peril and risk, use one of the “folk” methods of restoring the oleophobic coating:
Oleophobic coating: disadvantages and advantages
Let’s name the main “advantages” of the oleophobic coating:
- no fingerprints;
- There will be no fingerprints from the attached ear on the smartphone after a conversation;
- pleasant tactile sensations (to the touch);
- less resistance when sliding your finger across the screen.
Among the disadvantages, the main one is the already mentioned fragility of the oleophobic coating.
Many users unreasonably believe that the coating will not wear out for a long time and will also reliably protect the device from liquids or grease.
How to care for a screen with an oleophobic coating
You must follow these simple rules, and then the oleophobic coating on your device will last as long as possible.
What not to do:
- Do not wipe the screen with conventional cleaning products. These include household chemicals, alcohol-based solutions, and solvent-based liquids. These products will instantly cause chemical or mechanical damage to the oleophobic layer.
- Do not leave your mobile gadget exposed to ultraviolet rays. Direct sunlight can severely damage the protective film. After exposure to them, the display surface will lose its smoothness and become uneven.
- Direct mechanical impact should be avoided. Thus, an ordinary seam on a jeans pocket can cause scuffs on the device’s display. At a point of constant contact, the protective layer can thin out quite quickly.
To do this, you should follow simple rules:
- Before using any device, be sure to cover the display with an additional protective layer.
- For game lovers and active smartphone users, experts advise applying impact-resistant film to the screen.
- Remove dirt using a microfiber cloth (either dry or soaked in a special solution).
Every day an option oleophobic screen coating found in descriptions of gadgets more and more often. Many people know that this means protecting the display from dirt, but not everyone knows what such a coating is and what parameters it has. Let's start with the fact that an oleophobic coating is the thinnest film with a nanometer thickness. The most important property of this coating is its ability to repel various fats, which is the main reason for its use by manufacturers of modern gadgets.
What does oleophobic film consist of?
The oleophobic film contains the following components:
- Oxygen;
- Hydrogen;
- Fluorine;
- Carbon;
- Nitrogen;
- Chlorine.
The listed chemical elements are combined into substances such as silicone, alkylsilane and solvent, which are the components of the grease-repellent coating.
The history of the appearance of oleophobic films
This is a fairly young technology, first introduced in 2005 by developers from Germany. Apple can rightfully be considered one of the pioneers of using oleophobic coating, which used this method of screen protection with one of its first smartphone models - the iPhone 3GS. The idea turned out to be so successful that just a year later the technology was adopted by almost all major mobile device manufacturers. These days, the coating is widely used by most companies, and recently, not only flagships, but also middle-class smartphones and even some budget models have begun to receive such display protection from dirt.
How does this coating work?
There is an opinion among users that the oleophobic layer helps protect the screen from micro damage, such as minor scratches and abrasions. This is not true - the anti-pollution layer is not able to prevent damage to the screen and, on the contrary, is itself afraid of mechanical influences. The main purpose of the nanometer layer is to minimize the number of fingerprints on the display, as well as simplify screen cleaning. The oleophobic layer applied to screen glass by some manufacturers may also have anti-glare properties.
How to determine the presence of an oleophobic coating?
Typically, gadget manufacturers indicate the presence of such a coating in the characteristics of their products, since its presence is an important advantage when choosing a smartphone or tablet. But if there is no opportunity to familiarize yourself with the detailed specification, you can determine the presence of a nanolayer on the display yourself. For the test you will need a pipette and clean water. You need to drop water from a pipette onto a well-cleaned screen and then tilt the gadget. If a drop rolls down without leaving a trace, then oleophobic film is present, but if it leaves a wet mark, then your gadget does not have such a coating.
If a device that is not too new is being tested, then for the purity of the experiment it is worth placing a drop on different parts of the screen. The fact is that during the operation of the phone, the coating wears off and this happens unevenly. In general, a thin grease-repellent layer is not very durable, although in recent years manufacturers have made solid progress in developing measures to strengthen it. In the first smartphones with this option, the layer was erased at the location of the screen unlock slider after a month or a month and a half. Now the process of destruction of the layer takes 6-12 months and, alas, it is impossible to determine the degree of wear of the film without special equipment.
What is the protective layer afraid of?
The worst enemy of an oleophobic coating is friction. The layer is applied to the display using vapor deposition technology, so its strength is low. Contact with hard objects quickly compromises the integrity of the coating. Solvents and alcohol-containing liquids, such as spirits, some medications or pure alcohol, also have a negative effect on this protection. The best way to preserve the stain-repellent layer is to carry your mobile device in a case.
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When choosing a smartphone and protective glass, you may encounter such a characteristic as an oleophobic screen coating. Let's figure out what it is, how it works and what functions it performs.
What is o leophobic coating?
Oleophobic coating is a special layer that is applied to the surface of the glass so that it repels fats and stains. This is also clear from the translation of the phrase from Greek: oleo - oil, phobos - fear (meaning protection). Glass or screen that has this coating is less susceptible to collecting greasy stains and other contaminants.
It consists of a mixture of substances that are specially applied to the surface of the glass. The process is based on evaporation. The film consists of a mixture of alkylsilane and silicone, plus a number of auxiliary substances. It was developed and first tested in 2005 on the iPhone 3G/S line of smartphones.
To find out whether a certain device or protective glass has an oleophobic coating, simply spill a little water on the surface. If the droplets are solid and flow off the glass without streaks or marks, then there is a special coating. This can be clearly seen in the picture below (right).
Service life pros and cons
It may seem that this is an excellent coating that prevents the device from getting dirty. Banal finger touches do not leave marks, which is quite important and pleasant. But in practice, everything is not so rosy. The service life of such a layer is usually several months. It is very easy to wash, especially if you wipe the phone with alcohol-containing wipes or rough cloths. And if you carry your smartphone in your pocket without a case, the service life of the coating will not exceed a month.
With proper use and adequate protection of the coating itself, excellent results can be achieved. For some users, the first damage to the oleophobic layer appeared after almost a year of service of the gadget - it all depends on the owner and his neatness.
Is it worth paying extra for such glass? It’s impossible to say for sure, but in most cases the answer is yes. The oleophobic coating performs a useful function and keeps the screen clean, but during active use of the phone this layer quickly wears off. The tactile use of such a smartphone is much more pleasant, but we still recommend using protective oleophobic glass.
