Applying a TPU Phone Film: A Step-by-Step Guide
Thinking about safeguarding your precious phone's screen with a TPU hydrogel film protector? You've come to the right place! Hydrogel protectors are gaining popularity for a reason, and in this guide, we'll walk you through the application process, answer some common questions, and highlight the benefits of using these innovative screen shields.
Before We Dive In: Do You Need a Hydrogel Protector?
Let's address this first. Traditional tempered glass protectors offer great scratch resistance, but can sometimes feel bulky and might not conform perfectly to curved screens. Hydrogel protectors, on the other hand, are:
- Ultra-thin and flexible: They hug your phone's curves seamlessly, providing a barely-there feel.
- Self-healing: Minor scratches can disappear over time, keeping your screen looking flawless.
- High clarity: Enjoy vibrant visuals without any distortion.
- Case-friendly: Most hydrogel protectors work perfectly with most phone cases.
Alright, I'm convinced! How do I apply this magical shield?
Here's a step-by-step guide to applying your TPU hydrogel screen protector:
Preparation:
- Choose a suitable environment: Avoid applying the film in a room with air circulation. Close the windows to minimize dust particles.
- Clean your hands thoroughly: Wash your hands with soap and water to remove any dirt or oils that could transfer to the screen. Dry your hands completely before proceeding.
- Prepare your workspace: Place your phone on a stable, flat surface, preferably with a mat or cloth to prevent it from slipping.
Cleaning the Screen:
- Use a wet wipe: Remove any stubborn dirt or smudges from the phone screen using a wet wipe.
- Dry the screen completely: Use a microfiber cloth to thoroughly dry the screen. Ensure there are no remaining water droplets or moisture.
- Inspect the screen: Check the screen from different angles under bright light to ensure it's completely clean and free of dust particles. Even a tiny speck of dust can cause air bubbles or misalignment during application. If you notice any dust, use a dust removal sticker to carefully remove it.
Applying the TPU Film:
- Identify the layers: The TPU film typically consists of four layers.
- Remove the bottom layer: Carefully peel off the bottom protective layer from the TPU film, ensuring the screen remains clean and dust-free.
- Position the film: Align the film with the phone screen, ensuring the cutouts for the camera, speakers, and sensors match precisely. Gently lay the film onto the screen.
- Adhere the film: The second layer acts as a positioning layer and allows the film to adhere slightly to the screen without being fully bonded. If you need to adjust the position, gently lift and reposition the film.
Removing the Third Layer:
- Locate the Third Layer Divider: Identify the line running down the center of the film. This marks the division of the third protective layer.
- Partial Removal of the Third Layer: Peel off one half of the third protective layer, leaving the other half still attached to the film.
- Squeegee Out Air Bubbles: Using a squeegee card (or Bank Card), begin in the center of the exposed half of the screen and apply firm, even pressure as you move the card outwards towards the edges. This will push any trapped air bubbles out of the film. Repeat the process on the other half of the screen.
Removing the Top Layer:
- Discard the Top Layer: Peel off the final protective layer from the top of the film to reveal the fully applied TPU film.
Additional Tips:
- If you encounter air bubbles after applying the film, don't panic. Use the squeegee card to gently press them out. They may also disappear on their own within a few days.
- New generation TPU films have excellent self-healing properties. Minor scratches or small air bubbles may disappear or heal automatically over time.
Got it! But what if I mess up?
The beauty of hydrogel is its forgiving nature. If you notice a misalignment while applying, simply peel it back slightly and reposition. However, for best results, try to get it right in one go!
So, why choose hydrogel over tempered glass?
Here's a quick recap of the benefits:
- Superior flexibility: Perfect for curved screens.
- Self-healing properties: Minor scratches disappear over time.
- Crystal clear: Uncompromised visual quality.
- Touch sensitivity: Maintains the responsiveness of your touchscreen.
- Case-friendly: Works seamlessly with most phone cases.
Enjoy your protected phone with the new TPU film!