So here's the story: you buy an expensive touchscreen phone or a iPod touch and do everything you can to protect it so you decide to visit an electronic store to buy a screen protector. Turns out the phone's not the only thing that's expensive; the little piece of plastic to protect your phone just cost you another $20.
A scratch-free phone: not as priceless as you think
However, there is alternative way: make your own screen protector (with no soapy water or mess)! And to make just one will probably cost you less than a nickel!
Thank you for those who voted for this instructable in the back to school contest!
A scratch-free phone: not as priceless as you think
However, there is alternative way: make your own screen protector (with no soapy water or mess)! And to make just one will probably cost you less than a nickel!
Thank you for those who voted for this instructable in the back to school contest!
Step 1: Materials
Here's the secret and cheap "ingredient" to the screen protector...
Hope this helps out and leave a comment if you have any questions/suggestions/or anything else. :)
- Vinyl Covering (buy the thinnest kind you can find- I bought mine at Wal-Mart in the fabric department for $1.50 for a whole yard)**
- Scissors/Craft Knife
- Ruler
- Cardboard
- Pen
- Cloth
1. Does it have adhesive on one side?
- No, it doesn't have adhesive. The reason I wanted to make my screen protector this way is because it doesn't have any leftover residue because there isn't any "sticky side." The vinyl does stick to most electronics but results do vary.
2. Where can I get vinyl covering?
- Like what I said above, I got my vinyl covering at the fabric department in Wal-Mart. However this was a while ago and some Wal-Marts have closed their fabric departments. Craft and fabric stores should sell this also.
3. Is this like cling wrap or lamination plastic?
- Vinyl covering isn't like cling wrap or lamination plastic at all. I wouldn't recommend using plastics with adhesives in case of damage to your phone. I haven't tried cling wrap but I does seem like it would crinkle and have a lot of ridges and bubbles.
4. Does the vinyl interfere with how the touch screen reacts?
- I used it on my iPod touch and had no problems with it at all. I don't think it will affect the screen reacts as long as you use a thin enough vinyl. Mine wasn't too thin and it worked great!
5. Does the vinyl damage my screen?
- I have used my screen protector for about 2 years and haven't had any problems with it damaging my screen. In fact, personally I think its better than the adhesive ones that might leave a residue.
6. Does the vinyl have a lot of glare?
- I think it should be fine for glare. I admit it does have a little but nothing to worry about. I haven't noticed any issues with it so it should be fine for most electronics.
Hope this helps out and leave a comment if you have any questions/suggestions/or anything else. :)
Step 2: Measuring
First you will need to measure the length and width of the area with the ruler you will cover with the screen protector. Draw the outline of the phone on the piece of cardboard to use as a stencil (using the measurements).
Step 3: Cut
Place the vinyl covering on top of the cardboard and make sure the edges of the vinyl covering are lined up with the stencil. Cut along the lines of the stencil with the scissors or knife.
Step 4: Apply
Wipe off any dust on the newly cut piece using the cloth and make sure to do the same to you phone. Line up the screen protector on the phone and place it gently from one end to the other (to avoid air bubbles). Cut excess material from the edges and use to the cloth to smooth it down.
Congratulations, you have now made your cheap and easy screen protector!
**Results may vary depending on how you apply it. Also it might not be as durable as store bought ones but they will last.
Congratulations, you have now made your cheap and easy screen protector!
**Results may vary depending on how you apply it. Also it might not be as durable as store bought ones but they will last.
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-Jen
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My first attempt I covered the whole of the front and then could barely hear my caller so I trimmed it down to just the screen - very effective and very simple thank you so much for sharing - whodathought!!!
My only reservation would be that vinyl is pretty soft, so it will get scratched up pretty easily. I was thinking you might be able to do a two layer cover with a layer of vinyl and then on top of that a layer of clear mylar (polyester film). The mylar is very hard, but it does not have the natural stickiness that the vinyl has so you could use the vinyl as an adhesive layer. The big question is: would the double thickness interfere with the touchscreen?
But, I'm concerned about the use of vinyl. Corrosive Out-gassing can be an issue with some forms of vinyl, perhaps bleaching or 'clouding' plastic components. Would someone speak to which materials are recommended for use by the phone manufacturers, and which materials most screen protectors are made from?
Neat idea- I have just purchased an MP5 player, and I was thinking about screen saver covering's for it. The player has a touch screen, and I was be-bopping around the 'net looking for something to protect it. Then I saw your wonderful idea! I thank you for it.
One/two questions- is there any effect to way the screen reacts with the protector on it when you touch it, or is it about the same??? And I thought about everybody saying on these commit pages, to cut holes out for the camera, and such. Do you think the film will accept using an hole puncher to make those opening's-- for the camera and such? Just an idea.
Well, this old guy thanks' you for your work! Jamie
I used it on my iPod touch and had no problems with it at all. I don't think it will affect the screen reacts at all, if you use a thin enough vinyl. Mine wasn't too thin and it worked great!.
A hole punch is a great idea. It will definitely cut through the vinyl I have but make sure you find one with the holes big enough.
Hope this helps!
It's large, but if you print at 100%, and just the first page, you'll get the 1:1 of the front of a 3G/3Gs, which is what I needed.
Cling film is also good for covering a PC keyboard. Especially useful for clumsy people like me who like to drink coffee whilst typing !
Somebody please correct me if I'm wrong!
And that's a great idea! Does it feel the same? I've personally have never tried it.