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What Is an Anti-Fingerprint Screen Protector?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

An anti-fingerprint screen protector is a sheet of transparent material that limits scratches to a screen and also resists smudging and fingerprints. For devices with touch screens or small screens that are likely to be handled, like that of a cell phone, the anti-fingerprint protection can keep the screen cleaner and clearer. A number of manufacturers produce such products for various applications, and it is possible to buy custom-fitted products for particular devices, as well as larger sheets that can be cut down to size.

The primary purpose of screen protection supplies is to limit damage to a screen. Scuffs and scratches can obscure visibility, and may damage the components of the screen. Protection keeps the screen clean, and provides a surface that is easy to dust or wipe down. Screen protectors are available for portable devices as well as computer desktops and similar equipment. Some may come with additional features like anti-glare protection to make them easier to use in bright conditions.

A touchscreen tablet computer with an anti-fingerprint screen protector.
A touchscreen tablet computer with an anti-fingerprint screen protector.

Fingerprints are a common issue, particularly with handheld and touchscreen devices. Oils in the hands may leave smears and residue that, over time, can obscure visibility. An anti-fingerprint screen protector uses plastic treated with chemicals that resist oils. Fingerprints will not adhere to the surface, which should stay clean to the touch. Dust and other materials may build up over time, so it will still be necessary to periodically wipe the device down with a clean cloth.

The anti-fingerprint coating typically costs slightly more because of the added complexity of production. Consumers looking for screen protection products may want to consider the working conditions when they decide on the best product for their needs. It is possible to combine multiple protection needs into one product, as for example in an anti-glare, anti-fingerprint screen protector that allows people to use their equipment in bright light without leaving fingerprints.

Electronics stores typically carry screen protection products and accessories such as lint-free cloths for cleaning. When applying an anti-fingerprint screen protector, it is important to thoroughly clean the surface before applying the film, as dust, fingerprints, and debris can interfere with the adhesive. The sheet must be placed carefully and smoothly pressured to push out bubbles of air that may become trapped underneath. It is also advisable to leave the protective outer backing on until the screen protector is in place, as it can make the sheet of plastic easier to handle.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a EasyTechJunkie researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a EasyTechJunkie researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

anon355930

I don't like touch screens. Even if they were completely immune to finger prints, they aren't precise enough for my tastes. My fingertip, not the pad on the finger with the print but the tip itself, is about 1cm x 0.5cm. If anything is smaller than that, there's only a small chance of my aim being precise enough to hit the target I desire. For text, that means I can't reliably highlight a three-letter word or for games, can't reliably hit a target smaller than 30x30 pixels. As simple and easy to use as touch screens are, they fall short in terms of accuracy. Heck, auto correct has proven to be haphazard and I'm constantly getting wrong worded in texts from friends.

Plus, there's the fact that your finger being on the screen obstructs part of the screen entirely and pointing something out to a friend is nearly impossible since the screen moves, clicks, or changes when contact is made. The only touch screens I could see using as well as I desire would be ones that are projected into 3D space like a hologram where contact with the screen would give a textile response and adjust itself so it was no longer was obstructed, which sadly is a fictional situation that can't be achieved. (At least as of now.)

backdraft

My Iphone has a fingerprint resistant screen. I have had it for over a year and fingerprints have never been an issue. You would think that with as much as I touch that thing something would build up over time but it hasn't. The wonders of modern technology.

summing

I have something like that on my laptop. It is both on the screen and on the keyboard and body of the computer.

It's nice because it's a black laptop and a lot of times I'm using it while eating something or with dirty hands. It would be really easy for the laptop to get covered in greasy fingerprints. But it always looks clean and shiny. I wipe it off every once in a while but it really doesn't take much maintenance.

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    • A touchscreen tablet computer with an anti-fingerprint screen protector.
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      A touchscreen tablet computer with an anti-fingerprint screen protector.