Privacy monitor hacked from an old LCD Monitor

Step 2 Cut the polarized film

Most LCD monitors have two films on the glass - a polarized one to filter out the light you are not supposed to see, and a frosted anti-glare film. The anti-glare film we don't need, the polarized one we do - it is used for the glasses. 

So, grab you cutting tool and cut the films along the edge. Don't be afraid to press, metal wont scratch the glass, unless there is sand or other abrasives on it.

Then, start peeling. Make sure to save the polarized film, also remember the orientation.

Comments

[Dyolf_Knip]

Aw, crap. My monitor had a small circuit board along one side which connected to the LCD panel with 3 very thin, very _fragile_ flat cables, which got ripped while I was peeling off the film. I should have reassembled most of the monitor before getting to this part, so I wasn't putting stress on the connections. Drats.

Good thing I was using a semi-busted old display.

[pro2xy]

that must have been the inverter for the backlights

[autofire]

My LCD screens film seems to have the matte finish and polarized film as one sheet, so its incredibly hazy, anything i can do to clear it up?

[hoff13]

You can just put the piece in between damp paper towels for about an hour or two and the matte finish will peel off quite easily. BTW, hot water worked better for me.

[PCChazter]

I tried this, but the polarized film stuck to the matte finish, and a piece of clear plastic pealed off

[computer_guy]

try 4 hours instead of 2, and dont go less than 4 hours. on top of that, try and go in a different direction from the polarization.

[computer_guy]

as an added note, make sure you focus ONLY on removing the Anti-Glare film. when you're done removing it, LET IT DRY. Don't try to cut it. DONT use paper towels. They will stick to the polarization film. You might want to try a hair dryer, or if you want to play it safe, place the film on aluminum foil.

[dimovi]

You can buy just the polarizing film online like this one
http://www.amazon.com/Rosco-Cinegel-Linear-Polarizing-Filter/dp/B000B78216/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1322705042&sr=8-2
I have no idea how to separate the films, since mine came apart without too much effort.

[MonkoftheFunk]

I just did this project, though the polarized filter and frost are the same sheet, so i took some packing tape and taped over the frost to make it clear again, I am sure not the clearest but defiantly functional for every day use. *currently stuffed into a pair of paper 3D glasses.

To look at my other monitor I just tilt my head a bit to see it without blacking it out.

[spystealth1]

I once took apart a monitor (before I saw this awesome instructable) and all the different filters seemed to just be a bunch of sheets stacked on top of each other not glued. Though I don't remember finding the polarized filter so it might have been glued directly to the LCD.

[dimovi]

Old monitors apparently just had the films stacked, now they glue them.
It doesn't really change how the monitor works.

[jeff-o]

You could easily mark the orientation with a piece of masking tape.