Introduction: How to Make Your Own Screen Protector (for Less Than a Nickel!)

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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!


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Step 1: Materials

Here's the secret and cheap "ingredient" to the screen protector...
  • 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)**
You will also need:
  • Scissors/Craft Knife
  • Ruler
  • Cardboard
  • Pen
  • Cloth
**I have received many questions about the vinyl covering hopefully this can help you out:

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.

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