[This tip works best with static cling screen shields (thin or thick), like the ones that often come with iPhone cases. It won’t really work with invisible films like the ones from Bodyguardz or InvisibleShield.]
Installing screen shields can be an annoying and time consuming process, especially since the slightest misalignment can mess up a whole install. Peeling the screen protectors off with a nail can work, but I find scotch tape to be a great way to re-apply or repair a dusty screen shield installation.
I find that corners are the best places to start, and I use generously sized pieces of tape to make sure there’s enough grip on the screen shield, as well as enough extra tape for me to grasp between my fingers. One strip of tape on diagonally opposite corners (top-right and bottom-left, for example) does the trick nicely for me. Once the tape is on, it’s simply a matter of pulling at the right angle to loosen one of the corners until you can peel the whole shield off.
Once the screen shield is off you can give the screen a quick wipe to remove any dust, but make sure to keep the shield’s static (clingy) side facing down, and low to the table. This reduces the chances of extra dust particles sticking to your shield and marring your upcoming install.
If you’re satisfied with the cleanliness of your screen, use the two pieces of tape to align the shield. I like to align the home button and earpiece first, and I usually start pressing the shield from the top and work my way down. Using a credit card can help, but sometimes those can be too hard, so try and save the little squeegee pieces that often come with screen protectors.
Once the shield is re-applied and is perfectly in place, check for any dust particles that may be trapped underneath. If you find some, peel the shield up carefully using one of your corner strips, and take a third piece of tape, turn it over (sticky side up, facing you), and use it to latch onto any dust that’s clinging to the inside of your screen shield (there shouldn’t be any dust stuck on the screen if you cleaned it earlier). After you’ve finished with this, carefully peel the tape off of each corners, clean up any residue that may be left over, and smile (or not).
That’s it. This process usually takes me about 5-10 minutes because some specks of dust are more pesky than others, but it’s a much better way to repair a bad screen shield install than simply using your fingers and nails.
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TAGS: screen protector, screen shield
