How to Restore or Apply an Oleophobic Coating

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Mar 17, 2020 - 07:27:33

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Introduction

Use this guide along with an oleophobic coating kit to restore the oleophobic coating on your device, or to add an oleophobic coating to your screen or screen protector. These kits can also be used to treat other glass surfaces, such as eye glasses, watches, smartwatches, and more.

The coating requires 8-12 hours to set, so it’s best to perform this procedure before bedtime.

Modern smartphones feature an oleophobic (oil-repellent) coating that protects the screen, improves smoothness, and reduces fingerprints. This coating consists of a thin layer of fluoropolymer-based solids (similar to Teflon) that is bonded to the glass.

Over time and use, this coating will wear off, and you may notice parts of the screen getting greasy or dirty with fingerprints more easily.

What you need

Step 1 Clean the surface

How to Restore or Apply an Oleophobic Coating, Clean the surface: step 1, image 1 of 2

How to Restore or Apply an Oleophobic Coating, Clean the surface: step 1, image 2 of 2

Use isopropyl alcohol to thoroughly clean the surface you are planning to apply the coating to.
Wipe the screen dry with a clean microfiber cloth.

Step 2 Prepare a wiping finger

How to Restore or Apply an Oleophobic Coating, Prepare a wiping finger: step 2, image 1 of 3

How to Restore or Apply an Oleophobic Coating, Prepare a wiping finger: step 2, image 2 of 3

How to Restore or Apply an Oleophobic Coating, Prepare a wiping finger: step 2, image 3 of 3

Read the next three steps before you attempt the procedure. The oleophobic coating's liquid solvent evaporates very quickly when applied, so you'll need to work quickly.
Wrap one finger in a bit of plastic. You can use a sandwich bag or some plastic wrap.
You will use this covered finger to rub the coating liquid onto the screen. This will prevent your finger from absorbing the liquid.

Step 3 Apply the coating to the surface

How to Restore or Apply an Oleophobic Coating, Apply the coating to the surface: step 3, image 1 of 3

How to Restore or Apply an Oleophobic Coating, Apply the coating to the surface: step 3, image 2 of 3

How to Restore or Apply an Oleophobic Coating, Apply the coating to the surface: step 3, image 3 of 3

Apply 10-15 drops of the oleophobic coating liquid onto the surface.
If you are coating a large surface such as a large phone or tablet, apply ten drops to a portion of the screen, and work on one portion at a time.

Step 4 Distribute the coating

How to Restore or Apply an Oleophobic Coating, Distribute the coating: step 4, image 1 of 3

How to Restore or Apply an Oleophobic Coating, Distribute the coating: step 4, image 2 of 3

How to Restore or Apply an Oleophobic Coating, Distribute the coating: step 4, image 3 of 3

Wipe your plastic-covered finger over the surface with quick, light swipes until the liquid evaporates.
You don't need to rub very hard—you're just spreading out the coating molecules onto the surface before the solvent evaporates.
If you applied the liquid to only a portion of the surface, repeat the liquid application and rubbing procedure to the remaining surface.

Step 5 Give the coating time to set

How to Restore or Apply an Oleophobic Coating, Give the coating time to set: step 5, image 1 of 1

Do not touch the surface for 8-12 hours in order to allow the coating to bond to the surface.
For best results, apply the coating before going to sleep, so it has all night to bond.
Afterward, you can wipe off any residue remaining on the touch screen with a clean microfiber cloth.
Repeat this process 2-3 times to fully maximize the oleophobic coating performance and film durability.